Business Profile: Lewsley School of Irish Dancing
Name: Deborah Lewsley
Company: Lewsley School of Irish Dancing
Location(s): Omagh Integrated Primary School; Omagh Golf Club
Contact: 07808 230418
Can you describe your business?
My business is an Irish dancing school that teaches Irish dancing to children and adults of all ages with the elements of fun, family atmosphere and fitness at the forefront of every class. I have two locations: Omagh Integrated Primary School on Thursdays from 3pm to 4pm and 4pm to 5pm and Omagh Golf Club on Tuesdays from 3pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome.
Why did you start your own business?
I have always wanted to own my own business for as long as I can remember, be it in retail, following my career path, or to have my own Irish dancing school. I was a professional dancer for five years with Riverdance and I also completed the dancing teacher’s exam as far back as 2000, as I knew that one day, when the time was right, I would follow my dream and have my own Irish dancing school. Now, with two young children myself, it was a no-brainer to get the dancing school up and running.
What are the best things about owning your own business?
The main thing is being your own boss and getting the work-life balance to suit my own family needs. Also, there is the huge job satisfaction I get from seeing my own pupils grow and develop the skills that I have passed onto them myself.
What are the challenges?
As I am the only teacher, all responsibilities that come with owning my own business fall solely on me.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
If you are passionate and love what you do then go for it, but ensure you are organised and have researched all avenues and that the time is right. And, most importantly, enjoy what you do!
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Enjoyable; satisfying; busy.
