Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Joubert
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started at 18 teaching ballroom dancing and I became a National Ballroom Champion on my 25th birthday. The personalities you see on “Dancing With The Stars” are real and I quickly earned a PHD in reading the room. Not much surprises me anymore; the Ballroom scene has it’s share of Bravo drama and although it wasn’t boring it certainly wasn’t normal. I wanted to build a studio with a completely different vibe that created a safe space for couples to learn how to connect through dance. Seven years ago my husband and I took the plunge and built out an empty industrial warehouse in Sawyer Yards. The business plan was simple, teach couples to connect, and there is no better place to start than their wedding dance. Our team created BYOB date night lessons that allowed couples to direct their attention to each other. Our studio Love Dance HTX was different, with minimal mirrors and an intimate space to learn, and the help of liquid courage, made us an overnight success. Love Dance HTX was #1 in Houston for wedding dance lessons each year and a successful venue.
I am proud of the vibe and services I created at Love Dance HTX and amazed we kept the doors open through COVID. I have personally taught thousands of couples and am so grateful for the relationships I have made and still have today. This past Fall I sold the business and transitioned into Commercial Real Estate full time. I still teach dance occasionally and am working on a new non profit project through our church.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not easy when your staff forgets a key and you have to go lock up at 2am MANY times. Or being at EVERY single event for the first 3 years. It’s not glamorous to clean the toilets or mop the floors (3600sq ft!) There were 14 hour days the first 2 years and it was tough on my marriage and my kids. We decided not to quit during Covid and worked really hard to pay the rent. Selling my business, my “baby,” was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. My business hours were nights and weekends and my family needed me more. I didn’t want to miss my teenager’s last years at home and I became a new mom again at 40 (big surprise!) Last Spring my now toddler was diagnosed with autism and I knew my priorities had to shift. I couldn’t be Superwoman at work and at home. Owning a business was probably the most challenging thing I have ever done. I wish I would have delegated and hired better people to help me in the areas I didn’t excel.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In the process of selling my business I discovered I loved commercial real estate and now I help local business owners expand their business. Owning a business is tough, and my experience as a business owner gives me an unique perspective because I have been in the trenches also. My time in the wedding industry allowed me to partner with some of Houston’s coolest business owners from chefs, wedding planners, photographers, venues and restaurateurs. Looking to open up a new coffee shop, restaurant or event space? I’m your go to Houstonian! With construction costs rising my brokerage specializes in helping commercial tenants lease, buy, or sell Second Gen spaces.
What makes my work even more exciting is being part of Houston’s ever-evolving scene. It’s incredibly fun to play a role in launching new bars, restaurants, and hot spots—knowing I’ve contributed to spaces that become part of the city’s vibrant culture.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built—whether with clients, landlords, or my network of small business owners from the wedding industry. My passion lies in helping others succeed, and seeing their dreams materialize in brick and mortar never gets old.
What does success mean to you?
For much of my life, I equated success with achievement—building a respected brand, winning awards, hitting sales volume, and creating something that impacted people’s lives. As a ballroom champion, I was driven by the pursuit of excellence and the thrill of winning. As a business owner, I embodied that mindset, earning accolades year after year.
But life has a way of shifting perspectives. My son’s autism diagnosis challenged me to rethink what a successful life truly looks like. If you don’t fit the mold of what society deems “normal,” does that mean you can’t be successful? I’ve come to realize that success isn’t about external validation. It’s about finding joy and peace in who you are and what you do, regardless of how the world defines it. And there is no success without meaningful connection and relationships.
Today, I find success isn’t bout me winning but helping my family, friends and clients win.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaraehtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.r.hernandez.1/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-joubert-440453127/
Image Credits
Duy Ta
Roberto Argueta
