We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Haynes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Work smarter, not harder

What should our readers know about your business?
I started the Sienna dance project in July 2023, in the matter of nine days. In the same day that I found out I wouldn’t have a job. I knew that I need to start one for myself.

I started by calling every business owner that I had a relationship with personally, my mom and my fiancé to invest in the paperwork, and found a location to start hosting classes.

From there I created a website, payroll system, handbook, class schedule, ordering equipment, parent portal, email, and much more to start classes almost immediately.

To be honest, I’ve been teaching my dancers for three years. We lost our studio in financial difficulty under a different owner., but this group of 12 dancers believed in me, and I was not going to let them down.

Upon starting the company, I wanted to give them everything they deserved! Training with the best teachers, affordable tuition, open communication, professional photos, numerous competitions in training that empowered them versus discouraging them. We have been granted numerous awards this year during our competition season. Creativity, artistry, passion, showmanship, scholarships in LA and New York, invitation to perform, among top overall finalist awards, Ms much more.

I am HR, payroll, marketing, consult, mentor, manager, artistic director, choreographer, advocate, and teacher for the community at my studio. For 10 months I have been working full-time in addition to owning a company, which hasn’t been easy, but made possible by the willingness of the parents and teachers, to make this a success.

It would’ve been possible without the families that I have been able to serve over the last year. These kids changed my world and gave me the motivation to be successful.

Oh my worst day is they are the best par, and I have the privilege of being able to grow and foster a community that allows them the space to express who they are. A selfish man would say that I built this company alone. I did it for them. I did it with them. I did it for every person whoever believed in me still believes in me today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I fortunately have the ability to show my entire family, friends, and acquaintances. Every time they visit me around the city of Houston, Texas.

I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri so everyone that comes to visit me is a tourist.

Based on the time of year, our top spots would be Galveston, the heights, Eado, Brazos Bend, Woodlands, and of course, Sienna.

For many people that don’t live in the southern part of Houston, sienna may sound foreign, but it sits in between Sugarland and Pearland in its own beautiful neighborhood.

We have lots of culture, events, music, restaurants, and bars down here just like anywhere else!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My fiancé RJ, he’s always motivated me to take the next step, to leap when I’m hesitant, and to keep moving forward.

He’s there for all the good days and bad, to help me move equipment when we have no means to.

Ultimately providing for us, when I am trying to pursue my dreams.

Website: www.siennadanceproject.com

Instagram: @Ms.AshleyHTX

Facebook: SiennaDanceProject

Youtube: SiennaDanceProject

Other: Tiktok: @siennadanceproject

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