We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deanna Higgins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, DeAnna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At Vertical Allure Studio, our mission is more than just teaching pole and sensual dance—it’s about empowering individuals to embrace their strength, sensuality, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive space. The idea behind Vertical Allure was born out of a personal journey of self-discovery, growth, and the desire to help others tap into their full potential.
Pole and sensual dance have a unique ability to break down barriers, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. The process of learning these dance forms teaches you to embrace your body, your movements, and the power that comes with them. For me, seeing how these practices transformed my confidence and mindset sparked the vision to create a studio where people of all backgrounds could experience the same empowerment.
This mission is meaningful to me because it goes beyond fitness. It’s about building a community where everyone feels welcome—whether they’re stepping into the studio for fitness, self-expression, or personal growth. We encourage our students to break free from societal judgments, feel comfortable in their own skin, and unapologetically embrace their sensuality.
Our studio is Memphis’ premier pole and sensual dance space because we’re focused on inclusivity and creating a space where every person feels celebrated, no matter where they are on their journey. Seeing our students evolve—gaining confidence, finding joy in movement, and overcoming personal limitations—reinforces why this mission is so important.
At the heart of Vertical Allure is the belief that pole and sensual dance are not just skills to learn but transformative tools for living a more empowered and fulfilled life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m DeAnna, the owner and founder of Vertical Allure Studio, Memphis’ Premier Pole & Sensual Dance Studio. My journey into this industry began as a personal exploration of movement and self-expression. Pole and sensual dance opened up a new world for me, one where I found strength, confidence, and an undeniable connection to my body and its capabilities. What started as a passion soon grew into a mission to share this experience with others, creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming space for people to explore their own personal growth through dance.
At Vertical Allure, we specialize in pole fitness and sensual dance classes that cater to all levels, from beginners who have never touched a pole to those looking to advance their skills. We offer a range of classes that include pole conditioning, spin pole, choreography, and flexibility training, along with specialized workshops and private lessons. Whether it’s for fitness, self-expression, or simply to have fun, our classes provide a space where clients can let go of outside pressures and focus on themselves.
What sets us apart from other studios is our deep focus on community, inclusivity, and empowerment. Our studio is more than just a place to work out—it’s a place to connect, feel empowered, and be part of a supportive community that embraces every body type, fitness level, and personal journey. We take pride in offering a judgment-free zone where everyone is welcome, no matter where they are in life. This inclusivity is at the core of what makes Vertical Allure unique.
We solve a range of problems for our clients. For many, it’s about building confidence and self-esteem. For others, it’s a space to embrace their sensuality without fear of judgment. We also help clients improve their fitness and flexibility in a way that feels exciting and fun, not like a chore. Many of our clients come to us because they’re looking for a new way to stay fit, but they leave with so much more—a stronger sense of self and a renewed connection to their body.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the transformation in our students. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch someone go from feeling unsure or insecure to moving with confidence, strength, and grace. Our students often tell us that the studio has changed their lives, not just in terms of fitness but in how they see themselves. That’s what makes Vertical Allure special—it’s not just about what happens on the pole, but how it translates to feeling empowered in everyday life.
The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know about Vertical Allure is that this is a space for everyone. Whether you’re here to get fit, explore a new form of self-expression, or simply have fun, we’re here to support you on your journey. We take pride in creating a community that uplifts and celebrates each other, and we can’t wait to welcome more people into our growing family.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of my journey that truly tested my resilience came when I was opening Vertical Allure Studio. Like many entrepreneurs, I was filled with excitement and passion, but I quickly learned that the road to bringing my vision to life was filled with unexpected challenges. From securing the right location, managing finances, and marketing the studio, there were moments when it felt like everything was working against me.
One challenge that stands out was the struggle with funding. I had put everything into this studio, both financially and emotionally, but there came a point where things just weren’t moving fast enough. I had secured funding from River City Capital, but the weight of needing to start loan repayments before the business was fully profitable became an overwhelming burden. I had to make a tough decision—to find a way to grow quickly while managing the debt, or return the money and find another way. After much reflection, I decided to face the financial strain head-on and use it as motivation to push harder. That choice taught me an important lesson in resilience and financial discipline, and it forced me to be strategic in a way I hadn’t expected.
In that period, I had moments of doubt—questioning whether I had made the right decision or if I could truly make this studio successful. But I pushed forward because I believed so deeply in my mission. I leaned on my community, reached out for advice, maintaining my 9 to 5 job and worked day and night to build something that mattered. Every small win, like the first client sign-up or a full class, kept me going.
This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about having all the answers or never facing setbacks. It’s about your ability to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Today, I look at the growth of Vertical Allure Studio, the community we’ve built, and the positive impact we’ve made, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. That period of struggle and uncertainty made me stronger and more determined, and it gave me the confidence to face any future challenges head-on.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to do everything myself to be successful. When I first started Vertical Allure Studio, I thought that as the business owner, I needed to have my hands in every aspect of the studio—from marketing, scheduling, teaching, and even administrative tasks. I believed that if I wasn’t personally overseeing everything, it wouldn’t be done right. That mindset quickly led to burnout and a realization that I wasn’t growing the business in a sustainable way.
The backstory is that, in the beginning, I was juggling not only the demands of running a business but also my personal responsibilities. I have been working in a corporate job for over 20 years, raising my son, and navigating my own life challenges. Trying to run Vertical Allure on top of that was overwhelming, and there were days when I felt like I was failing in all areas because I was spread too thin.
It took time, but I began to realize that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, and in fact, it was crucial for growth. I started delegating more—leaning on my instructors for support, hiring administrative help, and seeking advice from mentors and other business owners. This shift allowed me to focus on the bigger picture and the long-term vision for the studio.
Unlearning that “I can do it all” mentality wasn’t easy, but it taught me that collaboration and trusting others with parts of the business is actually a strength. The more I allowed others to contribute, the more the studio flourished. It created space for me to be creative and focus on the mission behind Vertical Allure, rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day details.
This lesson not only helped me professionally but also personally. I learned that it’s okay to lean on others and that I don’t have to carry every burden by myself. It’s a lesson that has brought more balance to my life and ultimately helped Vertical Allure grow into the thriving community it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.verticalallurestudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verticalallurestudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verticalallurepolestudio
- Youtube: Vertical Allure Studio
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