Meet Micka and Mo | Pole Dance Fitness Instructors and Owners

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

Hi Micka and Mo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Mo-I always thought about becoming a business owner, but I had no idea in what capacity. As I became successful in my healthcare career, I realized that I wanted to try something outside of healthcare. I challenged myself by getting a master of business administration degree to give myself the knowledge needed to be successful at starting my own business. Pole dancing has been a part of my fitness regimen since 2012 and it eventually evolved into a passion. I went from a student to a competitive performer, instructor to eventually wanting to open my own studio. Micka and I were on the same trajectory in our pole journeys and even became doubles partners. We both had the desire to curate a space where you could embark on a fitness and emotional journey through dance while having a supportive community of like minded people on the same journey.

Micka- I have been a dancer for most of my life; however, in college I had to pick between dance and Nursing. I always planned on one day owning a community center or dance studio. After years of working as a traveling nurse and nurse practitioner, I found the love for dance again when I stepped into a pole studio in 2012. Other forms of dance didn’t fit where my life was, but with pole dance I felt empowered and myself again. After multiple years of pole dancing, competing, and instructing I realized that I wanted to create a pole space that truly allowed individuals to be empowered like I felt when I started poling. While on my pole journey, I have met amazing people in the community, and one of them was Mo. Mo and I were aligned in our pole journeys and even teamed up to do pole doubles and compete together. We both had the desire and will to create a community that is free from judgment, as we are judged everyday, and with that came the idea of Prestige Pole and Movement.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Prestige Pole and Movement is a pole dance fitness and movement studio in Katy, Texas providing its members a different workout experience through dance. Movement through dance allows us to explore emotions, athleticism, and the art of performance. Pole dance itself allows us to explore movement while learning a new skill that does not require prerequisites. As with any exercise program, you build strength with repetition, and in pole dancing you advance your movement by learning how to move. Our goal is to help women develop movement from what is already within them; embrace their curiosity while providing a safe space for self exploration. Classes are led by our amazing instructors who are certified in pole dance, aerial arts and dance movements. We provide a variety of small group fitness classes Monday thru Friday in the evening and Saturdays. We also offer private lessons, workshops, pole dance parties, team building events, and studio rental.
We believe our passion sets us apart…

We took a hobby we both love and curated a community where women could be uplifted and empowered with no judgment while helping them reach their fitness goals through the use of an unconventional fitness method, pole dance. Pole dance allows you to build the muscle for the activity while actively engaging in the activity. We also incorporate music as a major part of our training philosophy. Music can evoke multiple responses within the same individual. It can trigger anger, sadness, disappointment, insecurity, boldness, pride, empowerment, etc. Tapping into music as a source of emotional release can be a catalyst to improve your overall well-being, fitness journey or lead you on a path of self discovery.

We are known in the pole community as the doubles duo Yingyangpoleduo, as we have performed in competition and showcases. Yin Yang symbolizes to us the opposites of the same coin, it takes both to balance it out. We took Mo’s athletics and Micka’s ballet background and interconnected them so that they complement each other. When the pandemic hit, the hobby we both enjoyed for years was put on hold as most studios closed their doors due to the stay at home mandates. Some never reopened. We saw the opportunity to create our own space and community using the philosophies we both believe in and use within our teaching methods and performances. Solidifying our vision for Prestige Pole and Movement was the easy part. Getting to the end point was not. We learned early in the process that we had to believe in our dream and mission, because others may not understand or care. When they don’t understand they may discount it as just that, a dream. Plus the PPP loan scandal did not help at all. This made it quite difficult to obtain financial backing as many institutions were shying away from new, upcoming businesses, or had what we considered unrealistic and sometimes unethical demands for new, fledgling businesses.
Since opening our doors, we have been on a nonstop roller coaster. From starting our business from the ground up, monitoring each phase of the construction process, marketing, teaching classes, as well as maintaining full time careers, balance has definitely been a challenge. We have dedicated a day of rest for ourselves and clients as we each have to honor our body and sanity so we can continue our physical, mental, and emotional journeys together.
Even though we are early in the business ownership process, we have learned that you have to show up, and absorb as much knowledge as you can in the foundational phase of your business planning and growth, so the early successes and mistakes become a vital component in helping us to continually navigate and avoid the pitfalls of business ownership. Find people who believe in your vision, and they will be the ones that will truly invest in your business and become lifelong clients. Also remember to be flexible, as things may not go as planned, but can still turn out great.
Prestige pole and movement is exactly that, a movement. We are striving to create a community that moves its members emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The greater Houston area is diverse in its people and entertainment… and food is no exception. Start the week off by heading to Food Truck Park located between chimney Rock and Westheimer. You can experience a variety of cuisines on the go. Plus the added bonus of getting a turkey leg from The Turkey Leg Hut without the long lines.
For the next stop, head over to Katy, Texas for a tour and tasting at No Label Brewing company, one of Houston’s local breweries. Then enjoy the afternoon in the picnic area.

Plan a scavenger hunt around town looking for Houston murals. The artwork is amazing and a great backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot.

Head down south to
The Johnson Space Center to see the rockets up close. Then off to Kemah Boardwalk for waterfront dining and entertainment.

It’s time to let someone else drive, so hop on the Houston City Tour bus and take a guided tour of the city. When you’re done head underground to explore the Downtown Underground Tunnels.

Summer nights are not complete without grabbing your picnic basket and blanket and heading to Miller Outdoor theater to view one of their shows.

The Museum district is always a good choice. From the Museum of Fine Arts to the Buffalo Soldier Museum, experience a bit of history.

Book a Private Party with us at Prestige Pole and Movement and have a ladies night out

Wind down your week with a relaxing day at Spa World Houston

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A shoutout to the amazing women we have met along the way during our pole fitness journeys. We strive to create a community for women to feel welcomed and able to embrace their movement from within

Website: Www.prestigepoleandmovement.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/prestige_pole_and_movement

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/prestigepoleandmoventllc

Other: Tiktok @prestigepoleandmovement

Image Credits
Theimagecella Tuliplotusphotography Mas3productions