We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nancy Knight-Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nancy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

So, the idea stemmed from both a lifelong love of dance and a young adulthood dream of opening/running a dance studio. Then, recently, as I contemplated what I would do after I retired, the thought floated, or was spiritually planted, in my subconscious in a dream. That next morning, I awoke with a desire to start researching how to open a dance studio. I started talking to other small business owners and researching costs, expenses, income, average revenue associated with running a dance studio. I engaged the assistance of the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) and was introduced to their vast resources, such as papers and instructional materials on How to write a Business Plan and How to create financial projections, How and what to research for specific industries, etc. They also provided valuable resources for funding for small businesses.

Next, I started driving around the area looking for commercial space where I would consider leasing for the studio. I eventually found a commercial real estate broker who helped me find the perfect space.

After I had settled on a name, and per the guidance from a friend who’d recently opened a business in the Houston area, I registered my business and applied for a EIN (Employee Identification Number) with the IRS. I also created an account with the State Comptroller’s office.

From there, I started working on my Business Plan and worked with a representative from SBDC to create financial projections. When that was done, I delved into getting start up funding.

After I settled on a space and reviewed/signed a lease, the landlord started the internal build and I took financial planning and business development classes in order to qualify for funding through SBC.

Once approved for financing, I started working on the design of my space, purchased electronics, furniture, worked with the city on permits, etc.

After all that was complete, it was time to launch. The whole process from idea formation to business launch took about 1 year.

Nancy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am married to my husband Melvin for 26 years. We have 2 beautiful daughters ages 22 and 24. I am a breast cancer and near-fatal auto accident survivor! I decided to open a dance studio because it was a life-long dream and when I began to think of retirement, doing something I truly love was in the forefront of my mind, and this just felt like the right thing to do.

My vision for this business is to provide a place where anyone, of any age, can come and find a dance and/or fitness class that helps them feel better in whatever way that looks like for them. I want our customers to leave here feeling better than when they arrived. I believe dance makes fitness seem like fun. It is the ultimate form of expression. This studio is absolutely a “no-judgement” zone. This is not a place where anyone is critiqued for how they move or decide to express themselves. Anyone can come take a class. You don’t have to be a good dancer – the point is to come move your body, have some fun and get a good workout.

We are truly that place where fun and fitness meet!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m still fairly new – haven’t quite been in business for a year. I had to pivot several months ago when I saw the revenue wasn’t growing as fast and had to completely cut any non-essential expenses (lunch for employees, reduce payroll, unnecessary office supplies, switched my phone/internet service, youth sponsorships, marketing budget cuts, etc).

I also had to secure additional funding in order to continue with the business. Still growing. Still learning!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn is that you shouldn’t “expect” support. You should be appreciative and grateful to those who are kind enough to show support but no one should be expected to support your endeavors. Your dreams are yours and not everyone is as invested emotionally or financially as you are. View every ounce of support in all forms as gifts not expectations.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nkbdanceandexpressions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkbdanceandexpressions_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NKBDanceandExpressions/
• Youtube: @nkbdanceexpressions3808
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/eOZihHew00QVwM7S36e-mw
• Other: Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=nkb+dance&sxsrf=APwXEdd2kSWM5DPCnSPDOCpaQFxlIe-xUQ%3A1686253161970&source=hp&ei=aS6CZKDdOK6vqtsPlMiryA4&iflsig=AOEireoAAAAAZII8eW1rURFRy3k2AqrpiSChOpmDhMHL&gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0LKhKKbe0tDAwYLRSNaiwMDMxSTE3NTZKMzA0Tk1MsjKoMLIws0g0SDQ0NrY0TzExSPHizMtOUkhJzEtOBQA4ZRHL&oq=nkb&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYAzIHCCMQigUQJzIECCMQJzILCC4QrwEQxwEQgAQyCwguEK8BEMcBEIAEMgsIABCABBCxAxCDATIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMg0ILhCABBDHARDRAxAKMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEOoCECc6CwgAEIoFELEDEIMBOgsILhCABBCxAxCDAToRCC4QgAQQsQMQgwEQxwEQ0QM6DgguEIoFELEDEIMBENQCOggILhCABBCxA1DYHFjrLGD4SWgBcAB4AIABkAGIAeICkgEDMC4zmAEAoAEBsAEK&sclient=gws-wiz