The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.
Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.
Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.
Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.
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The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.
Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.
Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.
Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.
78. From Professional Ballerina to CEO: How Genevieve Custer Weeks Built Tutu School
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast
48 minutes
4 days ago
78. From Professional Ballerina to CEO: How Genevieve Custer Weeks Built Tutu School
A teenage ballerina with a sketch in a notebook had no idea it would one day spark a global franchise. In this episode, Genevieve Custer Weeks, former professional dancer and founder of Tutu School, shares the journey that took her from training at Ballet Chicago at just fifteen to leading 140 (and counting!) boutique ballet schools across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Genevieve reflects on the courage it took to move away from home so young, the gratitude she discovered for her family, and the setback of surgery that sidelined her just as she was preparing to audition professionally. After healing, she earned her first contract with Oakland Ballet and ultimately built a freelancing career that unexpectedly became the foundation for her future in entrepreneurship.
Teaching three-year-old baby ballerinas planted the earliest seeds of what would become Tutu School. Genevieve walks us through the early days of opening her first studio, what she wishes she had known, and how the idea of franchising evolved from an intimidating possibility into a defining part of her business model.
As a mom of three, Genevieve opens up about involving her kids in her business, navigating the give-and-take of entrepreneurial motherhood, and embracing flexibility even when it means rearranging everything to show up for the moments that matter.
Genevieve closes with the biggest lessons she's learned in business, offering practical encouragement for anyone growing a brand, considering expansion, or dreaming up their next chapter.
Connect with Genevieve:
Follow Genevieve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutugenevieve/
Follow Tutu School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutuschool/
Tutu Schools Website: https://tutuschool.com/
Links and Resources:
Etoile Dance Competition: 10% off registration with code "BRAINY10" - https://www.etoilecomp.com/
Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide]
Let's connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]
Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.
Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.
Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.
Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.
