We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Callie Beattie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Callie below.
Hi Callie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is not linear and I don’t think it ever will be. I will say, it does become much easier day by day, but there are certainly some days where it takes over and you wonder if you’re actually worthy of taking up the space you’re taking up. I always have naturally fallen into leadership positions ever since I was a kid, whether I wanted to or not. I am Type A all the way and so with that comes a lot of stress on yourself to make things perfect. I am extremely adventurous in all aspects of my life – I have never kept a job more than probably a year at a time due to constantly craving change and a new aspect on life. So, when I decided to start my own creative arts studio, I went full in and just relied on that faith of ignoring any imposter syndrome and almost stepping into an alter ego of some sorts. There was a lot of looking into the mirror and just saying “You got this”. What keeps me going is knowing that I am doing what I love. I am able to be creative in so many ways and I am meeting so many like-minded people that continue to inspire me and remind me why I’m doing this in the first place. Entrepreneurship is no joke and there’s a lot of days I want to quit, but I am reminded of how many lives I’ve changed since starting this creative arts studio. I quickly realized what a demand there is for people looking for a safe space to connect to their inner child, to connect with their creativity, and to find that joy again that sometimes can fade away from us in adulthood. All this to say, imposter syndrome is an ongoing battle. There’s a lot of days I think to myself, “I am only 26 – what am I doing here? This is a job meant for people with way more experience, way more money, way more connections, etc. Who am I to be wearing all these hats?”, but then I realize that everyone starts somewhere. Learning from experience (especially the hard way) has proven to be the most valuable way to grow and reminding yourself of why you started in the first place is the best way to fight those imposter feelings.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Callie Beattie, and I’m the proud owner and operator of Free Mind, the Studio, a dance and performance space in Brooklyn, NY. Our mission is simple: to remind adults of the pure joy that movement and creativity can bring while fostering an inclusive, supportive community. We specialize in beginner and open-level dance and fitness classes, but what makes us stand out is the atmosphere we create—a space where everyone, regardless of experience, can feel safe and free to express themselves and a space where we all start off as strangers and end up as friends.
What sets Free Mind apart from other NYC studios is our unwavering focus on community and accessibility. We understand that walking into big-name studios can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not training to be the next Broadway star. At Free Mind, we’ve built an environment that is free from judgment and elitism. Our instructors approach every class with a welcoming, encouraging attitude, ensuring that all of our clients feel comfortable and celebrated. We’re not just teaching steps; we’re creating a space where people can reconnect with their inner child and rediscover the joy of moving for the love of it. We also offer opportunities for dancers of all levels to participate in things like dance visuals, performances, etc.
In addition to our dance and fitness classes, we also have unique opportunities through Free Mind, the Dance Company and our adult a cappella group, The Free Minds. These groups are open-level, just like our classes, and they’ve become outlets for so many people to express themselves through performance. The dance company has already completed visual projects and live performances, while the a cappella group is building up their song repertoire and releasing music and visuals. We believe these things don’t have to stray away from us in our adult lives.
Since we opened our doors one year ago (October 4th!), the studio has grown from a few weekly classes with a handful of clients to a packed schedule with hundreds of members. One of our proudest achievements was performing on the field at Citi Field before a NY Mets game—an unforgettable experience that brought our community even closer. The impact we’ve made goes beyond just teaching dance; we’ve created a safe space for adults to connect, create, and let go of the stresses of daily life. Our clients constantly share how Free Mind has helped them find confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Looking ahead, we’re planning even more exciting events and expansions, including new classes, additional performance opportunities for the dance company, and potential collaborations with other creative groups in the community. We’re also excited to launch our online classes for anyone who can’t make it to a classes or wants more opportunities to move their body with us!
At the heart of it all, we’re driven by the desire to create a place where people can freely express who they are, whether that’s through dance, performance, singing, or simply being part of a welcoming, creative community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the most impactful qualities that has shaped my journey is the belief in myself and my mission. When I started this business, I went all in—choosing to push past the fear of failure and truly commit to what I believed in. There were (and still are) days where doubt creeps in, but continuing to remind myself why I started has been my guiding force. My advice for those just beginning is to stay deeply connected to your “why.” It’s inevitable that challenges will arise, but if you are anchored by your purpose, you can overcome self-doubt and setbacks.
Another essential skill I’ve developed is building genuine relationships. I’ve always approached my clients and team as a friend first. Establishing real connections, where people feel valued and heard, has not only helped build trust but also created a stronger, more loyal community. To those early in their journey, I recommend focusing on authenticity in your relationships. Be approachable, be kind, and remember that people will often support your business because they feel connected to you. Building genuine relationships takes time, but it pays off in the form of loyal clients and a strong community.
Finally, one of the most crucial skills is being adaptable and open to learning. I’m constantly growing, learning, and being humbled by new experiences. Entrepreneurship will throw unexpected challenges your way, so being able to adapt quickly and view each challenge as a learning opportunity is key. My advice for anyone just starting out is to stay curious. Always be willing to learn from your mistakes, adapt to changes in the industry, and seek feedback from others. Growth isn’t linear, and the more adaptable you are, the more you’ll be able to thrive through the ups and downs.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone who is eager to reconnect with their inner child, allowing themselves to be playful, creative, and open to new experiences. They’re not just looking to take a dance class—they want to move their bodies in a way that feels freeing and expressive. Whether they’re complete beginners or seasoned dancers, our clients are people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone, challenge themselves, and invest in their personal growth.
What makes someone an ideal client for us is their openness to trying new things and their desire to be part of a welcoming, supportive community. They value having a safe space to express themselves—whether through movement, singing, or simply connecting with others. At Free Mind, we celebrate individuality and creativity, and our ideal client is someone who embraces that journey and isn’t afraid to get a little silly, be vulnerable, and have fun along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freemindthestudio.com
- Instagram: @freemindthestudio & @calistaxb
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@freemindthestudio
- Other: Patreon for online classes (coming soon!) –patreon.com/freemindthestudio
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