Today we’d like to introduce you to Debora Sanchez.
Debora, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For me, it all started with a dream. By the time I started high school, I had already discovered my love for teaching. One day, I started cataloging ideas, sketches, and notes of how I imagined my own school would be. My notes were not just about the physical space but also about what type of environment I wanted to create for my students; how they would feel before and after their classes; how I would challenge and motivate them to advance in their studies.
But while I was dreaming, I realized that I not only had ideas; I also had hundreds of questions. I didn’t know anything about accounting, or taxes, or city permits or safety regulations. After all these years, I have come to realize that the answer to those questions have been as important to my success as any of my ideas.
In 2010, with a strong private piano studio of 45 students and after finishing a double major in Piano Performance and Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance, I felt ready to pursue my dream. In October of that same year, I open my first location Encore Music Academy with just two teachers and 58 students. This first location was dedicated solely to teaching music. In 2016, I was fortunate enough to be able to open a second location (Encore Academy of the Arts) in South Miami where we not only teach music, but also dance, musical theater, and visual arts.
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 don’t think there is such a thing as a smooth road for small business owners. There is a challenge lurking at every step of the way. I met my biggest challenge right at the start. 2010 was a particularly difficult year in our economic crisis. I was opening Encore Music Academy while business all around me were closing their doors and people were losing their jobs.
Yes, the beginning was difficult, yet, I kept my focus on maintaining my commitment to the quality of our program. Soon after opening, Encore’s reputation began to grow, and parent’s referrals kept bringing new students every day. By our fourth anniversary, it was clear to me that our location could not accommodate our growth much longer. That’s when I met my second largest challenge which was to open our second location while maintaining the same high standards people had come to expect from us.
Please tell us about Encore Academy of the Arts.
Encore Academy of the Arts is devoted to nurturing a love for the arts in our children. We teach many musical instruments, dance, musical theater, acting and visual arts. Our teachers are all professionally trained in their discipline but above all have a deep passion for teaching and passing on their knowledge.
I think there are two things that sets us apart from our competitors. First, it is the environment we have created at Encore. Our passion for the arts is present in everything we do and it is felt the moment you walk through our door.
Second is the people, not only our teachers and staff but also the parents and the kids that go to Encore. It never seizes to amaze me how involved everyone is. You always find parents talking to each other in the lobby, teachers, and parents working side by side to make our concerts a success. Kids who never want to go home after their classes. They want to stay and continue interacting with other kids. It truly fills my heart with joy to see how devoted and enthusiastic everyone is to be a part of Encore.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is in Cuba at the conservatory of music where I studied since the age of seven, sharing with my friends in music. Those years of long practicing hours shaped my life completely!
Contact Info:
- Address: 10240 SW 56 Street Suite 101 Miami, FL 33165 (South Miami Location)
4651 SW 72 Avenue Miami, FL 33155 - Website: www.encoreacademyofthearts.com
- Phone: 786-580-3812
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: encoreacademyofthearts
- Facebook: Encore Music Academy & Encore Academy of the Arts
- Yelp: Encore Academy of the Arts
Image Credit:
Alfredo Correa, Kreativelight.com
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