Inspiring Conversations with Katy Cryns of GroovinKids

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Cryns.

Hi Katy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My college guidance counselor once told me I was multi-faceted. I smiled and nodded like I understood. I actually do now, and I am so grateful for it.

I grew up on a small farm, in a small town in northern Illinois (literally 1,100 people) to a family of 7 kids. We didn’t have the money or opportunity for me to try dance or gymnastics classes, but movement and music was always at the center of our home. My parents would play the piano, my siblings would use their rooms as band rehearsal space, and while they loved creating music, I preferred to move to it. I would dress up and put on shows for my parents, sing show tunes or watch classic musicals with my dad, or choreograph dances to NSYNC with my friends. I played basketball and soccer, and joined the cheer squad, where I eventually ended up as our varsity cheer captain. I taught myself basic gymnastics, shined on stage during our small theatre productions, and lived for school dances – always the first to arrive and last to leave. I was born to perform.

While in college to study acting, I saw this amazing hip hop team perform and I was floored. I had never seen dancing like this before – energetic, magnetic, powerful, and alluring. All things my soul craved. I decided I had to audition and while I’m still unsure how I got onto that team, it carved a new path that completely reshaped my time in college and beyond. After graduation, I found myself in Los Angeles living with family. I was sitting behind a desk, writing content, when I realized I just didn’t want to do that anymore. I can’t explain what compelled me to look up dance teaching gigs on Craigslist, but I did and 3 owners took a chance on me. I found myself quitting the content writing job and teaching hip hop and baby ballet/tap combo classes at local studios. That was the first time I felt empowered by a decision that was truly my own and I had so much confidence in myself.

Something I quickly learned is that I am good with kids. Like, really good. I can get onto their level very quickly, understand how differently they learn as individuals, while saturating my classes in my natural positive energy. My acting background lent me so many teaching tools I don’t believe more traditionally trained teachers get. I learned I do not teach in a standard way that many students and studios are used to, but in a loud, goofy, and engaging way that grips kids attention and doesn’t let it stray. I have so much fun doing what I do.

In 2015, while teaching at Children’s Arts Institute summer camp for the 3rd year in a row, a parent asked me if I did private lessons. “Yes!” I said. “Of course!” (I had never done a private lesson before, and definitely not an in-home lesson). This was my first great decision as an entrepreneur – fake it till you make it. Our classes were such a success, she referred me to her friends, and they to their friends, and so on, until I had a small Rolodex of clients regularly on my schedule.

In 2019, I created an LLC as my side gig became my new business venture. My network of clients just kept growing. I also gained a certification through Acrobatic Arts, and I credit this as the second great decision I made as a business owner – this program was so important in my growth as an acro and gymnastics teacher. I finally left my last studio in 2020 and was fully working for myself. Then COVID hit, and everything went bonkers.

When COVID closed down schools and businesses, all of my clients were at home with their kids, going nuts. They started calling me to come twice, three times a week to just keep their kids busy. The amount of new clients reaching out to me was insane. You know that scene in Harry Potter when all the letters start flying in through the fireplace? That was what it was like getting referrals during COVID – just new client after new client texting or calling to ask for lessons because so-and-so recommended me. I couldn’t keep up, it was absolutely wild. In contrast, my (then) fiancé, who was our breadwinner, was completely out of work indefinitely. Such a strange time.

So, I hired my first employee. Then another. And another. And by March of 2021, I had over 100 students, 7 coaches, and a full time office manager working for me. I, so quickly, learned how to wear all the hats – entrepreneur, employee/worker, and office administrator. In 2023, as many of my private lessons dwindled, I began reaching out to schools in the LA area about possibly offering enrichment programs. I decided to move away from privates and focus on offering our amazing and fun classes to elementary children. The third great business decision I made. It was a different structure that I was excited to explore and it’s been a great change of pace. Our private lessons have since picked back up and I am feeling energized and inspired by this amazing little business I grew from a single seed of saying, “Yes.”

Owning and running a business is the most multi-faceted thing I can imagine doing. I now do it with a toddler on my heels, which has only made everything harder and also more magnificent when I succeed. Being a mom/boss/wife/etc simultaneously is insane and I try to remind myself that even on days when I slip up, I’m still building something incredible that gives me contentment and inspiration. Not only do I feel empowered when I empower my young students, but doing it on my terms, in my own company, has been the most rewarding and knowledge-growing experience. The pure excitement on my students’ faces when they see me makes me feel like a superhero celebrity. I hope I can continue to bring joy and confidence to Los Angeles youth for years to come.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not to be cliche, but the rise and fall of business is truly a rollercoaster. Balancing work and family has been incredibly hard, especially after having a child. I have battled with feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and failure and these seem to just be part of the ride. One of the things I try to remember is when I reach a dip, there will be recovery. I am resilient and can learn from mistakes (and there were/are many). Growing so quickly only to have my business falter equally as quickly was a really tough lesson to learn. But I DID learn from it, and I feel more prepared for shifts in the future because of it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about GroovinKids?
We are a completely mobile company offering lessons in gymnastics, acrobatics, and dance. We bring all of the equipment for class, including mats, which I think sets us apart from other mobile teachers. We work with school enrichment programs as well as out of our clients’ homes, which is unique. I don’t know that there is another company that offers exactly what we offer, especially not with our expertise in teaching, specifically. I like to think that our focus on learning through fun sets us apart from the norm. We specialize in acro and hip hop, helping competitive dancers land aerials and handsprings, while providing a safe and welcoming environment to beginners looking to learn a cartwheel or basic rhythm.

I am so proud that people recognize the name GroovinKids – that they know it means warmth and understanding from coaches, that we bring all of our own equipment, and that we are established here in LA with a long history of success in our students. We love teaching individuals and groups, alike. I’d love for folks to know we also do birthday parties and special events, and that we are always looking to add school enrichment programs to our roster!

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I was going to say personal enjoyment in what you are doing, which I think is true. But I think feeling inspired each day, no matter what you are doing, is truly success. Professional and financial growth are wonderful additions, but success isn’t defined by money and fancy business cards. I have felt successful at various points in my journey, and each time it was due to something different – the first time I got a referral (OMG, people see value in my work!), the first time I didn’t cave when asked for a discount (*I* see value in my work!), the first time ran payroll for employees (“Look, Mom! I’m a boss!”). These were all pivotal successful moments for me and truly made me feel inspired and glowing. I hope other entrepreneurs can find personal success in this way as well.

Pricing:

• $150-$200/hour for private (in-home) lessons
• $20-$25/kid for enrichment programs

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.groovinkids.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groovinkidsla/
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groovinkids/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@groovinkids?app=desktop
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/groovinkids-los-angeles-2?uid=zIOl8ekndd3pACfLxsDLPQ&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)