We had the good fortune of connecting with Shara Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shara, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factors behind the success of my business are two key ingredients: Quality customer service and providing a quality product.
People like be be heard, People like when their questions and concerns are resolved with positivity and care. At SDP Dance Studio, we make it a top priority to not only give our customers consistent and quality customer service, but we always listen and learn and improve from their feedback.
Great quality is never an accident, its a choice. SDP Dance Studio invests in staff training for our team to stay sharp and educated, we place our staff in rolls where they shine the brightest, and of course we create BIG results. Consistency is key!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Born and raised in Wayzata, Minnesota, and born a dancer like most girls in Minnesota were, I was a speck of pepper in a sea of salt. Being the only black girl in every dance class, was never easy. I remember when everyone was so excited to see our dancer costumes, and my teacher put me in “tan tights” and a red wig. Thankfully my parents always kept me grounded – they always reminded me that my skin was beautiful and that being different in my classes was the one thing that was going to make me stand out, and they also taught me to always be confident in my beauty and abilities.
From the outside I was the fun, outing black dance girl who was always a good time. In the inside; I often felt not skinny enough, hair not long enough, not good enough as a dancer. I was accepted from my peers – until I wasn’t. I was never looked at as equal – just the funny black girl who was so much fun. To so many I was never competition or someone in their lane.. but I always found a way to make myself memorable to any audience I danced in front of.
Professional Bio:
Shara Jackson has more than 25 years of dance training experience and 8 years of producing experience. She danced on the renowned national championship University of Minnesota dance team, while graduating with a BA in Journalism. Her love for entertainment took her to Los Angeles, CA where she spent 6 years working as a program director for Star Education non-profit organization, focusing on quality performing arts curriculum and enrichment. She quickly found a home performing with KidTribe, kids fitness organization, where she worked with Nickelodeon Day of Play, Girls Scouts Corporate and performed at the White House for 4 consecutive years, for Michelle Obamas “Let’s Move” initiative. She has made TV appearances for; Beyonce, Glee, Radio Disney, Pepsi, and the Superbowl pre-show. She currently performs choreography for the Aveda National Hair Congress and continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry. Shara created SDP Dance Studio to give young aspiring performing artists a supportive and positive space where their talents are celebrated and elevated. SDP’s diverse staff and student base makes me stand out in the south.
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?
Fave Spots in the city: Breakfast and mimosas at Folk Art, lunch and happy hour at Chatahoochee Food Works, Dinner and Dancing at Whiskey Blue.
Nothing is better than a fun baseball game at the Battery, followed by a good summer night at the W roof top pool..
My favorite formal dinner spot is Rays in the City and South City Kitchen.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my “Safe Circle 4” crew. In this life it is so rare to find friends who not only lift you up in life, but lift you up in your personal career. My Safe Circle always inspires me to be great – because the except nothing but greatness sin their careers. They give me sound business advice without wanting anything in return. They applaud my small victories, when thank-yous are zero to none.
Last but not least I have to shout out my amazing husband, and best friend, Keynan Jackson. Like Bad Boys said, “We ride together. We die together.” Without this man… I would not be the inspired creator that I have worked so hard to be. His support is endless. Thank you keeping my head up, when my eyes begin to gaze to the ground.
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Website: https://www.sharadproductions.com/
Instagram: SDPDanceStudio
Facebook: SDP Dance Studio
Image Credits
Showstoppers Dance Competition