Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kimberly, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents are Pastors. A lot of people assume that that means I grew up in a super strict household. I didn’t. My parents showered me with love and guidance while allowing me to find my own path. What I’m grateful for is my parents believed me. I told them what I wanted to do and they believed me. Having their support boosted my confidence and led me to actually accomplishing my dreams. The best thing a parent can do for their child is sincerely believe them and support their dreams.

Kimberly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Kimberly Jones, owner and artistic director of Katura Dance Academy, LLC in Greenville, NC. I always knew I wanted to open a dance studio. I started taking dance classes when I was 3 years old. I had my first sleepover at 8 years old and started my first dance team, Splash. I went to modeling and acting school in 1998. My parents were also pastors so at the time, I was over the performing arts ministry. I grew up in a very musical family. Everyone is a singer or musician. I went to NC State for college and started Kalyani Productions that summer (2004). In 2005, I started teaching a dance studio in Garner, NC. Working there opened my eyes to what more my studio could be. Kalyani (later changed to Katura Productions) was started to express myself creatively in a way that would be acceptable in a ‘church service.’ So it wouldn’t necessarily fit in a church program but still important. I also wanted to offer some training to local praise dancers. It was everything God told me it would be. It grew and grew and became more than dance classes, but a movement. It expanded to Katura Dance Academy in 2011. Katura is an African term that means ‘to lift my heavy burdens.’ So we believe as we dance and use our God given talents, our burdens will be lifted.

I started a program called REFRESH in 2020. It’s a meditation and movement session centered in scripture for adults. I started it with my dance moms in mind. So many times, moms get lost in the lives of their children and don’t take the time for themselves. I have it once a month and it’s been great.

Last year, I accomplished another dream and directed and choreographed, Dreamgirls the Musical in my hometown theatre. It was an amazing experience and reminded me at my big age, that I can dream again and accomplish it. My sister, Jessica Fisher, joined me as the Vocal Director. I am currently directing CROWNS by Regina Taylor for the Paramount Theatre in Farmville, NC.

I teach dance, acting, modeling, and beginner vocal lessons. But building confidence is my joy. It’s what I’m most proud of. My students leave me not only great in skill but ready to walk in any room and dominate in any field.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I actually can NOT do everything on my own! I’m actually paying for it now. I believe I could’ve been so much further in my career if I got the help I needed, hired who I needed to hire and budgeted for it. I had the wrong mindset of thinking I can just do that myself and save money. We can do better together. Trying to do everything myself led to burn out and delayed success.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The Pandemic. I still can’t believe we went through that. Dancing on zoom was annoying but all we had. I was fighting for my life. I got a second job subbing and eventually as a teacher assistant. Parents were asking for refunds, my students were going through depression because they didn’t have any outlets, and the continued threat of having to shut my doors permanently had my anxiety through the roof. Everyone was strapped and I felt bad for asking for help (kind of a bad trend with me lol). I don’t ask my parents for much but when I told them the landlord called with a move out date, they stepped in. And God touched his heart to give us another chance. Sometimes all you need is a prayer and conversation. That’s what they did for me. Working in the schools actually made me a better teacher and helped me reach a new demographic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katuradance.com
• Instagram: @KiMiiJ @Katurapro
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaturaPro
• Youtube: YouTube.com/KaturaPro, Youtube.com/TheKiMiiJWay

Image Credits

Bryant Tyson
Tim Pounds