Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was a competitive musician in my youth and then moved to Orlando, FL to go to college. I was new to the city and knew no one. I decided to try new experiences so I could find a hobby and make new friends (this was back in 2007). I came across a local dance class for salsa but the style I tried wasn’t resonating with me. By chance, as I was exiting the studio, I saw a flyer on the wall for Middle Eastern dance classes. I decided to give it a try the next week and the rest is history. I went on to compete (I won Bellydancer of the World among many other titles), traveled world to train (I still do), created events, and wrote a book and taught workshops to dancers. I now focus my dance career around event production, my monthly podcast show “Let’s Talk: Bellydance” (where we talk about the more difficult issues in our community), performing and teaching workshops.
At the same time I was enjoying a fruitful career in Middle Eastern dance, I was going to college as I mentioned (Art B.A. and a Minor in Business with honors) and dual enrolled in technical school for Web Development. There was a tiny chapter on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the idea of it really intrigued me. I became obsessed with learning how to apply the concept to my bellydance business. I would go to school by day, dance in the evening, and stay up until 1:00 a.m. many nights learning about SEO. I began applying it to my website and within 3 months obtained a steady stream of leads. My instructor saw my passion for SEO and helped me land an internship at a local SEO agency. That agency then led to another, then to another as I worked my way up the ladder, eventually becoming an SEO director at the last two agencies (I have been working in SEO since 2011). After years of working wild hours and making the agency’s clients a lot of money, I decided to quit my job two years ago and begin my own SEO Consulting company. Within 3 months I had secured all the contracts I wanted and have been enjoying the multipreneur lifestyle ever since.
Alright, 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?
Every step has had its challenges. In bellydance, the struggles came with making the break from amateur to professional, and then a figure in the community I am in. I fought through misogony, stereotypes, backstabbing and lack of support from those around me. There is a lot of misinformation and lack of education here in the West in regards to the cultures raqs sharqi hails from (societal norms, religion, politics, food, music, dance, etc.) which has led to much frustration, but every interaction has been an opportunity to educate and become stronger.
In SEO, I am often one of a few, if not the only women practicing SEO at a high level (at school or in the workplace). I have had to battle for raises, make difficult decisions, and work nights and weekends to get to where I am today. I had to sacrifice time with loved ones and my mental health at times to achieve my goals. Being a business owner has always been in my blood and I would not have it any other way.
With all of my experiences between my two businesses and interactions with others and leading teams, I am now enjoying the fruits of my labor and pouring myself into my next business venture.
We’ve been impressed with I would like to keep it private, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have one corporation and I run two different businesses. I am a computer nerd and an artist and that alone is often surprising to many who feel that one cannot be both.
With my bellydance career, I specialize in creating luxury performances that showcase Middle Eastern dance and tailor shows to include various dances from the countries or regions my clients are from with respect and honor. I am known for my emotionality and musicality in my performances and am very proud to be a part of this community. It is a privilege to dance these dances that are not mine. I am thankful to the Middle Eastern, North African, Hellenic, Tunisian (MENAHT) people for sharing their Art form. I am very proud for the way I have combined this Art with my sense of business to create a lasting, successful career. I wish for readers to know that you CAN be an artist and an intellectual. You can be an Artist and make money. You can be an artist and enjoy a career as you age. I offer luxury performances for events, workshop instruction for dancers, a book on competing. Feel free to join an event (O-Town bellydance Intensive) and listen to the Let’s Talk: Bellydance podcast on my Youtube and Instagram Live.
Visit: bellydancebyjennifer.com
With my SEO career, I work with agencies that need a strategic SEO consultant to help them deliver better result for their clients. I help them fill in the gaps in the business where they need an analyst and strategic partner to deliver deep insights into how to get their client results. I am very happy that I quit my last job and immediately set out to create this company. I wish I had done it sooner, but I would not be where I am without all the lessons learned. I offer consultations for agencies and also do special 1:1 consulting packages for dancers who need to strengthen their business knowledge and help market their business.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Boundaries and Empathy. I am someone that gives a project my all and finds solutions not matter how many obtacles may come. In the past, I let my ventures consume me and my empathy lead to bad apples disguised as supporters enter my circles. With clear boundaries, these issues are no more. I love hearing other perspectives, have empathy for my fellow humans, and I have learned how to keep my circle well-guarded against those that would do it harm.
Pricing:
- $399+ for private performances for events + travel
- $200 per hour for SEO consultations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bellydancebyjennifer.com
- Instagram: @bellydancebyjennifer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bellydancebyjenniferinc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bellyancebyjennifer1
Image Credits
Cover image (red costume) – Randy Poe (Metamorphix)
Image of me (green costume) – La Vie En Rose Photography
