“They say build a business to sell, but I can safely say am not letting go of this one. It has built me to be the person I am today. Strong, confident, passionate and with the many lives this company has transformed, that will be our mission for eternity.”
Lavania Rosie is a serial entrepreneur, mother to a 15 month old baby and Founder / Creative Director of Singapore’s Dance Embassy – a dance and fitness company that has been around for a decade. Her mission? To transform lives through dance and fitness. Here, she tells me her incredible journey on becoming the wonderwoman she is today.
How did you first get into a career within the dance and fitness industry?
I was living the high life back then but it was just a job. The job that paid me well and to travel but it didn’t spark any joy. When I was attending a Bollywood class in True Yoga in 2007, I was in awe of the instructor who had just moved to Singapore with her family. She said she was interested in opening up a company in Singapore, and that she was looking for an instructor. Somehow, in my heart, I knew this was what I was meant to do, leading me to quit my job and join her. I trained really hard and took on every assignment, even if it meant travelling from one end of the island to the other.
Has this been your dream occupation since you were a little girl? If not, what was your original career goals and dreams?
Yes, this has been my dream since I was young! I was never encouraged to pursue it because the pressure of having a more “realistic” occupation such a doctor or an accountant was more imperative to my folks. I really did well academically but I wasn’t a happy learner. When I did eventually came to an age where I could make my own choices, I pursued my passion regardless of my parent’s opinions. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the best life decision I made.
Did you have to go through higher education to get where you are today?
I definitely worked really hard. Extremely hard. At that time, I was studying for my bachelors in Psychology, working a full time job in a government agency, as well as giving tuition and teaching classes to earn and pay for my studies and to invest in my growth. I remember having to spend all the savings I had, to go to Paris with my mentor to gain experience in teaching global workshops. Whilst there, I saw how much French people loved Bollywood. We also travelled to other countries together and seeing how much joy dance brought to people, that made me want to work harder. I won’t say I have hit the peak yet though – Dance Embassy still has a long way to go but we are getting there! I have a great support system with my instructors, clients and friends.
What kind of obstacles have you met along the way to reach where you are today?
I had to start from scratch with making new contacts when my mentor had to move back to India. Her followers dropped out too. Some did stay back and I am grateful for them. It pushed me to be an extrovert to network and build my business. I remember not having enough money to eat and was battling with depression. It was a student turned friend who took me in her wings and fed me. My students are my family. I have clients who have stuck through with me since the beginning. Even during the current climate amidst this Covid19 pandemic, they are still paying me my salary even though I’m not doing any classes for them. That’s support you can only ever dream of.
Were your friends / family supportive of your career choices?
I call my friends “framily”. Without their support, I don’t think I would have come this far.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
There are so many! Meeting people and dancing along with me! Seeing my students find their soul mates, best friends from my classes. It’s the kind of community I always dreamt to create and to be a part of too. I remember I had just given birth, so many of them came forward to buy me items I wouldn’t have otherwise thought of having. From homemade lactation goodies to herbal baths, to driving me to my classes to cooking and watering my plants to waiting patiently for their salaries till I settled down with my new role as a mother. I could go on and on. You are making me tear with this question Nix!
What’s your least favourite part of your job?
Argh! the paperwork. I got to hire someone soon for that. Also social media is a full time job on its own and thankfully, I have an awesome social media manager for that.
What is your best life lesson you’ve learnt on your journey?
To be grateful, sincere and genuine. Having a business that provides service, you really want to make true connections that last.
Have you ever had any doubts or considered giving up?
Oh yes, many times! I doubted myself so much but every time I pray to ask if this was really what He wanted me to do, somehow God shows me a positive answer.
How do you juggle work life and home life – any tips on ensuring both are a positive space?
I really admire women who make it look effortless. I am still, to be honest, not there yet and STILL trying to figure out this whole works of juggling. For now, I take it by the day. I try not to procrastinate. I used to be a huge procrastinator but once you become a mum, you can’t afford that!
Do you ever struggle to get through the working week, if so how do you power on?
I dance! It is proven that activities like dancing releases endorphins that make you happy and reduces stress. I also make sure I start my day with a morning routine that lifts my mood. A good protein filled breakfast, prayer, setting intentions is a must!
If you could go back to your 18 year old self and give one piece of life advice, what would it be and why?
Do what you want! Even if it fails, at least you tried!
What does the next 5 years look like for you?
I just found a great business partner in Mumbai, then Covid19 hit and it has dampened a lot of plans, but looking on the bright side, it has also given perspectives and made us push our capability in growing in new ways. I’ve also started a new business alongside to help women start their business by providing consultancy services. That’s going really well. So for the next 5 years, it’s definitely looking up for us.
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I personally love the entire ethos of Lavania’s brand and company motto. Dancing always makes me feel good, feel alive, and is a fun alternative (in my opinion) to lonely sessions at the gym. She reinforces our need to enjoy our life choices as well as keeping fit, and manages to radiate positivity both in her work life and her home life. Being a career woman and a mother cannot be easy, so I applaud every superwoman who handles both with a smile on their face. Lavania, you are an absolute treasure and inspiration to us all.
Follow Dance Embassy on Instagram, Facebook or get in touch to join her classes today by heading over to the website.
