Welcome to another episode of Minding My Creative Business, the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs looking to level up with real strategies, structure, and self-development! In today’s episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. sit down with the multi-talented Ms. Zabretta—choreographer extraordinaire, studio owner, non-profit director, talent developer, actor, and model.

Get ready to dive deep as Ms. Zabretta shares her journey of building multiple successful ventures in the entertainment industry, from running her family’s non-profit and founding Schooling Talents, to taking on creative projects with major names like Fred Hammond and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. She opens up about her game-changing approach to time management, the importance of building a reliable team, and how focusing on service and good business—not just talent—has kept her booked and expanding.

Whether you’re a dancer wanting to go from freelancer to business owner, or any creative dreaming of scaling their passion, this episode is full of actionable insights. Ms. Zabretta breaks down her strategies for launching a creative co-working space, pricing your services, providing value through community, and building a business model that markets itself. Plus, the episode wraps up with empowering advice for creatives determined to carve out their own unique paths.

If you’re looking for inspiration and real-world business wisdom you can apply today, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Timestamped overview

00:00 "Balancing Life with Meditation"

03:53 Collaborative Non-Profit Choreography Business

08:45 "Growth Through Learning and Listening"

12:01 Choreographing Shy's Musical Journey

13:49 Choreography's Proud Achievements

17:22 Fame Entertainment: Collaborative Ventures

20:12 "Passion for Community Arts Space"

24:18 "Subleasing Strategy and Budgeting"

26:43 Building Clientele and Financial Literacy

31:38 Creative Funding Solutions

32:51 Choreographer Branding Strategy

38:26 Setting Up Artist Training Model

39:32 Creative Collaboration and Respect

43:21 Mutual Conduct in Collaboration

45:40 Multi-Use Space Management Plan

49:57 Lamborghini: Value Beyond Cost

54:46 "Thanks for Watching: Like & Subscribe"

55:48 Join the Creators Corner Community

Key topics and bullets

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

• Podcast mission: Strategies, structure, and self-development for creative entrepreneurs
• Introduction of Ms. Zabretta: Her roles and accomplishments
• Ms. Zabretta’s self-introduction as a “humble servant serving the entertaining community”

2. Ms. Zabretta’s Professional Background

• Overview of multiple roles: choreography, studio owner, nonprofit director, talent development, actor, and model
• Family involvement in nonprofit
• The different business entities Ms. Zabretta is connected to

3. Time Management and Balancing Multiple Roles

• Meditation, guidance, and planning ahead
• Importance of scheduling and project planning
• Delegation and team support
• Knowing when to step back and let the team handle things

4. Scaling Creative Work and Duplicating Success

• Building a team by understanding team members’ goals
• Leveraging collective strengths for mutual progress
• Strategic delegation according to specific interests and talents
• Applying the model to other creative enterprises (e.g., catering, baking)

5. Approach to Leadership and Team Development

• Selflessness and supporting others' growth
• Networking and humility as keys to longevity
• Learning through being a student and listener
• Impact of mentorship and teachability

6. Making Choreography a Business

• Structuring a choreography business by building a choreography team
• Delegating different types of choreography work
• Success stories and proud moments in choreography
• Building resumes for emerging talent

7. Career Highlights and Proud Achievements

• Regional Emmys with Black Academy Arts and Letters
• Choreography and performance with Fred Hammond on “Hood Book”
• Touring and creative collaboration with Dawn Richard (Danity Kane, Dirty Money)
• Flexibility and multi-hat contributions on set

8. Transition from Talent to Good Business

• Distinction between talent and good business practices
• Importance of professionalism, executing stress-free work, and reliability
• How reputation and referrals drive new opportunities

9. Fame Entertainment: The Creative Workspace Model

• Description of Fame Entertainment’s co-working space for creatives
• Facilities: dance studios, podcast/recording room, event hall, therapy office, esthetician space
• Intentional creation of spaces for collaboration and community
• Hands-on approach to setting up the space (personal involvement in renovations)

10. Practical Advice on Starting a Creative Space

• Knowing your budget for at least three years in advance
• Financial planning and considerations (bootstrapping, using savings, avoiding debt)
• Steps for choreographers to start from zero
• Teaming up, splitting payments, attending city events for exposure
• Utilizing platforms like Thumbtack, GigSalad for gigs

11. Streams of Income for Creative Entrepreneurs

• Diversification beyond choreography (acting, modeling, nonprofit, silent partner/investor roles)
• Additional wildcard or side businesses
• Rental income from event space

12. Branding, Pricing, and Business Strategy

• Niching down vs. expanding skill set (“exception vs. rule”)
• Building a recognizable brand with wraparound services
• Pricing the creative space for accessibility ($25/hour per room model)
• Balancing affordability with quality and attracting diverse clientele

13. Operational Standards, Legalities, and Team Culture

• Standards for team conduct at rehearsals and shows
• Building a culture of respect and loyalty rather than relying solely on contracts
• Managing referrals and word-of-mouth marketing
• Maintaining small, trusted circle for collaboration

14. Success Metrics and Business Growth

• Event space profitability: reaching five-figure months
• Importance of knowing your numbers and managing utilities/operational costs

15. Transitioning from Freelancer to Entrepreneur

• Encouragement to create one’s own path and focus on community roots
• The need to have foundational business materials (brochure, reel, business card)
• Shifting from hustle culture to enjoying the entrepreneurial journey

16. Final Thoughts and Affirmations

• Encouragement and closing gratitude to Ms. Zabretta
• Call to action for listeners: like, subscribe, share, and join the community
• Closing affirmation: “All it takes is intention, consistency, and laser focus to mind my creative business.”

Links & Resources:

• [Business Funding](https://www.creditsavnt.com) - Get your creative business funded through Credit Savant.
• [Creativepreneur Gear](https://www.whatstheirony.com) - Get your creative entrepreneur apparel from What's the Irony.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Minding My Creative Business Podcast! We hope you found valuable insights and strategies to apply to your own creative journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions and expert advice in our upcoming episodes. Keep creating and stay inspired!

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ABOUT US We’re Ron & ShySpeaks, two music industry creators marching to the tune of entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help our creative peers keep in step by taking them behind the brands of some of wildly successful creative entrepreneurs. Our interview-styled podcast gives access to the strategy and structure that turn creative arts into viable 6, 7, and even 8 figure business!