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

Alright, Shiesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The biggest risk I have taken in business, was to even start! A lot of people are afraid to follow their dreams and passion because of the risk and lack of support. I believe as for myself, it starts with your mindset. You have to believe in yourself and your craft or whatever it is that you do. If you are passionate about it, you are more likely to follow that dream and be okay with the risk that comes along. You must prepare yourself as much possible and know that it will not be perfect or easy every step of the way. Remember that prayer, faith and consistency are important! As for myself, I am a single mom, home owner, and business owner which results in me having to take on all responsibilities alone which can be very risky. Although it is a high risk, it is also very possible and necessary for me. It is important to make a plan and set some measurable goals that will guide you in the right direction to fulfill your plan. I took the risk of starting my own pole fitness/dance business because I absolutely love poling and being apart of the pole community and I see myself in it forever. I started training myself and others. I like poling when I want to condition and reach my weight and fitness goals, at my pace ( creating my own techniques). I like feeling the joy and happiness from my students during and after each class. So for me it is all worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I am the owner of Sultry Dance and Fitness LLC, which currently located in Des Moines, Iowa. I started my pole journey at the beginning of 2010. I always wanted to try pole dancing and it looked so fun and interesting to me. A friend and I always talked about trying it for months but I ended up going alone. I loved and enjoyed every moment. The classes were soothing for me and I love the sensual movements. I love learning pole spins and pole tricks and how my body started to form and tone up.

I soon started choreographing my own pole routines and performing for workshops and events at the studio I attended. I became a certified pole fitness instructor in 2014. I love pole and just dance in genera. I enjoy teaching and helping others learn, helping them build self-confidence, and stepping out of their comfort zones. My classes help bring out the inner sexy and help my clients learn how to love their bodies.

I started teaching at the studio I attended for a while so I decided to start my own business teaching pole fitness. I started from home and then rented out dance studios to teach not only pole but chair classes as well. I also started a lip gloss line called Sultry Beauty (hand made by me) as supplemental income to help support my studio. I opened my own studio in December of 2020 and I became the first black-owned pole fitness studio in Iowa.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I did have to postpone my classes due to issues in the building that I was renting. As a result, I decided to no longer continue to rent after my lease expired and decided to look for something else. As for now, I am self- training and offering virtual lessons and occasional workshops until I relocate into a new studio. I will continue my business venture as much as possible until my classes are back up and going.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I first started building with Instagram, then eventually went to Facebook. Now, I also use TikTok and YouTube occasionally. Facebook groups are a really good way to build an audience, if you can find groups that represent your business and brand. Small groups are really supportive of small businesses. I have virtually trained women in the United Kingdom and in other states from where I reside. Virtual training was all possible because I joined pole groups on social media and networked with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.sultrydf.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sultryfitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sultryfitness/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCcpkGirACp0CdZkYN_RXwxw
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdBw8f4K/

Image Credits
Don Curry Photography