Today we’d like to introduce you to Sky.
Sky, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, I have been athletic my entire life. I began taking ballet and tap classes at six years old and quickly fell in love with dance. In school, I played volleyball and ran track. During my freshman year of college, I saw a pole dance video online and decided I wanted to take a class.
During my first class, I was the only student who did not get off the ground. I did not feel as graceful as the other girls. I felt defeated but also determined. I went home that day after class and ordered a home pole. Anytime I wasn’t studying or spending time with my family, I was dancing.
I graduated from the University of North Texas in 2014 with a degree in Risk, Insurance, and Financial Services. I began working in Finance, and earned my brokers license and quickly began training other newly hired employees. I had a passion for helping others and connecting with people, but my heart was not content. I continued to pole dance in my spare time, taking various workshops and working on my craft.
After a few years with my firm, I decided I wanted to open my own pole studio. At that time, and as of this writing, there are no pole dance studios actually in Fort Worth. Most are in Dallas or just outside of Fort Worth. I began searching for potential locations. I had 19 shopping mall owners turn me down. They either didn’t like the idea of a pole studio being in their shopping center or felt I did not have enough collateral to begin a business. Reality hit very quickly. Although pole dancing is becoming more mainstream, there are many areas where pole dancing is still seen as taboo.
In August of 2018, I found a studio location, and I decided to take the plunge. Against family and friends “advice.” I quit my corporate job and opened SkyPole Fitness right in my home town. I traded in my corporate pantsuits for dancing shoes. I was nervous, scared, but most of all, excited!
The first several months were a challenge. I worked all of my classes alone, trying to weave through the complexities of a new business. I became an entrepreneur, marketing manager, software technician, and website manager almost overnight. This August will be my studio’s two year anniversary. I have a solid team of wonderful instructors alongside me who embody what pole fitness is all about: Strength, Support, and Confidence! I have worked extremely hard to build a foundation of women who love and support one another.
Pole dancing is more than just fitness. I’ve watched women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds walk through the doors of SkyPole and go from insecure body-conscious students to absolute pole dance butterflies. Age, size, and fitness background are irrelevant. All you need is a positive attitude and determination to do something that makes you feel good about you.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. My biggest hurdles initially where the doubters around me. Many people around me couldn’t believe I was leaving my safe, corporate job to open a pole dancing studio. I didn’t borrow money, apply for business grants, or inherit family money. The funds I used to open my studio was from money saved up from working. I poured everything I had into SkyPole and it was the best decision I ever made!
We’d love to hear more about SkyPole Fitness.
SkyPole Fitness is the first and only pole dance studio in Fort Worth. We are located at 5753 Westcreek Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76133. We offer a variety of classes, including pole dance, chair dance, flexibility training, belly dancing, floor work, pole silks, and more. We are a competition-based studio, meaning we train pole dance competitors. The SkyPole Academy is our signature pole fitness training program designed to take new dancers from the basics all the way up to the big tricks you see on social media.
The environment at SkyPole is very unique. Our students and instructors are very supportive of one another. From the second you walk in the door, regardless of your fitness level, you will feel right at home. SkyPole has amazing Google Reviews, and we are rated #1 on TripAdvisor for Health And Wellness Facilities in Fort Worth.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I do not believe in luck. I believe in hard work. Nothing has been handed to me via “luck.” I started my business with the money I saved from working out of college. I opened SkyPole Fitness with concrete floors and no A/C. Today, SkyPole is now a gorgeous, beautiful pole fitness training facility, all thanks to hard work.
Pricing:
- All inclusive memberships $79 (No contracts, cancel anytime)
- Single Classes $25
- Private Pole Dancing Parties $99
Contact Info:
- Address: 5753 Westcreek Dr Fort Worth, TX 76133
- Website: www.SkyPoleFitness.com
- Phone: 817-939-7179
- Email: Sky@SkyPoleFitness.com
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