Today we’d like to introduce you to Meleka Simon.
Meleka, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started dancing at the age of 16 after my family relocated to Dallas from Chicago. I had an amazing teacher who saw talent in me, pushed me, and provided me with opportunities to grow. My family wasn’t very supportive and I had to get a job and pay for my lessons. My passion and love for the dance grew and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I worked very hard to be my very best. My hard worked earned me scholarships, gigs, and led me to auditions and of course teaching. By the age of 18 I knew I wanted to own my own dance studio one day. I wasn’t sure if or how it would happened, but it definitely was a strong desire. I continued to train, book professional jobs, and teach dance at different studios throughout the Dallas Metroplex. Having the opportunity to experience dance in so many capacities strengthen me as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, performer, and overall human being. After 17 years of teaching dance, I hit a crossroad and I had to make some life-changing decisions. I wasn’t satisfied with where I was in life & needed to make changes. My options were to quit the studio I was currently teaching for & go teach somewhere else, go back to school & change career paths totally, or take a chance on my dream & open my own studio. My mom was my best friend, number one supporter, and my biggest fan. We talked everyday about everything. I talked over my options with her and her words to me were, “I’ve raised you to not be fearful, to follow your dreams, and never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. If your heart’s desire is open your own studio, then that’s what you do.” After that conversation and much prayer, I decided to follow my dream.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road at all. My mom who was my best friend, number one supporter, and my biggest encouragement to step out on faith and follow my dream, unexpectedly passed away 2 months before I opened. I was devastated, my heart was broken and I no longer wanted my dream. About a week after her funeral, she spoke to me while I was praying. Her words to me were, “Meleka, I love you and I am so proud of you. You are destined for greatness, now go be great!” From that day forward I pushed with everything in me to make my dream a reality. I had to deal with being told no, securing funds for start-up costs, shady contractors, “haters”, and a big time crunch. In the midst of all of that Destiny Devoted Dance was born.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Destiny Devoted Dance – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Destiny Devoted Dance is a studio that offers dance classes for children ages 18 months-18 years. We offer instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, acro for dance, lyrical, and contemporary. A few things set us apart from other studios in the area. First is our diversity. We don’t just serve the city of Plano. Our dancers travel from all over the metroplex and surrounding cities. We have students that commute 45-1 hour. Secondly, we cater to each individual student. We are invested in their lives & personal growth. We don’t just teach dance. We help develop character, discipline, a strong work ethic, humbleness, and comradery. Lastly, DDD is a family. We love and support one another, as well as walk through life together. As a studio owner, I am most proud of our principles and values. What we stand for and what we represent. Our studio clientele is 90% word of mouth & we have a 95% retention rate. We went from 9 students when we started to 80 students in 2 years. We are definitely excited to see what season 3 brings.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of Dallas, openness to the arts, the quality of living, and the support of small businesses. Honestly, I miss the food in Chicago. We have good food here but there’s great food in Chicago 😊
Pricing:
- Combo class ages 2-5 are $65 monthly
- Classes for ages 5-8 start at $37
- Classed for ages 9 & up start $65
Contact Info:
- Address: 930 W Parker Rd Ste 510
Plano, TX 75075 - Website: www.destinydevoteddance.com
- Phone: 9723798161
- Email: Destinydevoteddance@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dance_triple_d
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/destinydevoteddance
Image Credit:
K.Angelee Photography
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