GiRL (Gifted in Rhythm & Life)
Join us as we take a look at the unique small businesses of the Carolinas. These are Carolina businesses that you need to know about! As part of our Carolina Travels small business series, we are chatting with the owner of GiRL (Gifted in Rhythm & Life).
We are excited to have this amazing organization and program! Our extraordinary dance instructors, program assistants, and incredible families are dedicated to Gifted in Rhythm & Life. What started as my thought and vision has blossomed into a fun, ever-growing opportunity to provide our participants various methods to develop their life skills and improved dance abilities.
Ms. Cassandra McNeil, BSW
What is your business name?
Gifted in Rhythm & Life (GiRL)
How did your business get started?
It came from a vision to create a space for youth girls to dance and participate with various youth development activities. It started with a dance program in January 2015. However, in July 2015 I completed the process and GiRL is now a registered NC non-profit organization.
What does your customer base look like? Do you serve a specific age group or customer type?
Our customer base varies. Our current program is a dance program which is for youth girls ages 5-15. We are a special interest non-profit with programming and services geared towards minority girls. We are also big on community service and volunteerism. We seek opportunities to give back to the community. Because we are a business, we do desire to have solid partnerships in the business community to utilize their services.
Featured in the Community
Does your business have a busy season or time of year that attracts more customers? When would be the perfect time for a customer to check out your business?
We operate September through the second week in July.
What makes your business special to the community?
We are special because of the support offered to the members of our organization. Our dance program is very affordable to our participating families. We firmly believe in a strong sense of community and also desire to provide programs that will be impactful. We had our 1st Dance-a-thon event in January 2016 which included dance instruction, vending and a stage for GiRL and The Dance Element to showcase their talents. It was a great time for those that participated. We were able to keep our promise and make a generous donation to the Lupus Foundation of NC. We are currently planning the Dance-a-thon 2017.
GiRL – Community Service Projects
History behind GiRL
January 2015 – First dance practice as a dance groupMarch 2015 – First dance performance at the Muscular Dystrophy Association- Muscle Walk of Wilmington
May 2015 – Participated with Put on Purple (P.O.P.) for Lupus Awareness and hosted a community service event to raise awareness.
July 2015 – Gifted in Rhythm and Life became an incorporated Non-Profit Organization
August 2015 – Gifted in Rhythm and Life (G.i.R.L.) is trademarked
November 2015- Participated in the first annual Black Man Running 5k for Social Justice event
November 2015- Announcement of GiRL Dance-a-thon sponsored by The Dance Element, Conquer Fitness and Make It Public
December 2015- Conquer the Holidays with GirlGiving kickoff
January 2016- 1st Annual Dance-a-thon Event
January 2016- Participated with the South Eastern MLK Parade
What is your physical business address?
We currently use The Dance Element dance studio. There address is 7211 Ogden Business Lane Suite 205 Wilmington, NC 28411
Where can customers find more information about your business?
On our website, Facebook and you can also email and/or call if you have more questions.
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