We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our Mission Giana Dance Studio is committed to encouraging all dancers to strive for excellence and enjoy the journey along the way. We believe each dancer has the ability to increase her/his physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being through our dance program. Our goal is to provide quality dance instruction through caring, professional instructors in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. GIA Dance Studio promotes strong self-confidence, self-respect, discipline, and appreciation through the fine arts of dance. We inspire every dancer to find their own creativity.

The story behind the mission is all about my daughter Giana who was born deaf. I saw her struggles trying to find a place to belong. dance is her passion, and I wanted to keep that in mind when we open the business. I wanted her to express herself through dance and not worrying how the world is judging her.

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

My name is Gina, I started this business a couple years ago when the opportunity came to open an inclusive dance school in Nutley NJ. This vision came to life because of my daughter Giana. She was born profoundly deaf to both ears. my biggest fear was how is my daughter going to survive in this world. She had a cochlear implant surgery at the age of 18 months old. When Giana was 3 years old we noticed she loves music and dance, and we were not able to accommodate her because of her disabilities. When the opportunity came to open the dance studio, I wanted to make sure i kept the special needs kids in mind and that is why we offer dance, social group, free ASL class. I want these kids at studio to feel accepted, love and most of all they can be themselves. I am proud to see how Gia Dance Studio has grown and we can still have that small family feel

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting Gia dance studio was more than just a vision for me, I wanted to leave a legacy and something that my daughter Giana can continue to make a living when she gets older. I used every saving that I had for myself and my kids to get this business going. I worked full time and did Uber as a side job to make sure i can still take care of the kids and pay the business expenses

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

One year after opening the business, i started having health issues, I lost complete vision on the left eyes. I had to have 3 surgeries and many hospital visits, but during that season I started questioning my strength if i should continue with the business. I felt like I invested so much in the business and I knew that I had no choice but to keep pushing through.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.giadancestuduo.com
• Instagram: Gia dance Studio
• Facebook: Gia dance Studio

Image Credits
Joy Langston, the picture of Gia and I was taken by her