Meet Ashley Monet | Dancer, Teacher, Director, Choreographer

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

Hi Ashley Monet, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
“Someone’s gotta do it” In the beginning, it was something I had to truly sit, pray, and juggle with. Did I really want to start my very own dance program, or does it just sound good to say? I genuinely love kids and dance, I have taught under some amazing bosses for the past 7 years and it is time I implement my own ideas on my own dancers and business. So, yes someone has to do it, and that someone is me.

“There are already so many studios, how will yours stand out from the rest?”
Dance is universal and though there are many elements to consider when starting up something that is already so popular, it is all about making it my own, which I believe I am capable of doing. Everyone has something different to offer in life. I plan to do the same, offer my difference in life, whatever is in store for my studio will be something I believe in 100%. No matter who or what may be similar.

“Why push it off for so long?”
After graduating from Alabama State University in the historic city of Montgomery, Alabama I wanted to truly take some time to study my craft in a different aspect than just getting a degree. I would want to teach from experiences that I have personally had. This dance studio/program is not here to just help my girls become great dancers. But it is here to help me grow and learn as well. It is always good to be a student and develop your craft first. It makes coming back to teach and develop younger dancers so much easier. “When you learn, teach. When you get, give” -Maya Angelou (Professor Michael Medcalf)

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It was hard to choose how I wanted to label myself, I am always a dancer first but the business suit has had to come out time and time again. It took some getting used to at first. But, I am starting to love it more and more. Becoming a dance director was not something that happened overnight. I had to put in some long hours to make sure things were executed in the way that I desired. Coming up with a business plan, proposals, having the right team, marketing, and really praying over your dream. These few things were staples in my start-up. One year in and the hard work is never done.

Nothing in life is ever easy…if it is…congratulations, I hope to be there one day soon!

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.
Exercise : Burn Boot Camp
Centennial Park
Dunwoody Park
Hikes in the Metro Atlanta area

Food:
Marietta Local
Big Easy Grille
Tacos and Tequilas
Suite Lounge
Krog Street Market

Fun:
Ponce City Market
Walking downtown
Piedmont Park
Paradice Lounge Atlanta
The Battery Atlanta
Rock Steady Lounge

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?
My mom is my pride and joy! If it was not for her I don’t know where I would be. She is the one who pushed me to dance, supported my decision to go to school for dance, encouraged me to start my own program…and even came up with the name!! All of the hard work goes to her too. She steps in when I need her most and I love her for that.

Website: https://ashleymonetdance.wixsite.com/monet

Instagram: ayeeemustbethemonet

Twitter: Heyitsamonet

Image Credits
Ray Love @raylovejr Neely Townes @neelytownes