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Scaling to $1M with Katherine Horrigan (Ep 99)

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Today is a captivating story of resilience, determination, and triumph. Picture this: a dance academy faced with the challenges of a global pandemic and the sudden closure of its predecessor. But instead of crumbling under the weight of uncertainty, Katherine not only rose to the occasion but soared beyond expectations, achieving seven figures in revenue within just one year.

Buckle up as we unravel the inspiring journey of building a successful brick-and-mortar business amidst adversity.

 

Meet Katherine Horrigan

Katherine Horrigan is the founder/CEO of the Dance Academy of Virginia based in the Washington D.C metro area. Since founding the dance school during covid, Katherine quickly scaled and recently purchased a property and opened her second location. Katherine also runs a non-profit that supports access to dance education through scholarships and outreach initiatives. Katherine has been featured in Forbes, a guest on podcasts, a member of Entrepreneurs Organization and the Elite Entrepreneurs Mastermind.

Starting a Dance Academy and Scaling to Seven Figures

Katherine’s story is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She began her journey with a dream in her heart and a vision to create something truly extraordinary. The early days were filled with challenges and uncertainties, ahem* the 2020 global pandemic, but Katherine’s unwavering determination propelled her forward. With grit and perseverance, she scaled her dance academy to unprecedented heights, achieving a level of success that surpassed her wildest dreams.

Shifting the Definition of Success

What truly sets Katherine apart is her profound insight into the nature of success. In our conversation, she eloquently speaks about the importance of shifting our perception of success and embracing personal growth and fulfillment. For Katherine, success is not merely measured by financial achievements, but by the growth of character and the pursuit of one’s passions.

Overcoming Insecurity and Taking the Leap

One of the most compelling aspects of Katherine’s journey is her openness about overcoming insecurities and self-doubt. She shares with us the pivotal moment when she decided to take the leap and pursue her dreams wholeheartedly. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest obstacles we face are the ones within ourselves, and overcoming them is key to unlocking our full potential.

Mistakes Made in the Journey to Seven Figures

Like any journey to success, Katherine’s path was not without its share of mistakes and setbacks. But mistakes can be valuable learning experiences to ultimately propel you forward.

  1. Underestimating the Challenges of Starting a Business: Katherine initially underestimated the challenges of starting her own dance academy. She admits that she didn’t fully grasp the amount of work and effort it would take to get the business off the ground.
  2. Poor Hiring Decisions: We’ve all been there and if you haven’t you just haven’t hired enough yet! Katherine made some bad hiring decisions early on in her business that resulted in setbacks and challenges related to staffing and team dynamics.
  3. Overextending Herself: Katherine admits to overextending herself and taking on too much responsibility, which led to burnout and exhaustion. This mistake likely impacted her ability to effectively manage the business and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  4. Not Prioritizing Her Mental Health: Katherine acknowledges that she neglected her mental health during the early stages of building her business. This mistake likely affected her overall well-being and may have hindered her ability to make sound decisions and effectively manage stress.
  5. Failing to Set Boundaries: Katherine admits to struggling with setting boundaries, both in her personal and professional life. This mistake likely resulted in blurred lines between work and personal life, leading to additional stress and challenges.

These mistakes are common pitfalls that many entrepreneurs face, particularly in the early stages of building a business. However, with a willingness to learn from mistakes and adapt your approach you demonstrate resilience and determination to succeed.

Balancing Work and Family

As a busy entrepreneur and mother, Katherine understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She shares invaluable insights into setting boundaries and prioritizing family time amidst the demands of running a successful business. Her dedication to both her career and her family serves as a shining example of what it means to truly find harmony in life.

Developing Character and Commitment

Throughout our conversation, Katherine emphasizes the significance of developing character traits and skills that align with our goals. She reminds us that personal growth and self-improvement are essential components of success, and that true fulfillment comes from the journey of becoming the best version of ourselves.

Building Skills for Success

In addition to character development, Katherine underscores the importance of building tangible skills that contribute to our success. Whether it’s honing our craft or mastering new techniques, she encourages us to invest in our skills and continuously strive for excellence in all that we do.

Balancing Present and Future

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of balancing the present moment with our future aspirations. Katherine reminds us to live fully in the present while keeping our eyes firmly set on our long-term goals. It’s a delicate balance, but one that is essential for sustainable growth and success.

Working on Personal Growth, Goals, and Trusting Yourself

At the core of Katherine’s journey is a commitment to personal growth and self-discovery. She encourages us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to never stop striving to become the best version of ourselves. It’s a powerful reminder that success is not just about what we achieve, but who we become in the process.

Katherine emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and working tirelessly to achieve them. She reminds us that success is not a destination, but a journey fueled by passion, determination, and unwavering belief in ourselves. By setting actionable goals and remaining dedicated to their pursuit, we can navigate the twists and turns of our journey with purpose and clarity.

Above all, Katherine’s story is a testament to the power of trusting oneself and having faith in our abilities. She reminds us that we are capable of far more than we often give ourselves credit for, and that by trusting in our own skills and character, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. As we embark on our own paths to success, let us remember to cultivate a deep sense of self-trust and confidence, knowing that within us lies the power to achieve our greatest aspirations.

Thank you so much for joining me on this incredible journey with Katherine. I hope her story has inspired you as much as it has inspired me. Remember, no matter where you are in your own journey, success is always within reach if you dare to dream, believe in yourself, and never give up. Until next time, keep balancing busy, my friends!


LINKS YOU NEED:

Grab my 10 Favorite Time-Management Hacks and take control back!

Connect with Leah on Instagram

Connect with Today’s Guest, Katherine Horrigan

OTHER EPISODES YOU’LL LOVE:

Ep 5: How To Balance Raising a Business and Babies

Ep 11: Why You Need Boundaries In Your Business

Ep 79: Balancing Business and Family with Joy with Brooke Romney

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