BOSS Member Spotlight: Brianna Hairlson

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Brianna “Bri” Hairlson is an author, speaker, and the owner of Bri’s Dance Place, which is a dance studio for all ages, stages, and abilities focusing on age appropriate choreography, costumes, and music located in Merrillville, Indiana. She has garnered both national and international recognition, most recently featured in Comcast Rise’s documentary: Road to RISE, working with millennial entrepreneurs in South Africa is 2021, and a current member of the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Fund Cohort.

What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? We opened our first physical location 5 months before the pandemic and lost half of our students and had to rebuild. Also, we had our grand opening in October 2019, and my mother passed away in December 2019, so navigating entrepreneurship while dealing with grief was a process but allowed me to really hone in on my “why”. What inspired you to break into your industry? When I returned home to NW Indiana after graduating from Howard University, I felt grieved that there were no beautiful arts related places, specifically dance, for the children that kept them children. Children were being sexually objectified and introduced to adult topics through commercial dance, so my goal was to provide families with an alternative to the local studios that would keep their children happy, healthy, and safe in a diverse and loving environment.

How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? It’s very hard because in addition to the business, I have 3 small children. My husband allows me to get a way, and we rely on our support system. I have friends, I take trips, and I only work on my business 3 days out of the week, reserving Monday as a day of rest and Sunday as a family day. The studio functions in the evenings leaving Wednesday and Friday as days for our staff to reset. 

What is an inspirational quote that you live by? Every setback is a setup for a comeback- Joel Osteen


Who is one influential person and/or mentor that has helped or encouraged you along the way? Debbie Allen

What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? Faith Refreshers- getaways to plan and be strategic about business and family

What is your definition of a BOSS? Someone who serves others in turn rallying the support of others, whether it be through power, authority, influence, or resources

Provide us with two words that describe you? Bubbly and Fun

Learn more about Bri at:

Website: www.brisdanceplace.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brisdanceplace
Twitter: @Bri_Cherise

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