We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaylee Plunkett, Josh Peñaflorida a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kaylee Plunkett, Josh Peñaflorida, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Crestview Studios has a compelling origin story! What began as a small, home-based Hip Hop dance class in 2021 soon grew into something much larger. The name “Crestview” was inspired by the street where Kaylee and Josh lived, and it also symbolizes the idea of reaching the pinnacle of one’s potential—seeing life from the highest vantage point, or the “crest.” This deeper significance aligns beautifully with the mission of Crestview Studios, inspiring dancers and individuals to strive toward their best selves.

Though the initial classes had to pause due to COVID-19 and related challenges, the dream didn’t fade. By early 2023, during a casual dinner conversation, Kaylee, Josh, and their future business partner, Brandi, decided it was time to bring their dream to life. Combining their skills and dedication, they transformed Crestview Studios into a full-fledged adult dance studio. Their hard work paid off, and Crestview Studios officially opened its doors on September 9, 2023.

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

Josh and Kaylee’s primary goal in establishing Crestview Studios was to create a safe and supportive environment for adult movement artists to connect and thrive in their passions. Recognizing the immense talent within the Louisville movement community, they aimed to elevate this talent and help advance the city’s artistic scene. Having embarked on their own dance journeys later in their lives, they sought to remind everyone that it’s never too late to begin, and that age should never be a barrier to dancing or pursuing one’s dreams.

Under the guidance of skilled and passionate instructors, Crestview offers a range of dance classes for adults across various styles, including Hip Hop, Heels, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Majorette, and more. With classes available for Beginners, Intermediates, and Advanced students, Crestview caters to those who are new to dance as well as those training for professional careers.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Presenting one’s true, genuine self has been the cornerstone of Crestview Studios’ reputation within the market and community. Crestview embodies the essence of who Josh and Kaylee are at their core. They firmly believe in embracing authenticity and encourage everyone to be unapologetically themselves.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Josh and Kaylee’s connection began at a class in Louisville, sparking a true dance love story that eventually led to their engagement and the joint venture of Crestview Studios. Their third business partner, Brandi Hall, joined their lives through the same dance community. Brandi, who also owns Kawaii Candy Cart and Kawaii Candy and Karaoke, became an integral part of their story. Kaylee and Brandi have shared a friendship for about five years, having first connected through their mutual passion for dance classes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crestviewstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestviewstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crestviewstudios
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@crestviewstu?si=1jWnoln20nkxUAFD

Image Credits

Tadeo Reyes | F2.0 Visuals