In this episode, Cody has a conversation with Stephanie Wonchala, the Executive Director of Pulse Dance Company and the owner and operator of Studio Pulse Center for Dance. Stephanie started Pulse Dance Company in 2010. Back then they rehearsed wherever they could find space. At one point they held rehearsals on the second floor of a massage studio, with carpet, low ceilings, and no mirrors. Although not ideal, Stephanie remained thankful, but always kept looking. Then, in 2013, she opened Studio Pulse Center for Dance in order to provide the company with a permanent home. 

 

As you mature as a business owner, you learn to accept change and allow for your creation to take on new ideas. You bring other people in and begin delegating responsibilities. You allow it to become something bigger than yourself. It's taken some time, but Stephanie has learned to accept this: that in order for Pulse to continue being a guardian of culture and a home to those who practice dance, then safeguards need to be put into place to ensure Pulse continues to exist long after she's gone. 

 

Thanks to Carrie Hambach and Brittany Petry for help with interview questions.