Stephanie
Life was difficult for Stephanie growing up. Often feeling isolated and struggling with her mental health, she had to work to make ends meet from a young age. After realising that a career in hospitality wasn’t for her, she bravely walked away from what she knew and turned to The Trust for help with setting up a Zumba and aerial fitness business. Nowadays, she offers over 25 classes a week, has built a supportive community and is thriving.
“I struggled with my mental health from my teenage years until my mid-twenties and didn’t have many friends or a sense of purpose. We didn’t have much financial security and, from the age of 17, I worked 50-60 hours a week in hospitality jobs. Everything I owned was bought on finance and I never had enough money to save. I supported myself while doing a degree in hospitality management but I soon realised that working in the industry left me feeling drained. I had to try something new.”
Though she’d first tried Zumba at 16, it was in her early twenties that it became central to Stephanie’s life. The classes helped alleviate her depression and provided a sense of community. After leaving a hospitality job in 2022, she joined the Enterprise programme. With the Trust’s support, she launched SKYDANCE NI, offering Zumba, hula hoop, and aerial fitness classes.
“I applied for a King’s Trust Test My Business Idea grant and used it to order 2,000 leaflets, all of which I pushed through letterboxes myself. I was constantly innovating – introducing block bookings, new workshops and guest instructors to gain new clients. When classes flopped, I didn’t give up. The Trust gave me the foundation I needed and helped me understand the details of being a business owner. The grants made a huge difference as I was able to buy equipment outright, grow faster and add new options like bungee classes. The community that grew from these classes was life-changing. People who once felt isolated now meet for coffee, sea dips and nights out together. Members of the local community have gained a new way to stay active and connected.”
Today, Stephanie, now 28 and living in Ballymoney, is proud to stand on her own feet. She owns her van and equipment outright, pays her bills without relying on loans, and employs three people. “I’ve learned to navigate the quieter months by planning ahead and creating a sustainable business plan. Looking forward, I’d love to secure a long-term studio lease and dream of hosting circus-style cabaret nights. I’d love to inspire others to follow their dreams and have twice visited a local youth organisation to speak to young people about my journey. I know what it’s like to be in their shoes and hope I can inspire them to see what they’re capable of.”
