FITNESS AUTHOR
Aja Webber
DANCE, FROM THE GROUND UP n Check out Fanny Gonzales, founder of
Corazon Latino Dance Studio, and her tips to starting your own dance studio.
D
ancing is a versatile way to get a good sweat in while having a great time. While there are so many great dance studios in Austin, some people have the goal of starting their own. The hardest thing about starting any business of your own is knowing what resources you need to do it. Based in Austin, Corazon Latino Dance Studio was founded by Fanny Gonzales in 2009, but she didn’t always have the loyal clientele she does now. Gonzales explains that she began working for other studios, but her real dream was to start her own. “When I came to Austin, I worked at a bunch of different fitness places for 12 years,” Gonzales says. “I dreamed about opening my own business and I finally said, ‘This is the moment,’ because a lot of people knew me, and I had a lot of followers.”
APRIL 2022
Here are some essential tips from Gonzales’ experience if you’re thinking of starting a successful dance studio. TIP
1
Have Passion
The first thing you need when starting your own business is passion. Whether your passion comes from inspiration, your own dance experience or simply from the idea of starting a business, this passion is going to give you the drive you need to start your own studio. Gonzales originally began her dance career in Venezuela where
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she had three small businesses. However, once she moved to the U.S., she didn’t have the same momentum that she did in her home country. Before starting her own studio, she worked at places like 24 Hour Fitness and the YMCA. However, her passion for starting her own business was sparked again as she began meeting more people and making connections with other dancers. Although she loved working at other fitness centers, she hoped to make her own personal bonds with her clients. “I love what I do,” Gonzalez says.
