November 3, 2024

Thrive Insider

Exclusive stories of successful entrepreneurs

Stephanie Larson Founder, Dancing For Birth™

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

I’m changing the way we birth for the better with my innovative birth method, Dancing For Birth™.
Birthing on your back causes pain and strain. With my birth method, birthing individuals use gravity and the biomechanics of the body to dance their babies out in blissful births. This method is scientifically proven to reduce labor pain and improve birth satisfaction. I’m an experienced birth doula and a single mother of of four.

I created Dancing For Birth™ because when I gave birth to my first baby, I spontaneously danced during labor, never got in the bed, and gave birth without pain medication in four short hours, euphorically! Ever since it has been my life’s mission to bring this empowering birth method to others. Dancing For Birth™ classes take place on four continents worldwide.

Describe the process of launching the business.

I started the business by investing $300 to rent a table at a doula conference to promote the very first Dancing For Birth™ Instructor Certification Training (prior to that I was the only instructor, teaching one class a week). Two years later I held the first International training. Then, three years later I held the first Trainer of Instructors training.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Networking face to face and through social media is how we attract customers. We don’t pay for advertising. We retain customers because they love Dancing For Birth™ class (for new and expectant parents) and Dancing For Birth™ Training (for birth professionals). They tell their friends!

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

Covid-19 threw us a curveball, because our classes and trainings were always in person. But we have pivoted to online and in some areas we have also resumed in-person. The future is bright, with Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors currently teaching Pregnant and Postpartum parents on four continents and continuing to expand.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

I’ve learned that I am capable of figuring out how to do a lot of things. I’ve learned that I can do things I’m scared of (like public speaking), especially when I’m motivated by a desire to help others. You don’t have to have a business degree or a lot of money to start and run a business. You just need to care about something so much you’d eat, sleep and breathe it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you can learn as you go. Hire an assistant as soon as practical!

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

We are in the process of switching to Kajabi from WordPress.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

I enjoy peer reviewed Journals in birth and wellness fields.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

I say this with love, stop thinking about it and actually do it! Don’t let self-doubt stop you. I started out as the only Dancing For Birth™ Instructor and now there are hundreds all around the world. I have traveled to over 25 countries to facilitate Dancing For Birth™ professional trainings. You CAN make a business out of doing what you love!

Where can we go to learn more?

http://dancingforbirth.com/about/