Today we’d like to introduce you to Ziba Sidrys.
Ziba, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always thought dance to be hugely important – especially because my parents met and fell in love through dance. Throughout my whole life dancing has brought me joy, lifted me out of insecurity, shaped many friendships and even sparked romance. But, I never considered starting a company of my own or dancing professionally. It wasn’t until working a mundane job at an investment bank that I felt a strong call to get creative.
Confidance began a year and a half ago when I was both heartbroken, and rejected from a dream job. I guess sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can start the real climb — and that’s exactly what Confidance has been — a fun, but challenging climb.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely wouldn’t call it a smooth road – more like a rollercoaster! I had no idea there would be such high highs and such low lows – all within the first year. Every step feels major because everything is new and ultimately it’s all a reflection of you and your brand. The weight of each choice I make with Confidance seems much heavier than any professional choices I’ve made in the past. So, rejections, mistakes, and failures are much more intense.
Biggest struggles – hmm – I’ll give some concrete examples. The first month, when only my friends returned to my classes I broke down and cried because I felt I had failed before I had even begun. When I had a falling out with some coworkers and I wasn’t quite sure why. When getting lots of conflicting feedback from class – that it was too slow, too fast, too perfect (Ha! I wish).
It’s funny how in hindsight those don’t sound so bad but at the time, they can be excruciating. I just try to keep perspective because the struggles aren’t slowing down and perhaps they never should. Now I just consider them growing pains.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Confidance Chicago – what should we know?
Simply put, Confidance helps people become more confident in themselves and their bodies through dance. We do this by combining thoughtful discussions with classes, parties, and workshops for kids, teens and adults.
Truthfully, the greatest successes of the company are when students’ personal lives and self-esteem are noticeably transformed because of Confidance. I’ve had mother’s tear up and tell me that their daughters have broken out of their shell and blossomed since taking classes. I’ve had guys thank me for the boost to ask a girl to dance – and to maintain eye contact! I’ve had a student call me in the middle of the night over a break up (she’s now my best friend and she met her current boyfriend through Confidance!).
I already feel very accomplished with Confidance. I think what sets us apart is that we’re more concerned about helping individuals with their individual needs – whether that’s social, physical, emotional, etc. – than we are about growing at a rapid pace and making it big on YouTube.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Patience. Anyone who knows me well knows that I struggle with impatience. This is both good and bad when it comes to being a business owner. It moves me to initiate projects and get things done. But it can also drive me to despair.
About every three weeks I’m ready to throw in the towel with the start-up life and so I jump on LinkedIn to look for a normal 9 to 5. People are always surprised to hear this, because they know I love Confidance so much. But it’s usually just a passing phase and by the morning I’m back at it.
Being patient and setting realistic expectations are key – not only to success but to enjoying the journey. So far I’ve loved every step.
Pricing:
- $10 for one of our events.
- $60 for four classes at Chicago Dance.
- $60 for a private class.
Contact Info:
- Address: Chicago Dance
309 W Chicago Ave Floor 3
Chicago, IL 60654 - Website: www.confidancechicago.com
- Email: ziba@confidancechicago.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confidancechicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidancechicago/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
