Modern Entrepreneur - Mississauga's Alex Pollard

In conversation with Mississauga’s Alex Pollard, owner of Mississauga’s hottest drop-in dance studio, City Centre Dance.

1. What exactly does City Centre Dance (CCD) do?
CCD is Mississauga’s Hottest Drop-In Dance Studio! We offer dance classes from Beginner to Advanced Levels for individuals of all ages and abilities! We also have 10-Week Training Programs, a Pre-Professional Company, Pop-Up Classes, and so much more. There’s something for everyone at CCD whether you’re looking to take up a new hobby or pursue dance professionally.

2. How long have you been in business?
We just celebrated our Two-Year Anniversary on October 27th!

3. What inspired you to start CCD?
After working as a professional dance artist in Toronto and witnessing what the city had to offer, I realized Mississauga had been lacking in some dance resources. While training in Toronto, I had always wished there was a studio in Mississauga where I could get industry-grade training so I decided to open City Centre Dance upon completion of my degree.

4. What's been your greatest achievement as an entrepreneur?
My greatest achievement as an entrepreneur has been seeing how CCD has made a positive impact on so many lives. Myself and my staff get so many incredible testimonials and messages from our students, and nothing beats that feeling.

5. What are three primary obstacles you face as an entrepreneur?
There are tons of obstacles that you face as an entrepreneur, and always something new. I think a big one would be keeping up with your industry, all of the changes and trends so that you can stay on top. The other two for me would be building and maintaining an online presence, as well as continual growth for the business.

6. How do you overcome them?
Constant hard work, determination, and drive is what has helped me keep up with everything that entrepreneurship demands of me. Doing my research, and ensuring that I am adapting to what’s new has also helped.

7. What specific advice do you have for other business owners?
Hang in there! Entrepreneurship is hard so make sure that you’re doing what is best for you. Take breaks, take time away from your company, it’s very necessary! You’ll get to a point where things get better but it takes a long time, so be patient. Side note, I should probably take my own advice - it’s easier said than done.

8. What do you know today that you wish you knew when you started your business?
I would say realizing that I have a lot more resources than I think, and to really utilize all of them to contribute to the success of my company.

9. What do you do with your down time?
Whenever I have downtime, I really like to do nothing! Just kidding - kind of - I love going to cafes, escape rooms, playing board games, and going to the movies. When I’m really burnt out, just having a quiet night-in is perfect.

10. What trends do you predict for your industry over the next two years?
It seems that the dance industry in the GTA is growing continuously, and that we will be getting a lot more opportunities over the next few years. I’m hoping to capitalize on that, and allow CCD to be a hub for even more creative magic to happen.

11. Why did you pick Mississauga for your business?
I picked Mississauga to open CCD, because I was born and raised here and really wanted to contribute to the arts within my own city. I’m passionate about seeing this city flourish, especially since it’s so huge and holds so much talent. I feel like it has the potential, so I’m really excited to see where it goes within the next few years.

12. What is "success" to you?
Success to me is being able to pursue what I am passionate about and make a difference to my community. All I really want to get out of life is making a positive impact, and being remembered for that. I also wish that for everybody, so I hope you all get to pursue what you love!

13. What's been your one favourite moment of being an entrepreneur?
My favourite moment moment of being an entrepreneur has been stepping back seeing just how much my company has grown in a short amount of time. Whenever I’m in the moment, I feel like things aren’t happening, so it’s always good to take a step back and reflect. I love that we have become the hub for dance in Mississauga - it’s really special.

14. What three things can you not live without?
I can’t live without coffee for sure! I really depend on it to get me through the day otherwise I’d be yawning all day. The other two things are my laptop and phone because they basically hold all my important files/documents that I need for everything that I do!

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