Today we’d like to introduce you to Arialle Kennedy Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been sort of a renaissance personality finding myself at multiple intersections throughout my lifetime. I began my ballet training in my hometown and later moved to New York City and trained as a fellowship (scholarship) student at The Ailey School. For three years, I immersed myself into this hub and was enriched by the diverse dance curriculum.
At the completion of my studies, I took the advantage to perform both internationally—traveling through east and west Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean with Emmy Award-winning RWS & Associates/ Holland America and locally in the feature film Bolden. Additionally, I performed with several companies before suffering a level 3 sprain and hip injury.
Since the return to my hometown, I opened a dance studio where, with my husband, created and choreographed our own Chocolate Cinderella. Each year I welcome about 80-100 students on average that range from ages 3 to 18.
Most recently, I have had a full-circle moment as I have chosen to become a certified holistic birth doula with postpartum doula training. I have extensive nanny experience and have always serviced families—in fact, I was fortunate to be an au pair for two Cirque du Soleil artists. I love being out of the box, living out my passion. I believe we all have one calling but can live it out in many different ways.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not! I dealt with rejection A lOT. This affected the way that I projected myself–especially in auditions. I always knew that the talent and ability was there but I could never seem to get over the “no” or the fear of failure. It took me seven long years before I booked my first professional job. The difference happened after hearing some of Tony Robbins testimonials from personal friends (I later went to his conference in NJ). The light switch went off and I began to actually believe that I was not only able to book jobs but I was going to. That next year, I did just that and found myself canvassing Europe just like I dreamed I would.
Since meeting my husband, we’ve been blessed with our daughter who makes it easier to push through life challenges. She is our legacy and our biggest accountability partner…
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the owner and founder of Momma Magnolia where I offer both birth and postpartum doula services. I specialize in intuitive led-care with empathetic overtones. As a dance teacher to various age ranges, former nanny, and middle school teacher my care for mom and family are most important to me.
As a dance studio owner, I am most proud of how the studio has adjusted with the pandemic by offering online class and virtual recitals/productions. Last year, our show Chocolate Cinderella attracted audiences near and far with all of our shows selling out.
My niche that I am beginning to embrace is my youthful and relaxed approach to how I interact with people. In a society that is highly ego-driven, I prefer to take the low-key road…
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely, I would say anyone can grow anywhere by being authentically them. You attract what you are. You have what you truly believe–that belief spills over into what you say which ultimately leads you to a destination. Dont limit yourself to one central location either, your uniqueness can lead you both nationally and internationally.
Contact Info:
- Address: 254 Cedar Springs Rd.
Suite 24
Spartanburg, SC 29302 - Website: www.avkdancestudio.com
- Phone: 8645041230
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momma_magnoliallc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Momma-Magnolia-LLC-110856207383280/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/infomommamagno1/with_replies
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/AVKDancestudio/
Image Credit:
Photographer: Smithalee, Forward Vantage Photography and Marketing Agency
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
