On this episode of Build Better Brands, Danielle Clarke is joined by Illana Gambrill, lover of dance and founder of Dance Box. Illana runs online and pop-up dance classes for all, with a focus on empowerment. She has turned her passion into her career and the pair talk about how starting a business and growing a meaningful brand are achievable.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When I was 12 years old, I decided this was what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I started at a local dance school because I had this innate passion to move, I just loved it. I begged and pleaded to be allowed to spend all day on Saturdays at dance school, from 9am-6pm. I stepped into the first class and took to it like I’d done it my whole life and many lifetimes before. 
• I got into a professional dance college, but it was really toxic, they turned you into robots and encouraged eating disorders. At 27 I decided to take my life into my own hands and stop putting my worth into what other people thought of me, and I wanted to give back to the human race rather than just to dancers, that’s when Dance Box was born.
• I’ve had the business for nine years and it’s been hard. I used to do classes seven days a week and people wouldn’t show up, because they’ve got other responsibilities as adults. But, I persisted, I never let it go and I kept it going, there’s more to come.
• Dance studios are notorious for being unwelcoming to new people and scary. It’s vulnerable to dance in front of a room full of people. If you’ve never danced before you really need to feel safe. That’s what sets Dance Box apart, you could never have danced in your life but you’re going to feel so welcome, so loved and supported. 

BEST MOMENTS

‘At 13 I was asked to join a dance class that was 16 and up, and I’d never felt so honoured, it was the best time of my life, I was so inspired, I was obsessed.’
‘My motivation comes from an unshakable knowing, deep down that this is what I’m supposed to do and that everything isn’t going to be easy to get where you want to be.’
‘Dance is such a special thing and such a magical thing to do with your body. I’m going to bring back joy for other people and I’m healing my wounds as well.’
‘You need to be showing up as your authentic self, if you’re not it’s soul destroying to watch.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Illana Gambrill has been dancing since the age of 12 – starting her professional career in dance at the age of 18.

Illana has worked alongside many artists in music videos, TV shows and tours.

After travelling the world with dance, Illana gained an extensive amount of experience and now shares her incredible passion of dance with the world – DanceBox

Website: https://www.dance-box.co.uk/ 

Instagram: @danceboxofficial

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The Build Better Brands podcast is to inspire small business owners and help them realise that they don't have to be Nike to have a great brand, and the sooner they start to focus on making it better, the sooner they can improve their lives and the lives of others.

On the show I’ll be talking to business owners that have built brands from the ground up. Branding is how you present your best self to your audience consistently. And if they can do it, so can you!

ABOUT THE HOST - DANIELLE CLARKE

Danielle Clarke is a Brand and Marketing Consultant, University Lecturer and Business Owner. She spends her time consulting and working with business owners to help them attract and retain their best customers.

WORK WITH DANIELLE TO HELP BUILD THE BRANDING AND MARKETING STRATEGIES YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: https://calendly.com/hello-danielle-clarke-creative/free-15-min-discovery-call 

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-clarke-creative-brand-designer-marketing-consultant 

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/danielleclarke

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