We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
All my life I grew up in the dance world so I had seen many wonderful ways of managing a school or company in addition to many not so great ways of being managed or dealt with as a student or professional dancer. In those 20 years I suppose I was taking unconscious note of all I liked and disliked about the dance world and all the ways I saw opportunity for growth in a healthier way of raising dancers.
I am now in a position that creates environment, culture and an atmosphere I always wanted as a young dancer and this feels like growth in the direction of the dance world if dance is to sustain a healthy lifestyle for children and adults alike.

What should our readers know about your business?
What set my dance school apart from others is well… me and all my amazing students and teachers! All studios have their own uniqueness that stems from their leader.
Why my school is so unique is the fact that I went through all the steps and made dance my career, full time paying the bills and all for 10 years before opening up SDA. My lifes work and experience has been all about dance, I dont have a business degree nor a dance degree, I lived and am living these things. Learning alot along the way. My sense of excellence and dare I admit perfectionism is my gift and could also be my demise if I didnt practice daily compassion towards myself.
Excepting that I make mistakes and am human has been a very humbling and important lesson for me. Being okay when someone is upset or has something hard to hear, not taking it personally and simply correcting things so that growth happens from these moments has also been key lessons through the 3 years owning a business.

Sedona Dance Academy is in the heart of one of the most beautiful places in the world and thats enough said for setting us apart. Our students have so much soul and kindness which is reflected in the type of people and families who move here.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Local Juicery, Chololatree, Synergy, Interdependance grocery, Thunder mountain trail, Peace Park, airport mesa!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off I would not be where I am today without the amazing support of my parents John and Kay Phillips. They supported my dream to one day become a professional dancer… which let me say is a very very time consuming not to mention expensive commitment to make as a parent to 3 (or 1 for that matter).
They believed in me, showed me I could do what I put my heart and soul into and for this I attest all my successes to.
Now being a successful dance studio owner and director to so many children in Sedona… well its a different kind of challenge than 32 fouttes on stage but its definitely not for the weak willed and requires more hours and dedication than I would be willing to go for if I hadn’t proved to myself I can do really hard things. Work ethic, my parents taught me impeccable work ethic and discipline.
I would also like to thank Angela Jean Rose Heart who helped me create my websites and most importantly has been such a sound mentor as I transitioned into entrepreneurship.
Lastly to all the amazing boss women friends I have made through the years here in Sedona, they are a source of inspiration and support for me in my day to day. Wouldn’t be as happy and healthy without my girlfriends!

Website: https://www.sedonadanceacademy.org/

Instagram: sedona.dance.academy

Facebook: sedonadanceacademy

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