Conversations with Kim Esmond

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Esmond.

Hi Kim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was originally in corporate working at various international banks at headquarters. When I got married in 2006, the decision was to have a business where I could be more home for my children, one that involved less travel. Not only did I have a business background from college and work, but I was dancer as well. I decided to pair the two and open a dance studio.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It always takes time to form, build and navigate a new business. However, the most difficult time in the last 15 years has been without a doubt, surviving COVID. The struggles of being shut for over two years in some of our locations, the changing mandates while working with the public and children, the staff that had to leave the state and needed to be replaced, the list is exponential. We are still digging ourselves out and starting to repay loans we had to bridge this difficult time, but feel positive about what is on the horizon.

Prior to COVID, the biggest struggle was probably being a working Mom and finding that balance. Being a Mom is a job that never stops as is owning your own business. It is difficult to find that line for each of these as they tend to bleed over each other and can be overwhelming.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We do dance classes based on progression plans for mostly beginning young dancers. We are known for recreation programming similar to a studio at a more affordable cost with performances but not the stress of competition. Competition studios are expensive, add pressure to the dancers and are a huge time commitment. We focus on the love of the arts and dance and shoot for a positive experience in our dancers from a young age.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I initially set out to be in international business. I studied languages and business and wanted to live overseas and work when I was in college. After living overseas twice, I planned on living in London after my education. I didn’t have the money yet, so started working at bank headquarters, then cheering for the NFL which really gave me the platform to start my company five years later. Dance was not where I had intended on launching my career and definitely never thought I would own my own business.

Pricing:

• $12-$15/class

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ocdanceproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdanceproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCDanceProductions

Image Credits
headshot Jim Kennedy Photography rest OC Dance