Meet Isha Hutchinson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Isha Hutchinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Isha, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Navigating spaces where you’re the only one who looks like you can be both challenging and empowering. Here’s how I’ve learned to be effective and successful in such situations:

Confidence: Confidence is key. I’ve learned to carry myself with confidence, even when I might feel out of place. Believing in my abilities and the value I bring to the table has been crucial.

Preparation: Being well-prepared is a way to combat imposter syndrome. I make sure I’m knowledgeable about the topic or purpose of the meeting, which helps me feel more secure in my contributions.

Networking: Building relationships with others in the room is essential. Finding common ground or shared interests can break the ice and open doors for collaboration and support.

Speaking Up: I’ve learned to voice my opinions and ideas, even if it feels intimidating. My unique perspective can often bring fresh insights to the discussion.

Resilience: Sometimes, you might face challenges or even subtle biases. It’s important to remain resilient and not let these experiences deter you from your goals.

Mentorship: Seeking mentorship from individuals who have navigated similar situations can provide guidance and a sense of belonging.

Education: I continuously educate myself on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. This not only helps me understand the dynamics at play but also equips me to advocate for change when necessary.

Focus on Goals: I remind myself of my goals and what I aim to achieve in that room. This helps me stay focused and not get distracted by negative experiences.

Representation: I see myself as a representation of diversity and inclusion. By being present and successful in such spaces, I hope to inspire and pave the way for others who come after me.

Advocacy: When appropriate, I advocate for diversity and inclusion. This could involve suggesting inclusive practices or policies that benefit everyone in the room.

Being the only one in the room who looks like you can be an opportunity to bring a unique perspective and make a significant impact. It’s about embracing your individuality, being resilient, and striving for success while also working toward a more inclusive future.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My professional focus is primarily on running and expanding my business. I am dedicated to its growth and success, continually seeking opportunities for development and innovation. I’m also deeply committed to fostering a positive and inclusive company culture that promotes teamwork, creativity, and excellence among my team members. Additionally, I prioritize giving back to my community through various initiatives and partnerships, aiming to make a positive impact beyond the boundaries of my business.

I’m deeply passionate about what I do, which is running 410 Line Dancers, a dynamic and innovative line dancing company. What I find most exciting and special about it is the sense of community and joy it brings to people’s lives. Line dancing is not just about physical activity; it’s about building connections, boosting confidence, and having fun.

One particularly exciting aspect of our brand is the growth and expansion we’ve experienced. We recently moved our class to Carrollton at the Harmony School of Innovation, expanding our reach and providing even more people with the opportunity to enjoy line dancing. We’ve also embraced virtual instruction, allowing students from across the US to join our classes, fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

One of the highlights of our journey is The Texas Jam, which started as a one-time event but has now become a bi-annual conference and festival celebrating soul line dancing and various aspects of African American culture. This event has grown significantly and continues to evolve, bringing together line dance enthusiasts, promoting health and wellness, and creating a sense of unity within our community.

Overall, I’m dedicated to creating a positive and welcoming space for all, where people can dance, learn, grow, and celebrate life through the art of line dancing.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with 410 Line Dancers, I believe three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were particularly impactful:

Passion and Dedication: Passion is the driving force behind any successful venture. It’s essential to be deeply passionate about what you’re doing because that enthusiasm is contagious and keeps you motivated through challenges. Dedication means staying committed to your vision even when faced with obstacles. My advice to those starting their journey is to discover what truly excites you and fuels your passion. Once you’ve found it, stay dedicated and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

Community Building: Building a strong and supportive community has been crucial to our success. Line dancing is a communal activity, and fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity has been vital. Networking, creating connections, and genuinely caring about the well-being of your community members are essential. My advice is to focus on building meaningful relationships and connections with your audience or community. Listen to their feedback, be responsive, and prioritize their needs and concerns.

Adaptability and Innovation: The world is constantly changing, and being able to adapt and innovate is crucial. We’ve embraced virtual instruction and expanded our offerings to reach a wider audience. My advice here is to stay open to new ideas and technologies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different approaches. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

For those early in their journey, I’d recommend finding mentors or experienced individuals in your field who can provide guidance and support. Be open to learning from both successes and failures, as each experience contributes to your growth. Surround yourself with a supportive community, as they will be your biggest advocates. And most importantly, never lose sight of your passion and the impact you want to make in your chosen field. Keep moving forward, stay dedicated, and be adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of your industry.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one obstacle or challenge we are currently facing is fundraising and marketing to support our various initiatives, including The Texas Jam, expanding our class offerings, and maintaining the quality of our programs.

To address this challenge, we are implementing several strategies:

Diversified Revenue Streams: We are actively seeking diversified revenue streams beyond traditional class fees. This includes exploring sponsorships, partnerships with local businesses, and grant opportunities to support our initiatives.

Enhanced Marketing Efforts: We are ramping up our marketing efforts to reach a broader audience, both locally and nationally. This includes expanding our online presence through social media, improving our website, and utilizing digital advertising to attract new students and participants.

Community Engagement: We are focusing on building a stronger sense of community within our organization. This involves engaging with our current students and participants to build loyalty and support while also encouraging them to spread the word about our programs to their networks.

Grant Applications: We are actively seeking grant opportunities that align with our mission and goals. This includes researching and applying for grants from organizations that support the arts, health, wellness, and community development.

Strategic Partnerships: We are exploring partnerships with organizations that share our values and can provide resources, whether it’s through in-kind donations, promotional support, or collaborative events.

Cost Efficiency: We are continually evaluating our expenses and seeking ways to maximize the impact of every dollar we spend.

By combining these strategies, we aim to overcome our current fundraising and marketing challenges and ensure the sustainability and growth of our programs, including The Texas Jam and our expanded class offerings.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
We are also owners of Hutchinson Photography. We shot and own all photos

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