Unknown Speaker 0:00
Hi friends and welcome to the dance principles United podcast. I am so excited to introduce Chelsea window and onto the podcast this week Chelsea is the owner of extreme talent co in Windsor. She is a studio growth club member and an absolute all around amazing person. We are so excited to talk about studio owner life and branding because she does that so so well at Team extreme. We can not wait to have her on the podcast. I hope you love this episode.
Unknown Speaker 0:31
Hello friends I'm Amanda bar. And I'm Rebecca Lee Brennan and welcome to Dance principles united the podcast. Together we are passionate about helping studio owners with the business of running their studio. Join us as we talk everything from marketing systems studio culture, motherhood, life and everything in between. This is the dance principals United podcast.
Unknown Speaker 0:58
Chelsea, I am so excited to have you here. Hello, my lovely friend. How are you doing today? Hi, I'm great. How are you? I'm so so good. I'm excited and blessed that you're here looking absolutely beautiful on our podcast. Say lovely to have you I've been wanting to chat for ages. I know you're feeling a bit nervous, but you've never had a problem.
Unknown Speaker 1:20
sided I'm so excited. I'm feel honoured that you asked me to have a chat. So I can't wait. Beautiful. You're so beautiful. Look, we were just having a quick chat before we press record. And you know, in your bio, I spoke about that, you know, extreme started in 2020. Right before COVID locked down. But I thought you might want to share a bit about how extreme actually came to be because it was a very long standing old school Old Guard studio. I used to compete against your mum studio to tell us like the whole story of how the whole studio started. Yeah, absolutely. So yeah, mum had the studio forever. Lee Winden dancers, golden Lee Winden herself the queen. So she actually had a studio with her sister many, many moons ago. So that's how it kind of started K and L burns. And then she actually moved up to the Hawkesbury where I'm located. And then she had the studio here for 29 years. She ran. Yeah, she then branched out as li winter dancer. So she actually for a period of time was running out of both studios as she was travelling, travelling down to Liverpool to do play in Melbourne. And then she was also running late winter dancers up here. And eventually then she just was up here. And then yeah, had the studio for a very long time. And then basically, sorry, were you born into the studio? Like she always never know, I was literally in the womb choreographing tap dancers with her. Absolutely. She was pregnant with me all the way. Like I was she was constantly at work, you know, she was still teaching and everything. And then I was literally born into the studio. And so obviously then it was like, obviously, I was literally born to dance. I was there was never really an option. But not even not even in that way that it wasn't an option. Like I just
Unknown Speaker 3:29
it was it was in my blood. And I feel like growing up. I always knew that I would take over the studio. Then like I really wanted to pursue my career. And so for a while there I actually really like rebelled against it. And I really rejected it because I was like no, I need to live my life and do what I want to do. Absolutely. I'll own the studio eventually sort of thing. And so yeah, I went to full time at Brent straight. Yep. And then I basically went overseas pretty much straightaway and got my first gig and then I literally got the travel bug. And then I just didn't want to stop. So then it was just I was constantly Hey, Mom, guess what I got this job or Hey, Mom, I'm off to China or Hey, Mom, I'm on this cruise ship. Like I was just constantly like going. And so then there was a period of time I actually came home for like one year. Yep. And I really got into this mindset of like, This is it. I'm going to take over the studio. I came home and I became you teaching female and stuff as well why? Every every time I came home, then I would teach and I basically the way it would work, I would come home and then I would like run the concert for and then I would take off in January again and just come home for a little period. So then I came home for a while and then I was actually really struggling to get a job. And so I was really like this is it. I'm gonna take out the studio to do and then mom was like, you've got to go for this audition. And I was like no, I'm not
Unknown Speaker 5:00
going I'm not being told no again. She was like, just try. Just go one more time. Just yeah, you can do it. Anyway, booked the biggest job of my life. And I ended up I got a gig with Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus. Amazing. Then I actually went and lived on a circus train
Unknown Speaker 5:21
for like, 15 months. Oh my god, I did not know this. Yeah. So then I literally ran away with the circus. And I just turned 21. Yeah, so
Unknown Speaker 5:32
it's perfect timing, because I was moving to America. So it's like, yay.
Unknown Speaker 5:37
I yeah, I lived and travelled all over America and lived on a circus train, which was amazing. I came home again, was like, I'm done. I've been gone for so long. Was again, like, this is it I'm taking over the studio. And then I went for an audition for Celebrity Cruises, which is the sister company for Royal and got it. And then I basically worked for them for three years. And I did three cruise ships in a row after that. But every time came home, did the concept choreograph them for next year? Leave your nine months come home, you know, and I did that perfect timing is like a little bit of an experience, right? Like you get to do the little bits of it, and then still have both worlds. That's right. And so I was always like, so involved with the studio, and then just kind of became the convener as well, like with my students at the time of like, when we started going again, off she goes, Yeah, and so everybody kind of knew as well to like, come together, we're gonna learn our routines for next year, I would do like a big opening finale sort of routine for the concert, and then see, I'm off again. And you know what I mean? So yeah, I kind of did that. And then
Unknown Speaker 6:47
got to my last contract. And I don't know,
Unknown Speaker 6:51
I kind of remember the moment that I was standing there with my life jacket on and just thinking, what am I doing with my life?
Unknown Speaker 6:59
What is happening, like, who am I?
Unknown Speaker 7:03
Going Josie Winden.
Unknown Speaker 7:06
And it's funny, my mom actually came on and visited me like and watch me dance and came to the shows had a little holiday. And she kind of said to me, I'm done. I think I'm done. I'm ready to retire. Yeah. And she'd kind of said that Jimmy a couple of times, and then then always went again, you know, and I was like, great, because I kind of want to do another crew. So we kind of
Unknown Speaker 7:28
mentally painted the decision. Yeah, kind of at the same time, where then I felt ready. And I actually feel like I was finally
Unknown Speaker 7:38
mature enough.
Unknown Speaker 7:40
You travelling. You've got it out of your system, you'd had the fun that was time to felt like I'd done everything that I actually really wanted to do. And I'd literally gone everywhere. Yeah, that I felt like, well, what was next? You know, what was the next step? And then mom was like, I'm done. So we kind of reached that decision together.
Unknown Speaker 8:03
Like, was it almost 10 years of travelling, like, basically and acting forth on shows? Yeah, pretty much close to it. Yeah.
Unknown Speaker 8:11
And I just did so many things in between that and then like, I took little holidays in between each contract as well to sort of try and save the world. And thank goodness, because when I came home, it was like in 2019. Yeah, ladies retiring. We're now calling it extreme talent Co. And then COVID happened in my first year. Let's be a business owner and take over the studio. And here's a pandemic for you is what a great introduction into what was yes, I remember just feeling like in disbelief and feeling like a duck out of you know, more or just going what he's going on. Like, how do I do this? You know, and like, even journeying to mum for advice, it was like nobody knew what to do. Of course, what was zoom? What was like teaching online like what you know what I mean, it was just, it was in your first couple of months. Like that's just literally about three months. I think I made it through and then it was like, oh, there's this thing called COVID.
Unknown Speaker 9:19
Okay, we're all being in lockdown. And you're gonna now teach on zooms so much fun.
Unknown Speaker 9:26
Absolutely. So, you know, lay the wind and dancers had like, obviously a very well known name in the industry. You got home you took over, you know, beginning of 2020 and you're like not changing the name. Is that like important to you to change the name? Did you feel like it was a refresh? Or was it more about your personality? Kind of like coming across? Like, what was the big name change about?
Unknown Speaker 9:50
Hmm, that's a good one. I feel like one thing that my mom actually said to me, which kind of stuck with me
Unknown Speaker 10:00
was that she possibly wish that she didn't actually call it her name. And that's such a thing of like old studios. Like, it was always like, you know, Amanda bars Dance Academy, and you know what I mean? Like, and you had your name in it. And so I think that was something that she kind of stressed to me, like, don't put your name in it, like don't put your identity into it, because it will follow you everywhere. You know what I mean? So and it was so funny you say that, because like, that's exactly what my mom said to me as well. Like, I wanted to call the studio when I opened it, you know, being 16. And, you know, and it was a long time ago, you know, Miss Amanda school of dance or, you know, whatever, like, she's like, Absolutely not, there is no way because then you can't sell it. It's all about you, you know, people will only want you to teach, you know, you need to give it a different identity. It's so funny. Our moms have similar ideas. Absolutely. You know, and I think it was also a thing as well, because my mom is also a school teacher. Yeah. And so she was, which I also think was part of her success, because she was, like, even you're like, oh, yeah, Lee Winden. Like, everybody just kind of knew her name. Yes. So I think for a while it actually really worked with her brand. But then that sort of, you know, times then changed. And we had to evolve with it. So even at one point, actually, when I was on the circus, we actually rebranded mom's brand, and then did like a new logo. So it was just L. W. D. Yeah, there's an I actually, like, designed a new logo for her because she wanted her name to sort of not be.
Unknown Speaker 11:39
Yeah, absolutely. So that was really important for me then to not put my name into it. Yeah. And then as well, I think, absolutely what you said, I just wanted it to have my own identity and to do it, and I wanted it to be me and I do not want it to be mum was red, black and white. I run with it now. It's just pink, black and white. Like I wanted to change the whole thing because it needed to be a fresh start. It needed to be.
Unknown Speaker 12:06
And I think it all happened at the right time. That then I was sort of able to now bring it into this sort of social media, branding, you know, that image that man didn't really do like back in the day fees was sent on the yellow envelope with
Unknown Speaker 12:26
I remember mom sitting there with Gotta love that cash.
Unknown Speaker 12:29
Like, absolutely, you know, it's so different now how businesses actually run and parents is to come and stand with their notepads and pens and listen to mom with notes. There was no Facebook, there was no email that none of that existed, you know? So it had to have a whole new brand. Really? Absolutely. Absolutely. If you actually want to know something really interesting about the name, it kind of all happens. I think maybe subconsciously it wasn't a choice that I made. It was just kind of a coincidence. But the circus that I actually travelled on was circus extreme.
Unknown Speaker 13:06
And so
Unknown Speaker 13:08
that always kind of like, yeah, it just kind of happens. Then I was like, I needed a cool name. You know, I wanted it to be edgy and a bit like me Russian. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And then it was just kind of ironic. I think it was a sub. That's not why I called it that. But then when I sort of went back it was like, Oh my God, that's the show. I was in like it what must have been the subconscious kind of decision that I made? Yeah, so funny. Like, there you go. So did you did it take you forever to come up? Did it take you forever to come up with the name like, Did you so like, we're going to jump in because you like are all about your branding. You know, you have all your kids do your X symbol everywhere you go.
Unknown Speaker 13:51
To like that, this is our screenshot. Ready? You got to do the X. Ready? Go. There we go.
Unknown Speaker 13:57
So you know, you have all the kids do your full extreme, you know all of that they do the symbol had you pre plan that in your head or did that come up? My balloons are going oh my god
Unknown Speaker 14:12
that's why you need to watch this on YouTube. Not on a podcast so you see me
Unknown Speaker 14:18
but yeah, did you plan all that before you came with the name or did that kind of evolve after the name?
Unknown Speaker 14:24
It definitely evolved it was it not the plan. It's not like it was like you had this like you had this marketing genius in the back of your mind that was like, This is what I'm gonna do. No, absolutely not. Ironically, though, like, I think that's the thing. I when I really delve deep into it, we actually used to do this at the circus. But it's like that was in 2015. Like I just was so not really in my brain. Yeah, it's just like, a weird irony that it's kind of happened that way. But I absolutely had no intention of that. The X becoming a thing. And now it's like
Unknown Speaker 15:00
It's something people say me and they're like, Yeah, extreme.
Unknown Speaker 15:06
Yeah. It's like, me and mum say like, it's like,
Unknown Speaker 15:12
it's become like this thing and like kids are just, they just want to do the X. And it's so bizarre how it's happened. But no, there was no plan.
Unknown Speaker 15:22
I wish I was that much of a genius that it was like, we're gonna call it this and we're gonna put it up. This is gonna be all the things we're going to do. Oh my god. Like, it's so amazing. And like you said, the cult word. And like, that's a good thing, right? Like, you know, it's the community, it's, you know, all of those things, which means people are so invested in your brand. You know, we were just talking about our MacBooks having trouble before, you know, Apple's a massive cult, right? We're all obsessed with it. There's no way we'd ever think even though you just had all this trouble with your MacBook. There's no way you're not buying a new MacBook like, of course, anyway, because we're also like, you know, this is the only way to be and to be cool. You have to have an apple like, you know, in our society and all of that. So it's so so clever that you do that. So, you know, extreme was born. Obviously, you went through COVID, you pretty much started again, from scratch with students, right? Like it was pretty much. Yeah,
Unknown Speaker 16:18
absolutely. And then I felt like I got on the front foot. And then it was like, Oh, we're going on Zoom. And so people went on. Oh, thanks. Yes.
Unknown Speaker 16:26
clawing my way, sort of through doing online. Yeah, absolutely. So it was just basically, you know, a fresh start, I would imagine. So, you know, it's hard, because I wanted to ask you, because I thought it was at a different time. I had my stories a little bit wrong. But, you know, you wouldn't have had, you know, too much like pushback on the change of branding or the change of uniforms or anything like that, I presume? Because I presume it's just all almost all new kids. Is that right?
Unknown Speaker 16:56
Yes. And yes and no, like I definitely took over with a base. People didn't like leave because I took over.
Unknown Speaker 17:08
But
Unknown Speaker 17:11
I think the studio was ready for a rebrand to they were all excited by it as well. Yeah. And I think it was like, Oh, I miss Chelsea's back because the kids that then kind of I have now
Unknown Speaker 17:23
through like,
Unknown Speaker 17:26
dance like they were in the preschool programme. So now I've literally taken them through from preschool to now they're like my 12. And under Show group, you know what I mean? Like, I've literally watched them grow up so it kind of happens.
Unknown Speaker 17:44
We've actually just taken on ReadySet dance run towards mum sort of finishing up. Yeah. Literally a year. So yeah, it like was kind of all new anyway. And so when they were sort of transitioning out of baseballs, yeah, it was like they were then becoming extreme. It wasn't actually you have to get rid of your li wind in uniform and they have to wear this you know, all kind of
Unknown Speaker 18:12
it honestly worked at the right time. It all kind of just fell into place in a really weird way.
Unknown Speaker 18:19
Oh, man, amazing. That's so cool. You're right, like now it is like a fresh
Unknown Speaker 18:26
base of kids. That is purely extreme. They don't actually really know. Lee wind and dances except my like, original one. Yeah, like, over and unders, you know. So I have taken them through from the start. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So, you know, I wanted to talk about your incredible branding, because I use you as an example for socials for organic socials quite a lot because you do amazing things you are all about your branding. And you know, it's something that I absolutely love about you because you like live and breathe it like you just said you do your x down the street. Like every photo I see of you, you're doing that, you know you're fully wearing even though you're not in a studio, close today, you've got your pink on, you've got your trademark pink hair, of course, of course, was the pink hair before extreme or after you started the studio.
Unknown Speaker 19:19
It was actually I was after I basically went pink to match
Unknown Speaker 19:25
that that's kind of why I did it. And a funny story. I tied it in with I actually did go pink for breast cancer. Because I was like this could be that was planned. I was like this would be a way that I can do a really great thing for a great cause and I'm passionate about Yes, transition into the pink and it will then make sense and it's not just like BAM I've got pink hair and it was a journey to get this pink hair but yeah, because I have actually been every colour under the sun and every hair cut. You name it short shaved long.
Unknown Speaker 20:03
And then yeah, I was kind of in this weird stage where I was actually kind of looking for my identity as well. And who Who am I going to be? And yeah, I kind of went actually, maybe I'll do this. And that'll help me get to pink, but didn't actually quite get pink during the fall. It was like a weird, didn't make blonde like kind of orange.
Unknown Speaker 20:28
slowly transitioning into pink. So it took me about a year to actually get to the pink that I wanted. Yeah. So I 100% did that though, to match because I'd already always dyed my hair. Yeah. And then I was like, at one point, I actually had firearm red, bright red hair. And it worked. So well. We live in deserts, perfect for that match the uniform, you know, and I used to love that. Yeah, so when I went pink, I was like, Well, that's it. I have to have pink hair.
Unknown Speaker 20:59
I have to have hot pink. Why would you not have to have hot pink hair? Maybe that's what I need to do as well for Expo have hot pink hair. I don't know if I look quite as good as you pulling it off. Funny. Isn't that funny? How like, No, I'm a part of cheerio growth club and dance. Roots united and like your pink as well. It's kind of like, perfect. Everything in my life is pink. And I love it. I love that we're all lean into.
Unknown Speaker 21:28
I only ever wanted a pink studio. That's all I ever wanted. And same thing my mum wouldn't let me because the other studios in competition all had pink at the time. And so we're like, no, which colour isn't being used. So we had to like swap it out. Honestly. That's why I went pink because it was like, nobody's got a pink. Yeah, so I'm going pink. That's it. I can't do blue. I can't do orange. I can't you know, like it was. Isn't that funny? How that's actually how you make your decision. It's hard because what am I going to be different? Oh, what colours are being used. And then it really changed my whole
Unknown Speaker 22:06
your whole wardrobe, your whole everything.
Unknown Speaker 22:11
Good, but I'd love to how much you lean into it like our back and I did a podcast a few weeks ago on branding and being your brand and you absolutely do that. You know, I'm sure that you know the kids all like talk about you and want to be like you and you know want to be the one with pink hair is that you just told me that they come as like dress up where you can like put their hair pink and stuff. So they're like Miss Chelsea.
Unknown Speaker 22:36
So parents like I'm so sorry.
Unknown Speaker 22:39
Gorgeous daughters beautiful natural blonde hair. They just want it to be pigs. I have many apologetics conversations.
Unknown Speaker 22:48
It's funny because they love it. The parents actually love it and actually will willingly there was a trend a little while ago where they were doing like the you can get the crepe paper and you just rub it into their hair. So it's not permanent, but it deserves in that hour. And like a child can't do that. So the parent was actually sort of leaning into that, you know,
Unknown Speaker 23:11
if they get the braids is like a big thing. They always have like pink braids. Yeah. You know, and I was funny, actually funny story. I
Unknown Speaker 23:21
think it was last time I had a girl come in and she had blue braids. And I was like, well, that's a choice. You know?
Unknown Speaker 23:31
It's a school, it matches my it's my promise school photos, you know, and she was really like, I'm sorry. It's
Unknown Speaker 23:39
it was it's funny, you know, like, it hasn't pink has become extreme. It's not anymore. Even Even so far as my preschool classes. We have feathers. Yeah. And it's like blue is Elsa and pink is extreme. Yeah, well, you can have pink, like Miss Josie, you know, like, it's become an identity in itself. So they want pink nails because they want it to be extreme. And you know what I mean? And like, yeah, you're right. Like, we did a extreme dress up week. And,
Unknown Speaker 24:11
like, they go hard. Like they go into this. So into it. And I love it. I love that because that's how I am. I don't do anything. Why? You know, it's one or 100 You know, there's no in between. And I really think that that has sort of filtered through to the studio. Yeah. And they are like, they're, they're five and they're like, they want to do the apps and like yeah, let's be extreme, you know, and they want everything to be pink and so cute. I'll show you I'll show you my cup like you know they're giving me it's given me yes, you say extreme and Miss Chelsea and everything's like shank you know, and it's like,
Unknown Speaker 24:54
Do you know what I mean? Like it has it's become like a brand that everybody is so into
Unknown Speaker 25:00
You in the end the parents to you know, like, yeah, you have to Yes. And you have to be so invested into your brand if you want people to have that reaction if you want to hide that,
Unknown Speaker 25:14
from people and the sense of belonging as well, because that's what people people want to belong to something, they want to know what they stand for all of those things. So I, you know, I know that, you know, you're in Windsor, and it's a relatively small kind of area. You know, do you see benefits? Like, you know, I know that you're all team extreme when you walk down the street? Do people like recognise you? Do you think that that kind of helps build your business? Do you feel like people know that that's our Hey, yeah, she's actually, you know, owns that studio. And that's where I'm gonna go and that kind of thing.
Unknown Speaker 25:46
I think you just nailed it. There's that check within care.
Unknown Speaker 25:52
Yeah, I have to say, yeah, the pink hair is definitely
Unknown Speaker 25:56
a thing. People stop me. Everywhere I go. And sometimes it's like, I almost forget that this is my hair colour. Yeah. Because it's just how I look. Now. Of course, it's like people. Yeah, they stopped me on the street everywhere I go.
Unknown Speaker 26:14
I am a very big believer in wearing my uniform. I didn't wear it today. I was like, I'm actually being a human. today. I'm being
Unknown Speaker 26:24
I'm being a grown up today, in my opinion. But I like to wear my uniform religiously. Yeah, wear it everywhere.
Unknown Speaker 26:33
If I've had for a while I was a bit like, oh, no, I've got to take that off. Like particularly. My preschool uniform. Yeah. I was like, oh, no, I shouldn't be seen in this. But then, I don't know one day, I was like, No, you know what, I need to own this. And they need to know that. You got to talk to me to come and do Ready Set dance, because I'm the only studio that has Ready Set dance. And when people see you and it's interesting that then people will stop me like, Oh, I love your shirt. It's so bright. Oh, well, like I love your vibe. Again, that a lot too. You know, and then same with my extreme uniform, because it has got the hot pink on it. Yeah, people notice it, you know, and then I've looked at the care and I've always got pink shoes as well, like, it's a it's a thing.
Unknown Speaker 27:17
Absolutely. But I do think that it helps. And I encourage my teachers to do it as well. We will go out wearing within everywhere. But if you know, we've taught in the morning, and then we need to go to the grocery store, I won't get changed. Of course, I'll say in that because then sometimes they will see a little kid and they're like, Mommy, she's got pink hair. And then they see my uniform. And then sometimes it has sparked a conversation just because I'm doing my groceries. salutely Oh, they might not do it straightaway. But you never know. They might then see you on socials, they might. All of that all goes on. You know, we talked about Apple before. And you know, I'm rocking my best Steve Jobs in person is impersonation, the same thing? Like
Unknown Speaker 27:59
I think, you know, for other people listening like, you know, they might not want to do pink hair. And it's not about that. But it's about being the persona and a character and, you know, living and breathing your brand. And I think that that's so so impressive in everyday life in everything that you do and becoming like, yeah, character almost, I guess. Yeah. It's Chelsea the character.
Unknown Speaker 28:24
It's funny, because it's just like, I feel like
Unknown Speaker 28:29
I'm living the life that I envisioned that I would. And it's just like, This is me, you know, it is who I am. I am very out there. I'm very bubbly. You said before I could talk underwater with marbles in my mouth. That's me, you know, I'm very, I am very, like, personable and easy to talk to approachable. And I try and do that. Particularly like with my parents, you know, I think it's so important to create a connection with them, so that they know that their child is actually genuinely being loved and cared for. Absolutely. I know every student's name. I know every parent's name I know about their life I know about their pets, and I really am interested in that. And then you're showing up and you're constantly
Unknown Speaker 29:22
in brand and this is who I am and I am extreme. Yeah, they then respect that. Absolutely. Because then they trust that we're doing a good thing. It's not just new tracky Dacks Oh, yeah. Hey, how are ya? And yeah, it's not just like a part of your life. It's your whole life and you're very committed.
Unknown Speaker 29:43
Absolutely. And I think you have to be especially when you're teaching children. Absolutely. And like, job, it's work for you. How many preschoolers Have you got?
Unknown Speaker 29:54
I'm at 130 right now. That's amazing, which I'm incredibly proud of. So So
Unknown Speaker 30:00
I've been, it's been a
Unknown Speaker 30:03
it's been a very fluctuating sort of roller coaster. And as you said before, I think a major success has been my presence on social media, and that I go to there, because that has helped me grow tenfold. Like my mom had literally before we took on Ready Set dance, she had six scores, because back in the day, we talked about all the time scenegraph club, you know, it wasn't important to have preschoolers, you know, and then we took on Ready Set dance. She got a lot more in like her first year, and then it's just kept growing as I've sort of taken it over.
Unknown Speaker 30:46
Because of the brand. I truly believe that. Absolutely. So literally got so invested into it. You, you know, you touched on social media, and your social media is always on point. The branding always looks fantastic. So you know, I was watching your stories, and even so much in your stories that you know, you've got like a little slight pink filter on them that's going on and the same on every single one.
Unknown Speaker 31:15
So tell me like, What do you think super important in your social media to kind of keep you on brand? Like, what what do you allow to happen? What don't you allow? What don't you like, you know, what works for you? Hmm. It's interesting. I think it's like,
Unknown Speaker 31:32
it's an
Unknown Speaker 31:34
it's an ever evolving thing. And I think it changes all the time. Like, for example, reels weren't a thing a year ago. Yeah, they are. Now, if you're not posting a reel, what are you doing? Yeah, absolutely. So I think it's always changing and trying to keep up with it. Yeah, but very aware of
Unknown Speaker 31:58
who my like who my clientele is. Yes. Who am I trying to appeal to? And to just stay in my own lane? Which is very difficult sometimes when you're looking at other people's stuff. Yeah. Which I? To be honest, try and not do anymore? Yeah. Because then I think it can confuse you and make you feel like, well, I'm not doing that. And I'm not doing that, you know, so I really try and just stick with who I am. And to be honest, what I know works. Yeah. And it taken me a long time to sort of have it down pat. But I've got it down pat to like a fine art now.
Unknown Speaker 32:39
Like, and I have to say that my social media, my stories and my posting, it is non negotiable. And it's the
Unknown Speaker 32:50
number one priority, yet like comes first and even to the point where I might be really busy. And the guilt that I feel driving home and I have not posted my story from my parents. Yeah, it's like, you have to prioritise it. Yeah, absolutely. So often that it's got to be like it used to just be, it's funny. We're prepping. We're recording this at the moment, our on a Tuesday, and we've got our studio growth club call in a minute. And we were prepping that and talking about, you know, that social media used to just be like, Oh, it's just a thing that I'll do that that'll be cute on the side. But it now really needs to be your number one priority. Like to grow your business as a business. It's got to be such a huge part of it. 100% and I think it's as well, it's not only that your own parents are gonna say it. But then I'm very big on I tag, everybody. Yes. So then what happens is, and they share it, and then their friend sees and they're like, Oh, do you go there? I'll go, I'm gonna come there. And that is honestly, what has sort of been
Unknown Speaker 33:55
a massive success for me. Yeah, when I started tagging every single parent, because then they share it. And it is it's just a cycle, you know? Absolutely. I'm very careful what I share as well. Yeah, I tried, consistent.
Unknown Speaker 34:12
So that they're always sort of seeing the progression of the class, particularly in my appraisal classes. I that is sort of how I share what they do in class. So I don't actually share it on band or in a Facebook group or anything like that. It's purely through Instagram. Yeah. Okay. Because then it sort of works as a double Yeronga for me that they have to do it twice. Twice. Yeah. And they actually my parents love that. But it's also because that's just what we do. It's the thing about that's how they're conditioned when they come into the studio. It's I join our Facebook group to keep updated and make sure you're following us on Instagram, like they're my instructions, you know, be on social media, because that's where we are so Absolutely, yeah. And so they like reshare it and like I'm telling you, I've had parents actually go
Unknown Speaker 35:00
Oh, well, you didn't tag me in that. Yeah, you haven't shared that. And
Unknown Speaker 35:06
there's an expectation. Now I have, and it's my own fault. I have created an expectation. But it's a good expectation, because parents do want to see what their kids are doing. You know, and they, and I think that they actually want to share it, because then they're proud of like, wow, look at them skip down the room. Oh, my God, look how funny she was with that pancake. The beanbag, you know, so I think that's been really a great success. And it's been like really important in my growth. absenting think as well, the more confidence that I've gotten in it and who I am. And as the studio has sort of established itself, I'm now a little bit more, I actually am a little bit more playful. Now, sometimes, like, even last night I wanted to do, I had basically an entire two grades, all in their jackets, which I'm so proud of, because I'm very big on the uniform, like you'd be in uniform, you got to be in the brand. So we did a whole thing about like, oh, it's Oh, it's cold outside. And we did a beanie of them all with you know, and then we did hot but lucky. Our jackets are keeping us warm. Yeah. So then it's sort of like it's a bit comical. Yeah, the parents think it's really cute. But then I'm also like, selling your jacket. Now jacket.
Unknown Speaker 36:28
And so I'm becoming a little bit more adventurous in that as well. And letting as well, especially in extreme.
Unknown Speaker 36:39
Like my older kids classes, if there is something really funny that the kids have loved. I actually share that now. It's not it doesn't have to be perfect anymore. I was very, like, it has to look like this. And we have to look yes,
Unknown Speaker 36:52
that was gonna be one of my questions, because you have only recently, like, quite recently retired from professional dancing. So you know,
Unknown Speaker 37:01
we talk a lot about you know, what, not wanting to do things for your peers, and that's gonna be really hard for for you, because you've retired from professional dancing, with all these incredible dancers around you. You know, you can do all the things and you know, you're still young enough to do all the cool things and do all that. But how does that go with, you know, like your ego, and posting, you know, non technically correct things. On socials like, how does that sit with you? Is that been like a really hard thing to kind of get past?
Unknown Speaker 37:33
Yes or no? Maybe at first? Yeah.
Unknown Speaker 37:38
At first, it was like, What am I doing? And yeah, it was hard as well, because it was like on Zoom. Yeah. So anything that I was sharing wasn't like,
Unknown Speaker 37:51
it was more like, my angle was, were still dancing with getting through zoom calls. I'm so proud of this community. Do you know what I mean? I feel like every year my message has kind of changed. So first, it was a bit like
Unknown Speaker 38:09
me, you know, and I think that now
Unknown Speaker 38:15
to be honest, like, I'm just, I'm really, I'm really proud of my kids and where they're at and the growth that they've had, that.
Unknown Speaker 38:26
Perhaps I'm blinded by that, like, I don't really care. More like, and you'll, because that's it. And I'm just like, yeah, check this out. This is what we've been up to, you know.
Unknown Speaker 38:40
It doesn't really, it doesn't really bother me. It doesn't really bother me, because I'm just so invested in the studio, and getting better and improving that. That doesn't really faze me. I don't really care what people think of me. I care about my parents and my extreme community and my kids, and how am I going to improve for them? Not? Yes, yes. I love
Unknown Speaker 39:08
that. So it's important. So, so good. Um, my other question, because I've taught a lot of people about how big you are on stories and how you're tagging all the parents and how that's had such great growth for you. How do you for the people listening? Like, how do you actually do that? You know, like, does that mean people like but how do I actually know what are the parents tags? Or how do I actually make sure I don't miss a parent? How do I like what do you actually do to make that happen? Because I've seen your stories and you have a lot of parents tagged in those stories sometimes. Yes, I know.
Unknown Speaker 39:45
No, it's just funny when people ask me this, because my I just go, I don't know. I just did it. It just started happening. And I just went, I need to start tagging people. Because if I don't tag them, how can they see
Unknown Speaker 40:00
yet. Yeah, how, like, there's so many stories that are on your Instagram that like, I don't see, of course gonna see it. And if I'm not tagged in there, how can I possibly see it? So I just kind of went well, to be honest, I didn't even really know you weren't supposed to tag people. I just thought, this is how you do it. So yeah, I just started tagging people. And yes, you're absolutely right. You know, back in the day when I first started, you know, I had two kids in the class. So that was easy. It was no problem. Yep. And then it was like, 1015. Now I've got, you know, 20. Now I've got kids, like I've classes sorry that I have over 20 kids. Yeah. Now the annoying thing with Instagram is you actually can't tag more than 20 people at a time. Yep. And that's really frustrating, because I do not like not tagging anyone, because I don't want them to feel left out. Like I haven't tagged them, or I forgotten them or anything like that. So what I tried to do, it's funny, not everybody is actually on social media. So sometimes I actually have a class where maybe there's two kids in there that their parents actually aren't on Instagram. So great. That's okay, I can then tag everybody else. Of course, they have their permission that I can share them on social media.
Unknown Speaker 41:15
And then
Unknown Speaker 41:17
if there's a sibling, that's easy, because I only have to do one parent. Yes. If there is a class where there's lots of them, I tried to rotate it. Okay. So I will make sure I know who the parent is. And I might
Unknown Speaker 41:31
mean that, and then I won't tag that parent. I'll tag them in that. So honestly, it's it's just memory. Yeah, it is hard work. And yes, there is I do not have a formula. I don't have everybody.
Unknown Speaker 41:42
There Instagram had sheets on my notes. I actually just read them by heart. I know that by memory. You just
Unknown Speaker 41:50
I just yeah, it's just a thing. And if I have a new parent sign up, I will find them on Instagram burst. Yeah, okay. It's stalkerish. Isn't that? Or do you just ask them? Or do you actually just I asked them, I asked as well. Like, if it comes up in conversation, and I just bring it up naturally, like, Hey, you're on Instagram, or let me find you. I'll just I'll just give you a follow. Because you tagged everybody in the class afterwards. It's so easy to have that conversation. And they're like, Oh, cool. Love to see that. Yeah, well, this is my hand. You know, it's actually so easy to have that conversation. Absolutely. Get in their heads about it or something like they think that it says really awkward, like asking people for their bank account details. I'm like, no, just ask them say, Hey, I took a really cute video in class today, I'll tag you, what's your handle? It's so easy to do. And so I do I just sit there. And like after every class, I always tagged the photo. First of all, I'll always post the photo first. And then I've like, looked at everyone, I've actually tagged their parent. So it's like in my brain. And then I'll go through the story and tag and like, Yeah, I'm human. Sometimes I'll go through and be like, what, who was that other kid? I know, there's one more kid in that class. Yeah. Cuz I'm trying to, you know, like, I'm trying to tag everybody in remember it, but I'll just pull up the phone. But the mandate? That's right. Yeah. You know, and I'll pop it in. Like, it's not that hard. But it's, it is effort. And I, it does rule my life. Because I'm, I make it rule my life as well. Sometimes I'll get home and it's like, I cannot do anything. I cannot have my dinner. I can not shower, I will do nothing until I have done my story. Yeah, absolutely. Do you have like, a priority? Absolutely. Then like, do you have like, how many stories do you want to do a day or per class or anything like that? Or you don't have numbers on it, but you just try to do as many as you can. It's just like organic? You know? It's like, sometimes hate sometimes the class isn't? On fire. Yeah. And we all have classes like that. Exactly. You know, because the kids you know, sometimes they're not having like the best day ever. So there's not as much content or maybe we are having so much fun that I have taken so much content of the day. Yeah, it just depends. Every single day is different. And my stories are always different. They're always consistent and there will always be a Ready Set story and then they'll always be an extreme story, no matter what. But it changes every day and like sometimes I am I am so flooded out teaching that I haven't had a second to take a beating me of that class. And sorry, I was teaching but I'll always put something on so even if I just put a photo one. Yes. You know what I mean? Like something something Yes, something goes on. I post every single day I post now even on Sundays I used to like not do that. But now I like I am posting every single day. Yes, I have to. Absolutely. How much like you're saying you yourself sit there and scroll. Especially on a Sunday scroll. Exactly. I want them to scroll and see me Yeah, I scroll more on a Sunday than any other day. It's when I'm sitting on the couch or I'm you know when you have a bit more time, right? That's right.
Unknown Speaker 45:00
That's right. And I think that's another thing that reels have become important for me making the reel and like, Look, if I'm doing it like quick on the spot, like it takes me an hour, I'm not gonna lie, and I'm pretty quick at them. But I'm also a perfectionist. So I like to finesse it and make sure it like looks good.
Unknown Speaker 45:18
And like if that's all it takes, that I have to just make a quick little reel and it takes me an hour. But then it's getting viewed 2000 times. It's worth it. It's a win, you know, parents love it, and then they really share it and then the bond goes around. We used to pay an absolute fortune for ads in the newspaper to be seen 1000 people right like it used to last week. Even last week, we do crazy sock week. And I had like, Man, I should have got a commission from that near the amount of soliant Mad Mayor up later. Well, that was the point I did this post. And I didn't tag them in it, but I did hashtag mad meow. Yeah, they commented literally like a celebrity. I was like, being an influencer.
Unknown Speaker 46:05
Look at that. I didn't even try to tag them. I wasn't trying to get them to comment. But it just shows you how it circulates. And they saw it and I was like, Oh my god. Cool. Right? So so good. Well, you are absolutely amazing. Huge Congratulations on all your success, you know, especially taking over the studio, pretty much starting from scratch almost in 2020 like you're doing amazing things should be so proud of yourself. I am pretty proud and I think sometimes it does take a second to like sit back and it's actually really nice like thinking about it and talking about it or when you actually reflect on it and how much it actually has evolved like, even to the point of painting the studio. You know, it wasn't always hot pack draft me it was beige. And
Unknown Speaker 46:57
you know, and it is I just think over time
Unknown Speaker 47:02
has become our brand and identity and it's like but it's it's not been not thought out and not planned. And, and hard work. And sometimes it is nice to actually sit back and be like, Oh yeah, that is pretty cool, huh? So, so cool. Well, it has been absolutely lovely to have you on the podcast. Chelsea team extreme do another thing.
Unknown Speaker 47:30
It's been so so good having
Unknown Speaker 47:33
big love. Thanks, Jake. We'll see you next week on the podcast friends
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
