Shelby Kargl is an entrepreneur and mother of two, who has been inspiring children to learn and experience the joy of dance for over twenty-five years.
If you could tell your past self some advice, what would you tell you?
Don’t be afraid to be large! Let your inner light shine brightly for all to see.
Always speak your truth. If people in your life don’t support you or don’t make you feel like the best version of yourself, leave—and do it quickly! People who have your best interest at heart will be happy to see you soar high and achieve! They will be happy to celebrate your successes! You want those kinds of people in your inner circle.
Listen to your intuition. If something feels off in your gut, trust that always… no question!
Take chances and don’t be afraid to fail. Some of the best lessons are learned through failing. Once you have learned those lessons, you become an incredibly strong woman who can face any challenges life throws at you.
Say “yes” to experiences! Don’t let fear talk you out of it. Life is meant to be lived fully.
Love wholeheartedly every day, even your enemies. You only hurt yourself when you wallow in anger.
Turn your dreams into goals, and be sure to do them without overthinking them. The more you think, the more it has the potential to stall you. Do it… just go and do it!!! Even tiny steps each day towards your dreams will get you there! Eventually, you will look back and see how much you have achieved! Never quit! Life is full of struggles and challenges. Just keep moving forwards.
When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
I was blessed to be raised by two loving and supportive parents. They spoke positively to me every day while I was growing up. In fact… my father would say to me daily, “Shelby, you have the power to be anything you want to be in this lifetime… anything!” Those words have been ingrained in my mind.
My mother was the one who was cheering me on to start my first dance studio. She saw a need for dance in our area, so straight out of high school, I began my first dance company, “Westwood Academy of Dancing.”
Who has been your greatest influence in business?
I have had so many people influence me along my entrepreneurial journey. I love how people come into our lives just at the right time. It’s fascinating to look back and see how those people have helped take you to the next level.
Most recently, I met a very inspirational entrepreneur, Tressa wood. She came into my life right when I was at the lowest of lows. My brother had just passed tragically, and my husband left me unexpectedly shortly there afterwards. I knew I needed to get my life back on track. I needed to start planning for the future for my children and me. I had been a stay-at-home mom for the majority of my children’s lives, and at that time I was running a smaller “hobby” business. I had a vision for the direction of my company but was lacking in the know-how. Tressa had a wealth of knowledge and was happy to share her wisdom with me! Her advice and expertise lit a fire in my soul, and I have been excelling ever since that first meeting! I’m beyond grateful she was willing to share her own experiences with me. She helped lift me up when I felt low, and she gave me the extra confidence I needed to take that leap!
What is your number one business goal to achieve this year?
My company is very close to licensing! I’m excited to start selling my programs and business model to others who are not too sure how to start their own dance company!
What do you have going on you’d like to share?
Recently, I’ve hired new staff members. We are taking our programs to early learning centres and daycares in the lower mainland. I’m so excited to be reaching many more little ones with my inspirational and confidence-boosting programs!
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