Kyjione (Kiki) King has a question that she uses to motivate her clients, whom she refers to as sisters: When life gets tough, are you going to continue climbing, or are you going to give up and fall down?
Little did she know that, like so many other small business owners, she would have to put this mindset to the test in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic threatened the Jonesboro dance and wellness studio she had given so much of her time and heart to creating. The studio is a place for women of every age, body size, background, and experience to feel better about themselves while learning poling and aerial fitness.
“I was mentally exhausted,” King said. “I had just lost my fiancé in a motorcycle wreck, and I was very lost. I had no idea what I was doing. But working with the ASBTDC gave me a light in the dark. Consultant Robert [Bahn] was very understanding, and it felt like he was right by my side walking me through every step of the way.”
Because of the Arkansas State University ASBTDC, she says her business is still standing, making a difference in the lives of women in the area.
King connected with Bahn in April, and he alerted her about COVID-related funding opportunities for small businesses.
Kiki Dance Studio & Wellness Studio, LLC was one of the recipients of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Women Owned grants, which it won with help from the ASBTDC.
“COVID definitely challenged my business. With the funds I received from the Women’s Foundation grant, the dance studio has become a safe option for children and parents to have fun, stay healthy, and learn new coping skills during the pandemic and beyond,” King said. “Thanks to the grant, Kiki Dance Studio has been able to bring awareness to mental health while carefully following the CDC’s guidelines.”
King is happy to be a part of a small business that has the ability to make a difference.
“Sometimes, the South can hold women to standards where they feel they cannot be themselves. Every woman faces silent battles that no one knows about,” she said. “Poling and aerial fitness can provide an outlet. It can be a place for women to be free.”
