We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ivory Thierolf. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ivory below.

Alright, Ivory thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I have dedicated much of my life to the fields of gymnastics, competitive cheer, and dance. Following my college education, during which I earned a degree in sports management. Like many graduates, I initially found myself in roles that diverged from my intended career in the sports industry, despite my deep passion for sports and business. Throughout this journey, I have consistently maintained part-time positions across various companies to stay current with new skills, coaching styles, and techniques.

In 2021, the onset of COVID-19 drastically disrupted my live and led to job loss as businesses were compelled to close. What initially seemed like a significant setback and source of stress ultimately became a profound blessing. This period allowed me to focus on my personal growth and reevaluate my plans, leading me to discover what truly brings me happiness.

While most people were staying indoors as advised, I chose a different path. I leveraged my network to offer private lessons from home, both indoors and outdoors. Although this presented significant health risks, I utilized the expertise of friends from various professions to ensure safety. What began as 3-5 clients per week rapidly grew to 14 clients per day. During this period, I also became a traveling coach, further expanding my reach. This era marked what I now refer to as my “hustle season.”

This decision was a significant risk, but I knew I needed to act; remaining inactive was not an option for me. I am known for being driven and intentional with every goal I set. Despite facing challenges such as weather changes, lack of equipment, and limited space, I persevered. It was during this time that I realized I had a gift that needed to be shared. Determined to overcome these obstacles, I began saving with the goal of one day owning my own facility.

Though many perceived my solo approach as secretive, I saw it as a strategic advantage. It allowed me to focus solely on my goals without being swayed by negative opinions. Trusting that what God has meant for me no man could take away. This dream has been implanted in me since childhood., and i was determined to do whatever i needed to to bring it to fruition. I discovered a very rundown building in a challenging area, but i saw its potential. After securing all necessary legal documents and signatures, I proceeded to rent the property for a year.

The first year was a roller coaster filled with steep learning curves. I had to wear many hats—owner, maintenance worker, accountant, and more. Managing all these roles and keeping the business running was immensely challenging, especially without sufficient funds. Network marketing and leveraging my connections proved crucial in staying afloat, as I managed all expenses out of pocket without taking out a loan. Although I wished for grants, they were easier to obtain in KCMO than in KCK. With faith and perseverance, I am now in my third year, proud that I took a risk on myself. ITC was worth every effort.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Ivory’s Tumble & Cheer is a premier tumbling facility committed to helping individuals achieve their goals through personalized coaching. Our small class sizes ensure a tailored experience and focused development for each athlete.

What sets us apart is our results-driven approach. In our private sessions, we often accomplish in weeks or months what might take years elsewhere. Trusted by dance studios and competitive cheer teams to refine their athletes’ tumbling techniques, our instruction is highly respected by both athletes and parents. We take pride in our craft and are dedicated to expanding our services as we grow, bringing more opportunities and expert coaching to even more clients.

We offer:

Tumbling Classes
Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

Private Lessons
Dancer, Cheer, Gymnastics
Time Durations: 30,45,60 Minutes

Cheer Camps:
Renting Space
Or
Tumbling Camp

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation has been built on authenticity, realism, and respect. Parents notice not only the initial impression but also the consistent, daily presence I bring to all classes. They see my genuine commitment to studying as a coach and appreciate how I understand their child’s self-perception, learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. This dedication fosters trust and ensures their child’s growth and development.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most effective way to attract new clients is undeniably through word-of-mouth referrals. I cannot emphasize this enough: Word-of-Mouth Referrals.

Initially, I invested heavily in ads, commercials, signs, flyers, shirts, and school sponsorships, but these efforts yielded minimal increase in business. However, once I had at least ten satisfied clients, their positive experiences led them to share their recommendations with friends and family. This created a powerful domino effect that significantly boosted my client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ivorystumbleandcheer.com/
• Instagram: Ivory_tumble_cheer
• Facebook: Ivory’s Tumble & Cheer