Women in Business
F
red Astaire Dance Studios provides a customized program of ballroom dance education designed to fit each client’s goals and desires. Owner Izabella Lewandowski has worked with the company for the past six years and opened her own Fred Astaire studio 1½ years ago. She has been dancing since she was very young and has worked as a dance teacher for 17 years.
Tell us something unique about your business.
“It does not recognize race, age, status, ability or disability. It’s absolutely for everybody, and it’s a form of activity that helps each individual transform and enrich their lives, make positive changes, find their passion, overcome life challenges, lose weight, find balance, gain self-confidence, improve social skills—all through movement and music.”
Give us tips for finding work/life balance.
“For me it is learning how to prioritize, organize and plan my time. I work 24/7, but I realized that I have to find time for myself. It helps to get some distance on things—getting a fresh perspective and recharging. As my mother used to say to me, ‘You can do anything but not everything.’”
What is your best piece of advice for a female entrepreneur just starting out?
“Don’t panic. Starting a business can be challenging; learning patience is key. Figuring out a business model that suits you and finding the right team of people is also very important in bringing your vision to life.”
How do you advise your clients to achieve and maintain success?
“Consistency! Changing your life starts with making that one choice, but maintaining success is being consistent. Things do not happen overnight, but taking a positive approach, staying consistent and trusting your team of professionals will get you there in no time. Whatever you do, be all in … and you have to have fun doing it. Then it never feels like work!”
What are some of the challenges you have encountered being a female in your industry?
IZABELLA LEWANDOWSKI
Owner Fred Astaire Dance Studio 1650 S. Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 110, Redondo Beach 310-316-5800 fredastaireredondo.com
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SOUTHBAY,SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
“By the time I began my career, there were quite few amazing, powerful females who proved that being a dancer/coach/choreographer/judge in our industry really depends on your education, commitment, creativity and passion—not gender. These women opened the doors wide for my generation of professionals.”
FAST FACT Izabella and her husband/dance partner moved from their native Poland to the U.S. in 2000.
S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N