Daily Inspiration: Meet Vicky Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Harris.

Hi Vicky, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Beginning in their inaugural season in 1997, I had the wonderful experience of dancing and choreographing professionally for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad, This experience gave me the opportunity to choreograph for other professional sports, collegiate and high school dance teams.

I also got the chance to work and create lifelong friendships with very talented dancers and choreographers. I felt very fortunate to live out my dreams to travel and choreograph for several professional sports dance teams but I wanted to be able to provide those same opportunities to the many talented choreographers I knew locally. That’s when I decided to create Choreography Pros in 2007.

Choreography Pros aka “Choreo Pros” larger presence that began with our online dance studio Choreopros.com in 2012. Choreopros.com consisted of online dance classes featuring local Phoenix metro choreographers and dancers, but a year later I expanded the business to include in-person summer conventions and workshops.

Today, our website has developed into more of an online dance team routine store in which dancers and dance team coaches can access free sidelines or purchase access to dance team routines. We have 2 local summer dance conventions.

First is our Jr. Pro Dance Convention for high school-age dancers, dance teams, and younger advanced dancers. Second, is our Pro Dance Convention for collegiate and pro-level dancers and dance teams. Our conventions are both held annually at hotels in Scottsdale, AZ.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One thing you’ll learn as an entrepreneur is that many things will not go as you planned no matter how well you’ve planned for them.

You have to quickly change from disappointment to resolution mode. My website was initially supposed to launch in May 2010 but due to unforeseen issues with the development, my website didn’t launch until January 2012.

The positive that came out of that challenge was that I was so prepared and organized for the initial launch that once I found a new developer the site was up and live within a couple of months.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Prior to starting my business, I was a corporate professional working as a demand analyst for a major consumer packaged goods (CPG) company.

My experiences at this company gave me knowledge and insight into customer service, marketing, and sales planning and analysis which has helped me tremendously in starting and growing Choreo Pros. In addition to entrepreneurship, I still work full-time as a sales analyst and continue to apply what I learn to Choreo Pros and vice versa.

One of the most beneficial things I’ve learned from my corporate experience is that you set yourself apart from others through innovation. I’m proud that Choreo Pros has remained at the forefront of innovative ways to serve our customer base.

Our CP App website application that houses our sideline and routine database is something that very few if anyone has in our industry.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I spoke to a lot of corporate professionals that specialized in different aspects of the business. For example, I asked a marketing professional about marketing or a sales professional about sales planning, etc.

My advice is to talk to people with expertise and experiences different than yours. Also, speak to someone who could be potential customer to find out their needs.

I received some of my best ideas from potential customers, and business-minded friends by just asking questions or presenting ideas or scenarios.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@choreographypros.com
• Website: Choreopros.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/choreographypros
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChoreographyPros/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mizvaz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClqI0YUhS4ycsBNzcd8qLOA

Image Credits
Ranasha Chittick