Laci Chisolm

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Womeneur Spotlight” google_fonts=”font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^2445|url^https://www.womeneur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Abi-Ishola-Beyond-Classically-Beautiful-_-Womeneur™-Connect-•-Enlighten-•-Empower.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^Abi Ishola – Beyond Classically Beautiful _ Womeneur™ Connect • Enlighten • Empower|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1460497468714{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1460931415892{margin-bottom: -2px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

LACI CHISHOLM

OWNER[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3672b” css=”.vc_custom_1460496937176{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Website:

Social Media: [dt_social_icons animation=”none” alignment=”default”][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”facebook” link=”http://facebook.com/fit4dancenyc” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”twitter” link=”http://twitter.com/fit4dancenyc” /][dt_social_icon target_blank=”true” icon=”instagram” link=”http://instagram.com/fit4dancenyc” /][/dt_social_icons][/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2450″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://womeneur.com/business-directory/beyond-classically-beautiful”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2731″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laci Chisolm is the owner and instructor of Fit4Dance. Chisolm took her love for dance and turned it into a business in 2013. hosts Zumba fitness classes at dance studios throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, N.Y. This dancing Womeneur shares her journey of building her brand, her business, the steps she took to become an entrepreneur and what it will take to stay in the game.

I laid out my goals for the year and determined what success would look like for me. I read several books on how to start your own business. I took workshops and seminars on various business topics.

What inspired your journey into business?
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s what I’m most passionate about and although I’ve been dancing since the age of 4 and teaching since the age of 16, I was far from being healthy.

I didn’t seriously get into fitness until I moved to New York City in 2006. I studied dance at the Hip Hop Dance Conservatory and part of our 3-4 hour rehearsals consisted of a 1 hour bootcamp. I had never been physically challenged that much in my life and it was at that point I realized I was out of shape. Even though I was a dancer, I wasn’t physically fit.

After challenging my body in rehearsals and classes, learning more about nutrition, and holding myself accountable; the results were incredible. I not only looked good physically, but I felt like a new woman! I was happy. Truly happy. And that’s not something that a lot of people can honestly say.

I wanted to help other women achieve the same level of fitness and happiness I’ve been able to achieve through my passion for dance.

What steps did you take to start your business?
I’ve always taught dance classes, but when I decided to teach them under my brand I created a basic outline of my business plan.

• I laid out my goals for the year and determined what success would look like for me.
• I read several books on how to start my own business.
• I took workshops and seminars on various business topics.
• I attended networking events and found a mentor.
• I talked to people about my business constantly.
• I determined the legal structure of my business and chose to go with a limited liability company (LLC).
• I registered my business name, got a tax identification number, and had a friend design my logo.

I’ve been teaching classes ever since while working full-time and also taking advantage of as many professional development opportunities as possible.

What are your biggest entrepreneurship/business ownership fears?
That I’ll be in debt over my head. NYC is an expensive place. Another fear is that I may hire the wrong people. I know it’s bound to happen at some point, but your team is super important to the success of your business.

What do you do to stay motivated when you feel like giving up?
I dance and I pray! Doing both of these things always make me feel better.

What are your weaknesses in business and how have you worked pass them?  
I’m not strong in accounting. I can do it, but I don’t enjoy it. This year I hired someone to manage my finances and it’s helped me tremendously.

What’s been the most rewarding? 
Inspiring and motivating other beautiful women.

Who were you before your business?   
I majored in journalism in college with a concentration in advertising. I worked in the advertising world for three years before moving into education as an elementary school teacher. During my free time I taught cheerleading and dance to children and  adults.

If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
I would have started my business sooner.

What’s one software or application you cannot live without?     
Mailchimp! I use it to send out my monthly email newsletters and I love it.

What’s your secret to cultivating a relationship between you and your customers?   
There’s no secret! I just always remember to be myself. I’m not perfect, no one is. I’m passionate about the service I provide. I’m honest, professional and caring. I let them know I appreciate their time and their business.

Where do you see your business in the next five years? 
Fit4Dance will be an established family centered dance fitness center that offers:

• Adult fitness classes: Zumba, Pilates, Barre, Yoga, Cardio Dance and Stretching
• Cultural dance workshops: Haitian, Afro Caribbean, West African, Salsa, etc.
• Private dance and fitness classes for adults, teens and children
• Corporate fitness classes
• Choreography (i.e. weddings, competitions, recitals and pageants)
• Bridal Zumba Bootcamps for the bride and/or wedding party
• Dance and fitness themed event planning (i.e. Zumbathons, fundraisers, birthday parties)
• Summer dance camp for children and teens
• After school and weekend dance and fitness classes for children and teens
• Dance company for children and teens

What are three tips you can share with budding and current entrepreneurs/business owners?

1. Write a business plan!
2. Network!
3. Get a mentor!

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