Meet Erica Figueroa | Owner, DivaDance Plano/Rockwall

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Figueroa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At first glance, it could seem that DivaDance is “just a dance class”. But, the thing that I’ve found most fulfilling is hearing the stories from within our community. Our members share tidbits from their lives with us and I’ve heard lots of different stories . One member joined with us because she was recovering from chemo treatments and said DivaDance was her way of rebuilding stamina for physical activity. Another member said she was taking up DivaDance classes to replace a not-so-healthy habit (excessive drinking) with a healthier habit (dance choreography). And yet another member said DivaDance resonated with her as she was working to rebuild her confidence after leaving an abusive relationship. The cool thing is everyone comes to DivaDance for a different reason, but somehow DivaDance holds value for everyone and satisfies the unique needs of each person. DivaDance’s core values are inspiring confidence and building community; at the end of the day, it’s a group of like-minded people who support and encourage each other. It’s really awesome to watch!

We recently had our first year anniversary party and I partnered with other women-owned small businesses for the event. I love partnering in this way because we can help each other. Empowered women empower women. I believe we’re here to help each other, not feel like we’re in a constant competition with each other.

My most important role is that of mom. I want my daughters to see that anything they dream of, they can do if they are willing to work for what they want. They have to know that it won’t always be easy; in fact, most of the time, it won’t be easy. But, it will be worth it when they are living their purpose. I want them to have an example of what it looks like to do difficult things even when it’s scary. I want them to know they can take a little calculated risk here and there and I want them to be problem solvers. I’m showing them it’s ok not to have all of the answers, but to figure it out as you go and learn from your mistakes.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a DivaDance franchise owner and my territory covers Plano, Rowlett, and Rockwall. The challenges I’ve had along the way have been those of balancing being a wife, mom, employee with a regular 9 to 5, and the owner of my DivaDance franchise. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t do it all; hiring others and delegating is necessary in my side business to achieve our goals. I’m a very hands-on, in-control type person so it’s difficult for me to relinquish that control sometimes. I’ve also learned that it’s not how much it costs me (to hire others, for example), but how much it’ll make me that matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I recently went on a “Sail with Scott” boat cruise on Lake Ray Hubbard. The boat cruise was an hour and a half just before sunset. You can take your own light snacks and beverage of choice. It was really relaxing and the captains even allowed willing passengers to sail the boat for a few minutes. It’s a perfect outing for a group of friends or even for a date night. There’s great dining and people watching to be done at the Harbor! One of my favorite restaurants there is Gloria’s, I love their black bean dip, chips, and salsa! If you have a sweet tooth, check out Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at the Harbor, too. They have an awesome variety of candy apples, cake pops, and other treats! If you’re in the mood for some awesome Italian food go to Samee’s Pizza Getti in Rockwall! My favorite dish there is the spicy Pasta Fasano! The restaurant is owned/operated by the Dowlatshahi family and they are always working for and in the community. If you’re into karaoke, you can check out Robert O at Shenaniganz on Thursday nights. It’s always a ton of fun! And if you’re in the mood for some good wine, go to a wine tasting at Landon Winery in Greenville. Going to a wine tasting at Landon’s was a different experience from any other wine tasting I’d ever been to; the owner of the winery is Bob. He is so passionate about his craft, it’s a very personal thing for him and his patron’s can tell.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person I would like to recognize for their support, mentorship, love, and encouragement is my husband. He’s the one who (years ago) planted the seed in my head that I could even have my own business. In late 2020, I lost a staff member and had to attend each class to sell memberships. Before I was able to hire someone, which took a couple of months, my husband came to each class with me and helped me sell memberships. When I get discouraged, he always has a way of putting things into perspective.

Others who continue to support and encourage me are my mom; she takes care of my daughters when I’m working. My sister, Kim, who is a person I frequently lean on for support and she also takes a lot of the promotional pictures for my business. I’ve received support from my sisters of the heart who have supported my business by purchasing memberships. DivaDance HQ staff continues to be a sounding board for major decisions surrounding my business and they provide ongoing guidance.

Website: https://divadanceplanorockwall.pike13.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/divadanceplanorockwall

Facebook: www.facebook.com/divadanceplanorockwall

Image Credits
Images courtesy of Kimberly Ramirez and Ronnie J.