Owning a dance studio can place a unique strain on a marriage, especially during busy seasons when recital deadlines, competitions, staffing challenges, and unexpected problems demand your attention.

In this episode of The Life We Build series, Ginger talks with Connie O'Reel, owner of Southwest Synergy Dance, about building a strong marriage while growing a successful dance studio. Connie shares how her husband has supported her throughout her 20 years of studio ownership, from helping with hands-on projects to offering encouragement behind the scenes.

Ginger and Connie also discuss the importance of recognizing when business stress is affecting your relationship, making time for connection outside of the studio, and understanding what kind of support your spouse is best equipped to provide.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• How Connie and her husband found ways to spend time together during the early years of studio ownership
• Why busy seasons can create tension at home
• The importance of showing appreciation when your spouse supports your business
• How scheduled date nights can help couples stay connected
• Why your spouse may not always be the best person to process studio drama with
• How to communicate clearly when you need a listening ear versus a solution
• The value of creating family time that has nothing to do with dance
• How to make sure your spouse is included in the rewarding parts of studio ownership

Mrs. Connie O'Reel is the Director and Owner of Southwest Synergy Dance, bringing over 40 years of training in jazz, hip hop, ballet, and lyrical. A former competitive dancer and Illinois state champion at Lockport Township High School, she began assistant teaching at age twelve and became a principal instructor by nineteen. Since assuming leadership in 2006, Miss Connie has grown Southwest Synergy Dance into an award-winning, community-centered studio, named Southland's Best Dance Studio, and has expanded its reach with a second location. Her choreography spans competitive as well as local high school programs. Connie is an active member of The Rhee Gold Company's Gold Alliance, Gold Alliance Masters, and The Organized Executive Club, where she continues to advance her leadership and business expertise. Known for building confident dancers and strong communities, Connie remains committed to developing the next generation through discipline, creativity, and connection.

https://swsynergy.com/

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In this episode of Dance Studio Owner Life Coaching, Ginger talks with Laura Giacomelli, owner and founder of Libra Dance Studio in Warminster, Pennsylvania.

Laura shares openly about divorce, single motherhood, business ownership, financial independence, and what changed when she stopped playing small. Her story is honest, practical, and deeply relevant for dance studio owners who are building businesses while also navigating real life.

Laura talks about filing for divorce in January 2024, the importance of protecting her business with a prenup, and how that decision helped her keep ownership of the studio she had built. She also reflects on how she changed after divorce, describing how her ambition and creativity expanded once she had the freedom to make decisions fully on her own.

The conversation also explores what it means to run your studio like a real business. Laura explains why studio owners need to know their numbers, set financial goals, make profitable scheduling decisions, and think long term about owner pay, retirement, and personal financial stability.

Laura also shares about being a single mom to her son Cole, advocating for him as a child with special needs, and creating a business structure that allows her to be present for her family. With strong systems, delegation, and the right team in place, Laura has built a studio that supports her life and gives her room to grow.

About Laura Giacomelli

Laura Giacomelli is a Philadelphia native, entrepreneur, and dance industry professional with more than 15 years of experience as a studio owner and 23 years as an educator. She is a sought-after business presenter, social media content creator, and mentor who is passionate about helping dance studio owners build successful, sustainable businesses.

As a single mother to her son, Cole, who is autistic, Laura is also a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her commitment to creating supportive environments where all children can thrive. Laura has intentionally built a business and lifestyle that prioritizes both professional success and family, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve meaningful work-life balance while growing a thriving studio and remaining fully present as a parent. Through her speaking, mentoring, and educational content, she inspires others to pursue success on their own terms while leading with purpose, passion, and authenticity.

You can find Laura online at:

Studio Website: libradancestudio.com

Instagram: @misslauragiacomelli

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In this episode of Dance Studio Owner Life Coaching, Ginger talks with Judy Sullivan, owner of Silver City Dance Center in Taunton, Massachusetts, as part of the series The Life We Build.

Judy is celebrating 25 years as a dance studio owner, and her story is full of lessons on longevity, family, boundaries, delegation, and staying connected to the person you are outside of your business.

Judy shares how she went from performing in New York City to opening her own studio, even though owning a dance studio was not originally part of her plan. She reflects on the early years of figuring out pricing, enrollment, staffing, and growth without a business background, and how she learned to build a studio that aligned with her values.

Ginger and Judy also talk honestly about raising children while running a studio, the challenges of having your own children dance at your school, the importance of setting boundaries with families and staff, and why studio owners need lives beyond the studio walls.

One of the most powerful parts of Judy's story is how returning to performing helped her hire more teachers, delegate classes, and rediscover a piece of herself that had been set aside for years. Her story is a reminder that your studio can be a meaningful part of your life while still leaving room for your family, your creativity, and your own personal growth.

About Judy Sullivan

A native of Berkley, MA, she has danced since the age of 3, studying with Carole Miller in Taunton. She started teaching her own dance classes at the age of 15 and found her true calling in life. Judy graduated with a BA in Theatre and Dance from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. After college, she moved to NYC where she performed on the steps of Federal Hall in a Musical by Jonathan Larson called JP Morgan Saves the Nation, and also toured around the Southern US/East Coast with A Christmas Carol. She opened up SCDC in 2001 to inspire the next generation of dancers. Since 2020, she has participated in 'online school' and has taken many interactive seminars to continue her education: business, finance, preschool dance, child behavior and development and Tap History, among others.

She has completed her Certificate in Dance Entrepreneurship and her Level One Mental Health Wellness Certificate. She is currently certified by test to teach through Acrobatic Arts for Acro, the Dance Teachers Club of Boston and the American Society, Dance Masters of America in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz and continues to participate in continuing education seminars through their organizations. She has recently appeared as both a guest and as a co-host on Rhee Gold's "Living the Dream" Podcast. This summer she is on Faculty at the Dance Life Teacher Conference in Florida. In 2024, she choreographed "Rent" for Falmouth Theater Guild. She is extremely proud to be celebrating 25 years as a business owner in Downtown Taunton.

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