What defines a mega steppin’ event? I believe it’s the team and the sum of its parts. But there are times when I also think that there are some scenes that don’t play out in-front of you. Everything has a back story and in the steppin’ business for me there’s a code of ethics that’s not seen by the naked eye. It’s a secret society that houses the blueprint that defines the success of some and the demise of most steppin’ groups who try to put on mega steppin’ events. Maria Cephas and Dena Morrison have brought to the steppin’ game a skill set that has their events atop of most I’ve seen. How am I measuring that, well, it’s in their numbers. Both women have risen from mere obscurity. Maria Cephas, Fort Lauderdale, hosts the annual Red and Black Affair. Dena Morrison, North Carolina, hosts the Adult Steppers Spring Break in Miami. These two professionals are about the business of steppin’. Women in business is real and successful women in the steppin’ business is rare. These two ladies have the numbers to show for their successes respectfully. I asked six women in the steppin’ business to be a part and these two showed up. Here’s a small peek into the world of women in the business of steppin’, enjoy.
MARIA CEPHAS – STYLISTIC STEPPERS, LLC., FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
1. Steppin’ as a business, what makes your business tick? How do you make your steppin’ business thrive?
First and foremost we place God first. He’s first in our business when we make everyday decisions to praying with our students at the end of each class. It’s a welcoming feeling to know that He’s in charge as we step out on faith. I also accept the responsibility that I am in a people business that requires heavy customer service at all times. Whether at a weekend event around the country or locally, I am connecting with people. It brings great joy knowing that the person I just stepped away from feels like we are family. I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, that comes into play when handling various types of personalities and issues. One has to stay open, receptive and positive to all possibilities that surrounds us. Staying aware that this business is not about me. I have a job to do that comes with a platform to transform lives through dance. My job is to seek and bringing out the best in them. The other factors in making our business tick is team work. My business partner, Dru Smith, and those that support the Stylistic Steppers, LLC., are passionate and love what we do. Ok, I did say it’s not about me, but I do believe that my personality is a huge factor. I believe that a person is responsible for the energy that they bring into a room. I love to hug people when we address each other, funny how contagious hugging can be. If you approach people with open arms, they naturally respond with extended open arms. That right there brings a little more comfort into the room. We also have to stay aware that at the end of the day we are a business, and decisions have to be made that are best for the business and the customer. We strive to find ways to make it a win win for both sides.
2. The Black and Red was a small event that attracted only the south Florida local steppers and a select few out of towners. How were you able to grow it into a major event with hundreds of attendees from all points of the country?
The thing I had to do was remain focused on what we were building and why we were building it. We set out to build a legacy and it just so happen to come in the form of dance. It was and still is important that whether we had one person or 30 people in a class everyone is there to learn and we were there to instruct/share our passion for the art of Steppin’ Thanks for asking about the Stylistic Steppers Annual Black & Red Affair (Red & Black) . Thanks to Jim Berry and friends for launching steppin in South Florida. We joined forces with Jim in 2005 to increase the awareness of Steppin and in doing so he wanted to celebrate his birthday in conjunction with a Steppers Set. We were very instrumental as committee members and we assisted Jim with the events. I remember it being a one day party. We had the vision for a full weekend of Steppin fun. In 2008 we co-hosted a workshop with out-of-town instructors during the day & celebrated Jim’s birthday that evening with a Black & Red Set. 2009 we hosted a Meet & Greet Set and by that time we had earned love and respect around the country. That’s when the decision was made to invite out-of-town steppers. They came out and heavily supported us. It was and still is much appreciated. What was so amazing was the heart-felt comments from all those that attended. Steppers are still talking about one of our weekend highlights. The Saturday morning steppers set which sail’s down the peaceful waterways of Ft. Lauderdale. It’s an ultimate experience and it’s absolutely breathtaking to enjoy a dance that you love, while viewing some of the world’s most magnificent homes. This year we have stepped up and we are steppin’ on a yacht, and I’m excited about that! With the blessings of growth came the challenge to find a venue that was conducive to our needs. Combining all of those factors and more leads us to this year’s event which is going to be held at the Broward County Convention Center. If you would like more information on this, please check out our website at www.stylisticsteppers.com.
3. Why Steppin’ as a business?
Let me say this, it’s definitely not about the money. For me it is so much bigger than that because it is a social lifestyle type of business and it allows me to live out my purpose which is to serve people. I use the platform of steppin’ to reach the masses. The art form of dance has so many benefits to it including overcoming shyness and it also increases self-confidence. The beauty and the payback for me as an instructor is when I see these benefits come out of those I instruct or have instructed. It’s like watching your baby learn to crawl, walk, then run. To be an organization that is responsible for sharing the art of dance throughout the state of Florida is awesome. To see our advanced students pursue other avenues as instructors and promoters is another benefit knowing that we helped make that possible for them.
4. I am a firm believer that love is in the details. Pick one thing that makes your steppin’ business stand out from the rest.
I do not believe that there is one particular detail that makes my business stand out from the rest. If I have to choose I would say it’s my love for capturing and sharing beautiful memories of people through photos. My personality and sense of humor relaxes most people so they can really cut up in a photo. I strive to do the right thing by people in photos, by looking at the details of a photo before I post it….I do have a law that I would like to share if I may? If at any time I take a photo of someone and they are the only one in it and they feel it is not the most flattering photo, I will remove it. HOWEVER if you are in a group shot & you don’t like the before picture, it stays and that goes for me also!
5. Do you consider your business a brand?
Yes, branding has always been a top priority for me. Before we had the name Stylistic Steppers, my partner and I were branding ourselves locally and traveling to national events. By doing this the steppers were able to put a face to the names of Dru & Maria from Miami, Florida. I stepped up the branding when I contacted WAK (Kevin A Williams) the best-selling artist in the African-American print market for permission to use his painting Swept Away as our official logo. As the Vice-President, I am one of the faces of the company. I wear the company name on t-shirts and dress shirts.
6. How do you market your steppin’ businesses and does social media play a role in getting the word out about your business?
I market my steppin business via word of mouth and as I go through my day I hand out business cards. Years ago I implemented a referral policy for our students that works well. We have a monthly newsletter, a company website, and cross-marketing. While also fitting in dance demo’s throughout South Florida. Yes, social media does play an important role. It allows you to reach a mass amount of people in a short period of time. That information gets shared with others. If someone hears about you from someone else, they have the luxury of going to your page to get a better feel of who you are and what your business model is all about.
7. Which do you prefer Facebook or Twitter?
I prefer Facebook. I’ve been on it for years. I’m comfortable with it and it’s a fun way to share and market my business.
8. What was the best advice ever given to you as it relates to your steppin’ business? Step out on faith and everything else will fall into place.
9. Where do you see your steppin’ businesses in the next five years?
I love working with the youth. We had great success a few years back when we were contracted with Palm Beach County middle schools. I instructed steppin’ as an afterschool program. I’m on a continuous mission to move forward with the vision and once the new project comes to fruition I will share it with the Steppin community
Bonus Question, One word to describes your steppin’ business style?
Passionate.
DENA MORRISON – NORTH CAROLINA TRIANGLE STEPPERS, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
1. Steppin’ as a business, what makes your businesses tick? How do you make your steppin’ business thrive?
What makes the North Carolina Triangle Steppers thrive is the passion we have for the dance. We show integrity by going that extra mile. We make sure our students achieve what they desire. What makes the Adult Steppers Spring Break thrive, the people. The fun, fellowship and family bond that has been created and continues to build makes for a wonderful and cohesive group. It’s not just about steppin its a vacation.
2. Why Steppin’ as a business?
I chose steppin’ as a business because I believe if you love what you do, you will work hard to make it successful.
3. I am a firm believer that love is in the details. Pick one thing that makes your steppin’ business stand out from the rest.
We are consistent in our teaching style. We believe the way that we learned works great for us. We follow that format.
4. Dena, The Adult Steppers Spring Break is a master event, meaning, it is something that has grown from the weeds. What did you do as a promoter to ensure that the quality of the event would go unscathed.
We keep our guests best interest at heart. Keeping our hotel rates and ticket prices as low as possible while providing a positive atmosphere.
5. Do you consider yourself a brand?
I do believe that the North Carolina Triangle Steppers is a brand name. I place my business loyalties on that fact. We are event coordinators, steppin’ instructors, we create instructional dvds, and perform dance demonstrations. All of our steppin’ goods and services are produced under the North Carolina Triangle Steppers umbrella.
6. How do you market your steppin’ businesses and does social media play a role in getting the word out about your businesses?
We market the North Carolina Triangle Steppers using Meetup, Constant Contact, and our website. When you Google search Chicago Steppin’ in North Carolina our website is one of the first sites to pop-up. I market the Adult Steppers Spring break differently. Our strategy is very simple Facebook and word of mouth. If your event or business is a success, your guests and students will tell others. Paying it forward is a good practice.
7. Which do you prefer Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. It has proven to be an outstanding tool in keeping the Adult Stepper Spring breakers abreast of up to the minute updates and changes.
8. What is the best advice you can give to a person starting a business in general?
Advice to someone starting a business: 1. A quick buck is not a long-term business solution. Work on customer satisfaction which will lead to referrals and ultimately success. 2. Invest in a website and that will market your information to people all over the world. 3.Make your business plan bigger than your expectations. Never underestimate the power of the website. Be prepared for the over whelming response that will come.
9. Where do you see your steppin businesses in the next five years?
I believe Chicago Steppin is becoming saturated and will eventually disappear in all places except Chicago. We plan our business one year at a time. As long as there is a market for it, we will continue to provide a service.
Bonus Question, One word to describe your steppin’ business style?
One word to describe the North Carolina Triangle Steppers business is Integrity. One word to describe the Adult Steppers Spring Break is Positivity. For more information on the North Carolina Triangle Steppers check out our website at www.nctrianglesteppers.com or The Adult Steppers Spring Break at www.nationalchistylesteppers.com.
Maria and Dena have a firm grip on their successful businesses. That is what encourages steppers to return year after year. My favorite quote by our First Lady Michelle Obama is this “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” I believe that this quote equates to Maria and Dena, why, because they both have a character trait one in the same that’s in this quote and that is courage.
I LOVE 2 STEP 