For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Natalie Zara Belly Dance!
Natalie is an award winning belly dancer with 7 years of experience. Pre-COVID she performed at various events and locations in GTA. Natalie specializes in traditional belly dance and fusion style.
Our CEO Mandi interviewed Natalie about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I have been dancing professionally for over 10 years but I started my freelance belly dance business for 7 years now.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Natalie Zara Belly Dance?
I love having the freedom to create my own schedule for teaching. I am also a student, so it’s great that I can continue my business while studying because I work within my schedule.
3: What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
Being a female entrepreneur makes me feel empowered. I am my own boss and love making my own decisions. Choosing what music to perform to and what costumes to wear. I love being able to make those decisions for myself.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as a female entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start Natalie Zara Belly Dance?
Definitely the advertising aspect, it is a lot of work to promote myself. Luckily I do enjoy it but it takes a lot of time and energy to grow the business. Right now with the pandemic, is definitely the loss of live shows/events, I am now only available to teach Zoom classes but I am missing the engagement of a live audience.
5: What is one thing about working in the belly dancing and performing arts industry that people would be surprised to learn?
I love having the support from my fellow belly dance and arts peers. Community over competition always. There’s no reason we all cannot be successful when we all bring something different/unique to the arts.
6. What made you fall in love with the world of belly dancing and the performing arts?
As someone who grew up with body issues, I found bellydancing gave me a boost of confidence and appreciation for my body. I learned to love my body and the way that it can move. I also love the traditional music and instruments used, the beautiful rhythms and sounds are mesmerizing to the ears.
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
7: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
I do, Instagram. It is quick to showcase pictures and videos from my past shows or upload flyers for my future dance classes. I like that I can create a group message for students currently enrolled in my classes, easier to share information as opposed to texting everyone individually.
8: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I love the sharing option that both Facebook and Instagram platforms have, it allows for more people that are not in my social bubble to also see my content and will hopefully grow my business.
9: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
It has been effective. Pre COVID I have locked bookings from people I had not known and now during COVID I have been teaching new students on Zoom. The more people that share my posts on their social platform, there’s a chance that someone new would like to try my class.
10: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
Definitely take the time to promote yourself and also engage on posts. If people are leaving comments or asking questions, always reply. Having an engaging social media is also important. Future clients/students can see that and will want to reach out if they see the effort being made to respond. It helps to keep people connected.
Connect with Natalie Zara Belly Dance
Facebook
Instagram
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Do you know a female entrepreneur who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
