Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Octavia Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Octavia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
The journey behind MY GIRLS, that start off as our competitive cheer club. Allow me to take you through the highs and lows of scaling up our community sports club turned business. It’s been a whirlwind of passion, perseverance, and learning curves since its inception in 2015.
When the vision first sparked in 2015, I envisioned a space where GIRLS in our community could thrive through competitive cheer. However, we began with humble beginnings – no safety equipment and a mere interest meeting held within a recreation center. Despite the challenges, each year became a learning experience for both me and the GIRLS involved.
As the demand for our programs grew, so did the need for better facilities and equipment. In 2020, we faced a pivotal moment when the recreation center shifted direction, forcing us to seek our own training facility. This transition was rife with challenges – from failed locations to which we invested and lost funds to the unprecedented obstacles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, with indoor spaces closed, we improvised by practicing in parks, rolling out mats daily, and storing them each evening. It was a testament to our resilience and commitment to our mission. In 2021, amidst the chaos, we finally opened the doors to our new home, The Royal Palace, thanks to unwavering faith and determination.
Our growth didn’t stop there. Over the years, we expanded our offerings to include summer camps, more classes, and even competitive dance teams. Each expansion brought its own set of challenges and triumphs, from securing funding to navigating the intricacies of competition to secure National Championship titles each year.
In 2023, we celebrated another milestone with the opening of our second location, The Royal Castle. The journey to this point has been marked by countless meaningful moments, unexpected twists, and invaluable lessons learned. It’s a testament to the resilience of our team and the unwavering support of our community.
Scaling up wasn’t easy. It required strategic planning, relentless determination, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Along the way, we made mistakes, faced obstacles, and encountered setbacks. But through it all, we remained steadfast in our commitment to empowering girls through competitive cheer and dance.
Our scaling up story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in our mission. It’s a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of sports. As we look to the future, we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and committed to continuing our journey of growth and empowerment.
We hope to inspires others to pursue their passions and persevere in the face of adversity.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Allow me to introduce myself – I’m Octavia Robinson, a devoted mother of two sons, a Chief Financial Officer by day, and by night, the proud owner of a cheer and dance studio dedicated to empowering GIRLS. My journey into this unique blend of roles and passions has been nothing short of transformative, driven by a deep commitment to fostering the holistic development of young women.
My story is one of evolution and purpose. Prior to immersing myself in the world of cheer and dance, my focus revolved around my family and a successful career in Accounting. Armed with a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Maryland College Park, I navigated the corporate landscape to land my current role as a Chief Financial Officer for a multi-billion-dollar state agency.
However, my life took a profound turn when I discovered the transformative power of competitive cheer. Intrigued by its principles of teamwork, dedication, perseverance, and sisterhood, I delved into the sport, teaching myself how to instruct safely and effectively. Through dedication and perseverance, I honed my skills, obtained credentials, and embarked on a mission to train and empower GIRLS, many of whom are first-year athletes, towards achieving national top-ranking titles.
My studio, MY GIRLS, is not just a business venture; it’s a testament to my unwavering commitment to seeing GIRLS succeed. Since 2015, I’ve poured my heart and soul into creating a space where wellness is inclusive, fun, and inherently GIRLy! Despite the challenges of starting a grassroots organization with limited funding and resources, my focus on the GIRLS has made every moment worth it.
At My GIRLS, we provide more than just cheer and dance instruction. We offer a holistic approach to development, nurturing the mental, social, and physical well-being of our athletes. Through teamwork, discipline, and sisterhood, we empower GIRLS to thrive into womanhood with confidence and resilience.
What sets My GIRLS apart is our unwavering dedication to our athletes’ holistic development. We don’t just teach cheer and dance; we instill life skills, foster friendships, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Our commitment to servant leadership guides everything we do, ensuring that every GIRL who walks through our doors feels valued, supported, and empowered.
I am immensely proud of the community we’ve built at My GIRLS and the countless lives we’ve touched along the way. Our journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. At My GIRLS, you’re not just a student athlete – you’re family. Together, we’ll celebrate victories, overcome challenges, and empower each other to reach new heights.
I invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey of growth, empowerment, and sisterhood.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Funding a business often involves creativity, determination, and the support of a community. For me, launching my cheer and dance studio, My GIRLS, was a testament to the power of collective effort and unwavering determination.
I turned to the families within our program for support, recognizing that they were not just participants but invaluable partners in our journey. Their belief in our mission fueled their willingness to raise funds, contributing vital resources to kickstart our endeavor.
In response to their support, I took on the responsibility of carrying the baton to the finish line. This meant leveraging the talents and resources within our community, including tapping into the expertise of athlete moms to write grants and seeking financial assistance from friends and family members.
Every contribution, whether big or small, played a crucial role in our journey. We acquired equipment, piece by piece, both new and used, with each acquisition bringing us one step closer to realizing our vision.
The story of funding My GIRLS is not just about financial capital; it’s a testament to the power of community and the belief in a shared vision. It underscores the importance of tapping into the resources and talents within our network, and the willingness to roll up our sleeves and work together to bring our dreams to life.
For small business owners and creatives embarking on their own journeys, my story serves as a reminder that the path to success is often paved with the support of those around us. By harnessing the power of community and being resourceful in our approach, we can overcome financial obstacles and turn our visions into reality.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
For My GIRLS, the best source of new clients has undeniably been the unwavering support and advocacy of our existing families. They play a pivotal role in our growth by not only spreading the word about our programs but also by continuing to enroll their daughters year after year. As siblings reach the appropriate age, they often join in, creating a generational legacy within our studio community.
In addition to the invaluable support of our families, our online and social media presence has been instrumental in attracting new clients. Maintaining a polished and informative website, coupled with a robust Google profile adorned with positive reviews, has helped to establish credibility and trust among potential clients. Our digital presence serves as a virtual storefront, showcasing the quality of our programs and the values we stand for.
Active engagement in collaborative communities on social media platforms has also been key. By participating in conversations, sharing valuable content, and fostering meaningful connections, we’ve been able to expand our reach and connect with individuals who align with our brand values.
Moreover, ensuring that our product consistently represents quality has been paramount. From the curriculum we offer to the facilities we provide, every aspect of our studio reflects our commitment to excellence. By creating a brand name synonymous with reliability and excellence in the field of competitive cheer and dance, we’ve been able to attract clients who seek out reputable and trustworthy organizations.
In essence, our best source of new clients stems from the symbiotic relationship we share with our existing families, coupled with a strong online presence and a steadfast commitment to quality and reputation. As small business owners and creatives, cultivating meaningful connections, maintaining a stellar online reputation, and delivering exceptional products or services are essential ingredients for attracting and retaining clients in today’s competitive landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mygirlsreign.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mygirlsreign.inc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mygirlsreign.inc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mygirlsreign