We were lucky to catch up with Adia Nuno recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adia, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Here’s a thoughtful response that captures your passion and journey:

KickStart Country exists to empower, encourage, and enrich lives through dance, and this mission is deeply personal to me. Dance has been a transformative force in my own life—helping me heal, grow, and find confidence during some of my lowest moments. In 2018, I was struggling with depression, and country dancing became more than just movement; it was my lifeline. It connected me with a supportive community, gave me purpose, and ultimately led me to a place of joy and fulfillment.

I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to step onto the dance floor, especially for beginners or those who feel like they don’t belong. That’s why KickStart Country is built on making dance accessible, fun, and welcoming—whether it’s through training instructors, hosting events, or creating programs that help people feel at home on the dance floor. I believe dance isn’t just about learning steps; it’s about breaking through limiting beliefs, building confidence, and finding freedom in movement.

Through KickStart Country, I get to dream up experiences that bring people together, whether it’s a first dance lesson, a breakthrough moment at a retreat, or an event that sparks a lifelong love of dance. My mission is to help others experience the same transformation that dance gave me—because when people feel comfortable in their own bodies, they carry that confidence into every area of their lives.

Adia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We’re KickStart Country, and our mission is all about helping people find confidence, connection, and joy through dance. Our story started when we realized how life-changing dance can be. For me, personally, country line dancing was a way to heal during a difficult period in my life. In 2018, I was struggling with depression and searching for something to bring me back to life. That’s when I discovered country dancing, and it didn’t just give me something to do—it helped me rediscover who I was.

From that experience, I decided to create a place where others could experience the same healing and empowerment through dance. I know how intimidating it can be to step onto the dance floor, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer trying something new. But my mission is to make dance simple, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.

At KickStart Country, we serve all levels of dancers, from brand-new beginners to those looking to refine their skills. We also offer specialized support for new to seasoned instructors, helping them gain the confidence and tools they need to create unforgettable dance experiences. Whether you’re joining us for a class, an instructor training, or one of our transformational retreats, we’re committed to providing a space where everyone can feel empowered and have fun.

We also love to dream up unique events and experiences—from community-building workshops to personal growth retreats—that help people connect, not just through dance, but through a shared experience of growth and joy.

What we’re most proud of is seeing how dance can help people break free from self-doubt and step into a more confident, joyful version of themselves. Whether it’s a beginner learning their first steps or an instructor leveling up their teaching skills, we see the impact dance has on people’s lives every single day.

At KickStart Country, it’s not just about the steps—it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel like they belong, and where dance becomes a tool for personal transformation. And we’re currently working on incorporating more mindset and empowerment activities that go beyond the dance floor—helping our community experience growth in every area of their lives. If you’ve ever wanted to dance but felt unsure of where to start, we’re here to help you KickStart that journey with confidence.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

We’ve had our fair share of wild challenges that required us to pivot, but one of the most memorable moments came during The Edge Dance event at the California Ranch Company, a working ranch that, as you can imagine, meant there was a lot of dirt—which turned into a lot of mud when the rainstorms hit. The weather was relentless, but we knew we had to find a way to make it work.

We didn’t let the rain stop us. We ordered tents, stocked up on a gazillion towels, and handed out umbrellas to everyone to keep them dry. We even bought toothbrushes so folks could clean their boots before stepping onto the dance floor—no mud allowed! When the rain really came down, we made the most of it by doubling up classes and instructors into dry spaces, and we covered everything exposed with tarps.

As if that wasn’t enough, we had teams of volunteers using their jeeps as tow trucks to rescue people whose cars were stuck in the mud. And one of my favorite memories from the event was watching people climb on the rails of the horse paddock to get to their class, which was held on wooden floors placed under a big tent in the paddock. It was chaotic at times, but everyone was so determined and upbeat!

We even built makeshift bridges over rivers so our guests could get to the dance floors without getting soaked. We managed to keep everything moving forward, creating a fun and memorable experience despite the wild conditions. We learned that no matter the obstacle, creativity, teamwork, and a lot of grit go a long way in turning challenges into triumphs.

At the end of the day, everyone danced, had a blast, and we all walked away with stories to tell for years.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What’s helped build our reputation in the market is our deep commitment to creating an environment where every person feels welcome and valued. We are super personal—every single person who comes to one of our events or classes is greeted with a smile, and we make sure they feel seen and appreciated. We truly care about people, and that comes through in everything we do.

Our slogan says it all: “Good Times. Good Vibes. Good People. and Golden Service by the Golden Rule.” We believe in delivering not just a great experience, but one that is rooted in kindness, respect, and connection. We’re about building a community where people can have fun, let loose, and form real connections with others.

In addition to that personal touch, we’re always looking for ways to go above and beyond. Whether it’s customizing an experience to make it extra special or supporting people with personalized attention, we make sure they leave feeling like they’ve been taken care of—not just as customers, but as people. It’s this level of care and dedication that’s built our reputation over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kickstartcountry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickstartcountry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KickStartCountryEvents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kickstart-country-54bb23344/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KickStartInstructorTraining

Image Credits

Newboot Media
Gabe Sebastian