Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Williams.
Hi Krystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I moved back to Port Arthur from Houston, TX five years ago, I told myself I was going to start my own dance studio for kids.
I started a 21-day fast with my church, I wrote down in my notebook my vision and asked God to show me my purpose. I’m a firm believer in writing your vision and making it a plan.”
I passed the Memorial location several times on my way to work until my fiancé finally told me to call the number on the billboard.
“I saw it every day and never thought it would be my dance studio.“ When I finally called the number and I walked in the building, I knew this was my dance studio. Seeing it solidified the decision for me. I would daydream of how my dance studio would look. I would picture expose brick throughout. Walked into this unconstructed building to walls full of exposed brick. Look at God!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not. My studio flooded twice due to hurricanes, that hit our area several times. I had to remodel my studio (two weeks tops) during the Christmas break. My landlord replaced the roofing and we had to lay new flooring and sheet rock from the flood and repaint. It has been extremely challenging navigating my first year in business.
Funding for my studio came directly from our savings. No loans, no grants. All cost came directly from our own pockets. Lots of ups and downs, but GOD is truly faithful to his people.
As you know, we’re big fans of Doll Girls Dance Studio, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our vision at Doll Girls Dance Studio is to instill a great love of dance, while inspiring self-confidence, discipline and respect of the performing arts. No matter if you have tons of dance training or not. Everyone is welcome. We believe if you can dream it, you can achieve it! We believe in an enriching education and recognizes every student has something to offer the arts and the arts has something to every student. DGD offers ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and a competition team. Our first year we placed 2nd place at our first competition lead by our three amazing coaches John Gray, Jasmine Lopez, and Chelsie Scott. We also have our amazing Office Manager & Tiny ballet coach Lakesha Davis-Sanders who keeps the studio organized.
Doll Girls Dance Studio is the only Dance Studio located in The City of Port Arthur. It’s also the only Black Owned Dance Studio in the Southeast Texas area.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
When God reveal your purpose and plan for your life, you have to step out in faith. When it’s for you, there is no worry in that.
Growing up, I didn’t want to burden my mother with the expenses of being part of a dance team,” she said. “So, I would make up my own dance teams, go to parties and we would dance.
My grandparents eventually paid for my tuition as a Honeybee, a week before they both passed away in a house fire.
The day before my grandmother died, she said to me, ‘Don’t worry about nothing baby. We’re going to pay for your dance tuition. Never stop dancing. Never stop dreaming.’ I’ve always carried that with me and held it dear to my heart. I didn’t know I would lose her and my grandfather a day later, but while most people drown in their sorrows, I use it to motivate me.”
Know that not everyone will not support you. As you enter into your new season of entrepreneurship, you will lose some people alone the way, because your drive and ambition will be too much for them. It will be people who you have never met before be your biggest supporters and will be there for you no matter what. Don’t take it personal, life is set up that way.
Contact Info:
- Email: dollgirlsdance@outlook.com
- Website: www.dollgirlsdance.com
- Instagram: @dollgirlsdancestudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dollsgirlsinc
Image Credits
@Elnj Photography
@14Photography
