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5.6.7.EIGHT


Oct 29, 2019

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Megan Reilly, the Chief Operating Officer at Tippi Toes a children’s dance business that has been featured on ABC’s Shark Tank and whose original music has made a splash on both Billboard and iTunes music charts. For over 20 years, Megan has found joy in introducing young children to dance through her company, and since its founding, Tippi Toes has established 30 franchises around the US, with plans to go international.

Megan understands that entrepreneurship is difficult, and for those that choose to venture down this alternate path, having a passion for your art is key to success. On the podcast, Megan describes why she believes in the mission of her company, how Tippi Toes started with only a dream (and very limited funding), and how other entrepreneurs can find success from day one of their businesses.

 

Moving Quotes:

“If we can get kids to love dance when they’re little and have a positive experience, then it can hopefully be a part of their life for a long time."

“If you have a [business] framework that you set early on before there’s any emotion involved, it’s going to save you so much in the long run."

“Find yourself. Find your value. Find the places that you really shine. And be as true to that as you can, and you will find success… There’s always a place for you if you’re being original and true to who you are."

“There’s opportunity for everyone if you’re hustling to find it."

“[In entrepreneurship], you have to really care about or enjoy the work that you’re about to do. Because if you’re going to be an entrepreneur, there’s going to be work."

“If you try to think too far down the road, you’re going to get lost. Sometimes you just have to think, ‘What is the best thing that I can do today?’"

 

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:57: Megan explains how dance was engrained in her from a very young age and how teaching dance eventually became her day job.

5:39: Megan describes her company — Tippi Toes — and the philosophy behind her company.

7:56: Reilly speaks to some of the lessons that Tippi Toes attendees gather from their dance classes and how these lessons carry over into non-dance aspects of life.

14:22: Megan reflects on the early days of entrepreneurship and shares a couple of practical ways that business owners can succeed.

17:49: Reilly shares her favorite and least favorite aspects of entrepreneurship.

20:04: Reilly discusses what could be next for Tippi Toes, including a few ways to achieve her goal of becoming a household name.

23:11: Reilly describes being featured on the hit reality show Shark Tank and the true story behind the deal she reached with Mark Cuban.

26:53: Megan names some of her role models and how, in a way, books and podcasts have served as role models for her in entrepreneurship.

30:04: Megan gives some practical advice around being in business with close friends and family members.

32:17: Megan shares some encouraging wisdom for those dancers who may not have progressed onto a professional level.

 

Bullet List of Resources – 

Megan Reilly

Tippi Toes

Tippi Toes Music