Small business owner Tierra Brown graduated from the 2021 Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp cohort. Her dance company, FYEnally Raw Studios, teaches several different styles of dance (including praise, majorette, lyrical, hip hop, tumbling, and cheer) to children of all ages. She started her business in 2017, aiming to inspire young dancers and encourage them to develop their talent.

Offering both competitive and non-competitve classes, Tierra operates her company in two studio locations, one in Danville and one in Urbana. She also rents out her studio spaces to accommodate events, and is currently in the process of transitioning the business into a full-blown event center. 

When Tierra enrolled in the Trep School in 2021, she had already been in business for four years and had just moved into a larger building to be able to serve larger groups and expand her target market. She says the program was instrumental in her business’ evolution. “It helped me focus on the details that needed to be done, especially behind the scenes,” she states. “The program also helped me build confidence within myself and my brand.”

She used her seed funds from the program to purchase marketing materials and studio decor. It also helped her cover a month’s worth of studio rent and utilities to get ahead.

Tierra considers the in-class instruction to be the most impactful part of the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp, stating that her favorite part of the program was having the opportunity to talk business with other like minded individuals. :We were able to speak freely and hear the ideas of others, as well as receive feedback,” she says.

Finally, Tierra has a few words of encouragement to share with anyone considering enrolling in the Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp: “It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting a business or if you’ve been in business 10 years! This class is a MUST! Also, if you haven’t formally met Tricia Teague, you’re missing out on networking with an amazing individual! The time is now, don’t wait, just do it!”

Keep up with FYEnally Raw Studios on Facebook and check out the different classes they offer!