We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenny Gram and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My name is Jenny Gram, and I’m the founder of Movenet, an on-demand platform for dance performances. I moved to Denver two years ago after living and dancing professionally in New York for six years. Shortly after I arrived in the Mile High City, I began researching and connecting with colleagues around all things dance and film. I wanted to build something that would allow me to share and support the work of artists I respected and admired around the country. A network of movers connecting to audiences outside of their reach. Fast forward to this upside-down world we live in today where the Pandemic has ravaged the performing arts community. I feel a deep sense of urgency to help the dance field and have stepped my business plans into overdrive. Dance has the power to change opinions, translate experiences, instill values, and uplift spirits – everything our communities need in this very moment to move forward. It’s been a long journey and we’re only just getting started, but I’m thrilled to be bringing this business to life. Be on the lookout for Movenet coming to your screen in Spring 2021!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The idea that artists are number challenged and lack business acumen is a huge fallacy that is detrimental to our development and success as creatives. Just as I have found fulfillment in the creation of movement, I’ve found a parallel passion for building a business. In fact, I feel like artists and their creative sensibility are perfectly positioned for riding the waves of entrepreneurship, they just often lack the tools and resources to dive in. When my two passions aligned, the work never felt like work. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions but when you’re devoted to a cause or believe wholeheartedly in what you’re building, you just keep moving forward. Through Movenet, we are creating a network of movers – both audience and artist! Movenet is more than just a place to watch excellent dance. Audience members with previous barriers to seeing dance can now enjoy the beauty and inspiration of movement in their own homes. These audience members directly support and impact artists who have created a passive revenue stream by sharing their work on Movenet. Our ultimate goal is to revolutionize the dance field by improving and changing the way that dance is presented, discovered, and consumed.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My top three stops would be Red Rocks for a show; an exhibit at the Denver Art Museum; and Afternoon Tea at The Brown Palace. Denver is FULL of tasty options which makes it extremely difficult to narrow down the list but a few of my favorites would be brewery hopping in RINO; brunch at Lucille’s or Denver Biscuit Co; and Mizu Izakaya or Sushi Ronin for dinner! Driving up to the mountains is a MUST for hiking and exploring. Lastly, hit up The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace to watch an upcoming dance performance with jk-co, a Denver based dance company. Shameless plug! April 9-10 at 7pm, April 11 at 2pm. Purchase tickets here: https://www.jkco.dance/ Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to thank my fiancé, Bojan Vidovic. He has played every role imaginable in the formation of this business: fan, critic, therapist, and all. Without you, I wouldn’t be who and where I am today. Next, I’ve had that unbelievable fortune to be guided, pushed, and challenged by my family. Entrepreneurship runs in my blood – witnessing their journey has had a profound impact on my life goals. Thanks for being my North Star family. Last but certainly not least, there’s an entire community of friends, colleagues, and artists who have encouraged and questioned this journey. Your love, support, (and sometimes doubt) have kept me motivated and moving forward.
Website: https://www.movenetmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movenetmedia/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-gram-65958743/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movenetmedia
Image Credits
Rachel Neville