We recently connected with Doneisha Wells and have shared our conversation below.

Doneisha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Being a choreographer & performing artist, I fall into the entertainment industry. In most cases, those in this industry build their resumes and careers with an end goal of performing. Whether it’s for theater, on tour, or a team, dancers do everything to “train” and “build” their portfolio. This is the industry standard, your credibility, your status and your resume. This causes dancers to adopt an entitled mentality, which results in a competitive environment. People began to loose themselves and lack self-esteem when in such judgmental spaces. Too often do we forget that dance is an art form for expression, and all should be allowed to indulge in that. Anyone can dance, you don’t need to be a professional or signed to some agency to do that. My entire business model and target audience is so far from the standard, because I focus on teaching others confidence with dance. Catering to beginners is my specialty, when you walk in, we are all here to feel good. You don’t need a reason to want to feel good. People come enjoy the experience I provide for various reasons like: curiosity, exploring something new, fitness goals, community, and whatever else that makes them feel good and confident. It’s a safe space to express self, not a battlefield. That, is what I do differently from the industry standard.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Doneisha Wells, a Nashville native and young professional. I am the CEO for the dance brand Risque Regards, which teaches others CONFIDENCE with unique movement. I started dancing in high school as a majorette and half timer. I went on tour performing and shortly after returning home, I started assisting and traveling with my old coach. While working for many dance studios, I realized, the things I provided as an instructor weren’t taught by these studios. These spaces didn’t make me feel good, I wasn’t welcomed, I didn’t feel a sense of belonging or community and that is what I truly longed for. I decided to create that space myself and welcome all through my gift and art form. I provide choreographing services, pop up classes, workshops, and much more. Overall I provide experiences that teach and boost confidence. Confidence building is how I serve others and dance is the main medium I use to do so. I understand how important it is to have confidence in yourself, because I’ve been the person in the back with insecurities, no self-esteem and self-doubt. It’s important to have a positive outlet of expression and dance is what I chose. The fact that I’ve experienced a lot of things first hand is what sets me apart. It’s where the passion comes from. I am most proud of seeing my impact, not only as a dancer, but as a business owner who has truly created my lifestyle. It shows the power of manifestation and confidence. This is what I want others to know about me and my brand. It’s not about what you say, it’s about how you make others feel. I want others to feel empowered and loved when they come to a class or event that I’m hosting. I want anything my name is attached to or associated with, to feel genuine and inspiring.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There was one class I hosted in collaboration with someone else. Unfortunately, the other person wasn’t able to come. This put all of the pressure on me to show up and show out. I wasn’t going to cancel, because we already had high volume in ticket sales, and it was the day of. Being unprepared for this turn of events, I was completely overwhelmed and discouraged, but at this event, something happened that changed my perspective forever! I hosted the class like I would any other time and did the best I could with what I had. I went around asking for reviews and feedback, and everyone stated that they really enjoyed it deeming it successful for them. It wasn’t up to my standards, as I felt I had let them down, because I knew it could have been better. As I got to one of the last participants, it turned out that she had traveled all the way from Russia just to take my dance class. I was so in shock that someone would go to such lengths just for me. It made me feel worse being that the event wasn’t up to my standards, but she ensured me that she enjoyed herself thoroughly and was pleased with the experience. Her words verbatim were, “It was my life’s dream to take your class.” This taught me that you can not give up because you never know who is rooting and waiting for you. She had never been in my likes, to any prior classes and I hadn’t seen her before, yet there she was, watching and waiting all that time. Anytime I feel like giving up I remember those words and that instance, it encourages me to keep going. Even on the days I feel it’s not enough, to others I know it is worthy and worth while.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is simply networking. I love meeting new people and this is something that can be done anywhere at any time. Nothing beats a genuine exchange of positive energy. Outside of the digital age we live in, it’s nice to experience real people in real time. Taking the time to not only get to know someone, but to truly build a relationship with them is where the work pays off. Once you build trust with someone or they find you dependable, word of mouth transitions into referrals. It is an everlasting domino effect that goes beyond business and professionalism. Being apart of different communities grant you different opportunities to choose from.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.risqueregards.net
• Instagram: @Lamareah @RisqueRegards
• Facebook: Doneisha Wells
• Linkedin: Doneisha Wells
• Youtube: Doneisha Wells
• Other: Subscribe to our newsletter at risqueregards.net for exclusive offers!

Image Credits
Drae Brown & Autumn