Entrepreneur Spotlight - From Dance Lessons to Dream Rentals: An Interview with Marques Rivera Mireles
Marques Rivera Mireles is a multi-talented entrepreneur juggling a full-time teaching career with two thriving small businesses: NXG Dance Crew and partnering with his wife Andrea on Dream Rental Services. His journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of networking. In this interview, Marques shares his inspiring story, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Balancing Act: Teacher, Choreographer, and Entrepreneur
Marques's days are far from ordinary. By day, he's a dedicated educator at KIPP Texas, teaching dance to middle schoolers and coaching basketball and track. But his passion extends beyond the classroom. He's also the driving force behind NXG Dance Crew, offering choreography, dance lessons, video editing, graphic design, event planning, performances, and merchandise. Adding to their entrepreneurial endeavors is Dream Rental Services, owned by Andrea Rivera Mireles, with Marques as her partner, providing tables, chairs, backdrops, soft play, and moon bounces for events.
The Spark That Ignited Two Businesses
The genesis of NXG Dance Crew was surprisingly organic. What began as fun dance sessions with family and friends blossomed into a profitable venture as Marques started teaching at a dance studio. Dream Rental Services, on the other hand, was born out of necessity. Hosting a housewarming party highlighted the need for party rentals in his neighborhood, leading to a successful foray into the rental business.
Overcoming the Hurdles: Marketing and Beyond
Marques readily admits that marketing is the biggest challenge in a saturated market. Standing out from the crowd requires consistent effort and creative strategies. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and perseverance as crucial steps in overcoming initial obstacles.
Evolution and Adaptation: A One-Stop Shop
Since their inception, both businesses have expanded their offerings. Marques's goal is to create a one-stop shop, providing comprehensive services to meet diverse customer needs. This adaptability reflects his key takeaway as a small business owner: learning to adapt and pivot to survive challenging times.
Lessons Learned and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Marques stresses the importance of continuous learning and growth. He cautions against neglecting mentorship, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from experienced individuals already operating in their chosen field. This proactive approach minimizes costly mistakes and accelerates progress.
The Power of Networking and Mentorship
Networking has played a pivotal role in Marques's success, fostering partnerships, collaborations, and valuable word-of-mouth referrals. He credits several mentors and the wealth of knowledge available on YouTube for his growth and understanding.
Future Goals and Words of Wisdom
Marques's long-term vision is to scale both businesses, achieving his ambitious growth goals. He expresses gratitude to his family, friends, supporters, and even his "enemies" for their contributions to his success. His parting words of wisdom are simple yet profound: "Practice Makes Progress," "Just Do It," highlighting the importance of consistent effort and taking action.
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