We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeanine Bentley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeanine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had a dream and vision since I was a little girl about what it would feel like to have my own Irish Dance academy. I didn’t ever think I could make it happen. As I grew into myself, gained experience, confidence, business savvy, etc, I started to trust myself to realize this dream. I took the steps to pass my TCRG exam and shocked myself when I passed! 1 year later, I had my first class of students. I still cannot believe this is my life, but I couldn’t do this alone. It takes a community of people that you can lean on. Yes, it is my business, but it has taken a life form of its own and that is the most beautiful and magical part of all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I actually still have a full time job outside of my dance academy. I work as a manager of 20+ people in the finance/tech industry. I have developed great people management skills, communication and organization skills, as well as business processes that I believe help me run my dance academy. I also believe that coaching kids and parents helps me coach and develop the 20+ direct reports I have at work. I also utilize technology to stay organized and help parents stay organized. It is an investment and dance teachers don’t make much money, but I believe the investment is worthwhile and my corporate job allows me the financial flexibility to invest in my own business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to my favorite places in my favorite city…Chicago! We would start the day with coffee/breakfast at Esencia Urban Kitchen. Their food is so fresh and they brew their coffee with cinnamon and it’s delightful. We would take a second coffee to-go and go for a long walk along Lake Michigan. We would go shopping on Southport and do some brewery hopping (Maplewood and Half Acre are my faves). Then we would have dinner at Union in Logan Square. The fried olives and burger are the way to go. Top it off with a night cap of some scotch in my living room.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family by far is #1. They supported my dancing dreams since I was 6 years old. They believed in me and sometimes that’s all a kid needs. Today, they are present for me and it feels like a family dream come true sometimes. My academy name is our last name so it’s literally in the name. I would also like to dedicate this to my partner, Jamie Arendas. She teaches with me and I have seen her grow into a phenomenal teacher and mentor to our dancers and parents. Everyone adores Jamie and trusts her. She understands my vision and brings it into reality every day. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.

Website: https://bentleyacademydance.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bentleydancers/?next=%2F

Image Credits
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