Sherri’s School of Dance by Arlene Childers
Sherri McGimsey owns a Dance Studio in downtown Morganton. Sherri has helped thousands of kids learn ballet, tap, and jazz skills, while building their self-confidence. Sherri has always loved to dance and has a passion for working with kids. She was working three part-time jobs when she opened her dance studio. She was teaching Jazzercise to adults at a local health club when she thought, “If I can teach adults, then I can teach kids.” Thirty-one years later, Sherri’s School of Dance continues to make a difference in the lives of kids.
Sherri’s School of Dance hosts a two hour production show once a year. All dance students participate in an opening and finale production number. Each student also performs an individual ballet, tap, and jazz number. Everyone in the community looks forward to the Sherri’s School of Dance production each year.
Sherri thinks there are two important characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. First, you must really enjoy what you are doing and have a passion for it. Second, “It is your name on the door, so you must have a sense of what your goals are.” Sherri recommends that you always get help from experts when you are getting started. “I hate the paperwork part” says Sherri, “but I feel very fortunate because I love my job.”
Sherri’s advice for others who might be considering starting their own business includes:
- Keep your overhead low
- Do as much as you can yourself, to be sure the job is done right
- Find support for things you don’t do well
