We had the good fortune of connecting with Kurt Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kurt, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Something to Smile About Any entrepreneur or small business owner would likely tell you that they’ve had many instances in their career where they felt like giving up. For me, giving up is never an option. When I reach a fork in the road, I complete a self-examination to determine if I should change courses, or simply try harder. The success of my brand has grown out of that resilience and desire to succeed. Growing up in a small town in rural Tennessee, I was a late bloomer when it came to fashion and personal style. I faced many challenges in my adolescence, but I searched within to push myself to be the strongest version of me. I have always been encouraged by seeing joy in others and bringing a smile to someone’s face. Feeling comfortable in your own skin and looking your best is one of the greatest reasons to smile. When you feel good on the inside, it just makes sense to accessorize with goodness on the outside.
Spreading love and making others smile has been a personal mission of mine, as a 6-year resident of Midtown Atlanta. I have loved seeing the community grow into the diverse and unique place it is today. Our residents are the core component of the Midtown identity. Interests of this community range from fitness and wellness to socio-cultural activities and nightlife. Several years ago, I purchased a heat press and started making fun shirts for friends in Midtown who wanted to turn a look for a party or event in something custom. I set up a small shop in my apartment started making custom shirts. I soon realized the potential I had at my fingertips for an actual business. At times I became discouraged, because I was limited with my capabilities using only a heat press. However, I was motivated by seeing my friends smile while wearing their custom gear, so I decided to try harder. I made the pivot to take this hobby to the next level and Dancing-Peach was born. We launched our first online merchandise in March 2021.
What should our readers know about your business?
Something to Smile About Any entrepreneur or small business owner would likely tell you that they’ve had many instances in their career where they felt like giving up. For me, giving up is never an option. When I reach a fork in the road, I complete a self-examination to determine if I should change courses, or simply try harder. The success of my brand has grown out of that resilience and desire to succeed. Growing up in a small town in rural Tennessee, I was a late bloomer when it came to fashion and personal style. I faced many challenges in my adolescence, but I searched within to push myself to be the strongest version of me. I have always been encouraged by seeing joy in others and bringing a smile to someone’s face. Feeling comfortable in your own skin and looking your best is one of the greatest reasons to smile. When you feel good on the inside, it just makes sense to accessorize with goodness on the outside.
Spreading love and making others smile has been a personal mission of mine, as a 6-year resident of Midtown Atlanta. I have loved seeing the community grow into the diverse and unique place it is today. Our residents are the core component of the Midtown identity. Interests of this community range from fitness and wellness to socio-cultural activities and nightlife. Several years ago, I purchased a heat press and started making fun shirts for friends in Midtown who wanted to turn a look for a party or event in something custom. I set up a small shop in my apartment started making custom shirts. I soon realized the potential I had at my fingertips for an actual business. At times I became discouraged, because I was limited with my capabilities using only a heat press. However, I was motivated by seeing my friends smile while wearing their custom gear, so I decided to try harder. I made the pivot to take this hobby to the next level and Dancing-Peach was born. We launched our first online merchandise in March 2021.
Dancing Peach specializes in fun apparel and footwear that will turn heads and make a statement. Some of our best-selling products include our leggings and shoes. The leggings are versatile and can be worn at the gym or out for a night of dancing. They are warm, naturally sliming, and comfy enough to wear around the house. I was inspired to create fun, eye catching patterns that can be seen across all our products including our shoes! Dancing-Peach offers 5 different styles in many amazing colors and funky patterns.
Even though we live in a largely virtual world today, starting an online store is no small feat. There have been many times when I question myself and wonder if I even have a chance at success or competing with other niche online retailers. I must remind myself once again to try harder, reflect on the journey of my business and where it came from, and remember the reason why I started. Seeing the smiles on my customers faces and hearing positive feedback from my community is the ultimate reassurance.
So, when asked with the question to give up or keep going, my default is to keep going and try harder as long as I am doing something I believe in while making people smile. I created the tag line for my brand “Turn heads, make a statement” and that is what I am here to do. The support of my friends within this community combined with the love and encouragement from my amazing partner, has been the driving force behind the continued growth and success of the Dancing-Peach brand. I look forward to growing DP’s online presence and spreading smiles for as long as I can.
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.
I would start by grabbing some scooters and hitting the Atlanta beltline. The beltline is always a great time to see so many friends out and about as well as meet new ones. With all of the amazing restaurants located along the way it is hard to choose which one to eat at. I would definitely stop off at Superica for some great Mexican food. For dessert I would have to choose Butter & Cream. Butter & Cream has some amazing unique flavors with great customer service and the prices are well worth it. I would also follow up with taking my friend to the Atlanta Aquarium. The aquarium is always fun and offers tons of amazing views, like the underwater tunnel. You are guaranteed to have a great time when you step inside and spend some time with the penguins.
West Midtown is the new place to be, so I would have to hop over and take my friend to Puttshack. Puttshack is a new indoor put put golf with delicious drinks that go great with put put golf. You are sure to get some laughs in if you visit with friends and the staff there are friendly and fun.
I always like to visit Piedmont park, which is a few steps from my front door. Piedmont park is always filled with friends and tons of walking trails to catch up on great conversation. My friends and I love to take a blanket to the park and chill out with our favorite glass of wine and relax.
Atlanta has a great night life, so when you are ready to get your groove on head down to Future located in the Atlanta Underground and catch a drag performance by Phoenix Entertainment. You are guaranteed to have tons of fun and so are your friends.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Lequawn James who is the owner of Gentle Giant Care, LLC. Lequawn who I am known for years is a staple for the community as well as a true inspiration of success. Lequawn recently opened his first clinic here in Atlanta. They offer hormone replacement therapy, Botox, facials and tons of great services to get yourself felling and looking your best.
Website: www.Dancing-Peach.com
Instagram: @the.dancing.peach
Image Credits
Emmitt Begley, Jonathan Ferrell, Wayne Washington