In this episode, Demi sits down with Deb, a dynamic entrepreneur and former dancer turned educator and nonprofit leader. Together, they explore what it means to "prototype your life"—testing ideas, pursuing passions, and shifting identities as performers transition into new chapters.

Deb opens up about her early journey in dance, the creation of her first company Design Dance, and how her lived experiences led to founding The Brainchild Collective and Prismatic, two organizations dedicated to social-emotional learning and future-readiness.

This is a must-listen for athletes, performers, and coaches navigating identity shifts, burnout, career transitions, or the intimidating moment of starting over.

Topics Covered

From dancer to entrepreneur: How Deb followed her instincts and built a mission-driven business

Creating arts-based educational spaces focused on healing, not competition

Navigating confusion, burnout, and loss of direction after performance ends

The importance of transferable skills from dance, sports, and the arts

Redefining career success beyond traditional majors or job paths

How to prototype your life and test your passions in small, meaningful ways

The mental toll of being a beginner again—and how to push through

Advice for college-aged performers figuring out their next chapter

Boundaries, burnout, and deciding what passions to protect vs. pursue professionally

Resources & Mentions

The Brainchild Collective – A hub for student enrichment and social-emotional learning https://www.brainchildcollective.co/

Prismatic – A nonprofit advancing future-readiness and employability through SEL

Design Dance – Deb's original arts education company supporting identity and creative expression

Keep Up on Instagram: @beyondhorizonsperformance