In 2014, Danielle Schultz graced the stage as a dancer with the Metropolitan Opera, embracing her passion for movement and performance. Little did she know that a global pandemic would alter the trajectory of her career and lead her to become the founder of The Triangle Sessions, a thriving business that seamlessly blends corporate wellness with community-building experiences.
A Creative Solution
When COVID-19 hit, Schultz found herself facing an uncertain future as live performances ground to a halt. Despite the challenges, she pivoted swiftly, leveraging her expertise in fitness and ballet to teach online classes and stay financially afloat. Three months pregnant and with a husband in full-time study, Schultz’s resilience and creativity came to the forefront. The isolation wrought by the pandemic inspired her to launch corporate wellness and team-building events, fostering connections in the newly virtual workplace.
Schultz’s journey to entrepreneurship was paved by a diverse professional background. A graduate of NYU Tisch with a dance degree and a minor in art history, she navigated the post-2009 job market by dancing on a cruise ship—a decision that inadvertently provided a crash course in travel and tourism. Subsequent experiences in a contemporary dance company and the New York City restaurant scene equipped her with valuable skills in customer service, wine knowledge, and connecting with diverse audiences.
Her time at the Metropolitan Opera, though a dream job, wasn’t full-time, leading Schultz to diversify her income streams. Becoming a certified yoga teacher, nutrition counselor, and Ballet Beautiful trainer for celebrities, she honed a deep understanding of the human body. This multifaceted skill set laid the foundation for her journey into teaching corporate wellness.
Transitioning from Ballerina to Entrepreneur
The catalyst for Schultz’s entrepreneurial leap came during the pandemic-induced layoff from the Met Opera. Encouraged by her aunt, who was herself a business owner, Schultz realized she already possessed the mindset of an entrepreneur. The idea of working for herself, sharing knowledge on her terms, became a guiding light, prompting her to pursue The Triangle Sessions full-time.
The vision for The Triangle Sessions was rooted in Schultz’s desire to apply the healthy habits and camaraderie she experienced in the dance world to the corporate realm. Initially offering virtual wellness classes, Schultz faced limited interest until she introduced educational wine and sake tastings alongside corporate wellness activities. This unique blend of experiences garnered attention and laid the foundation for her business.
Growing a Business Venture
Building the venture involved tapping into her network, relying on referrals, and eventually partnering with larger team-building event companies. The Triangle Sessions became a small fish in a large pond, with Schultz’s offerings finding a steady market through collaborations and dedicated sales teams. In 2022, the business achieved an annual revenue of $110,000.
Despite her success, Schultz encountered challenges in aligning her business with the evolving needs of organizations. Adapting to trends, such as the shift from virtual happy hours to wellness and creativity-focused events, required constant experimentation. Balancing her commitment to dance with running The Triangle Sessions posed a personal challenge, but Schultz embraced the risk, believing in the fulfillment derived from building a career around community, connectivity, and high-quality performance.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Schultz offers valuable advice: lean into your strengths, identify your core values, and reflect on what makes you unique. By assessing how these qualities can benefit others and contribute to community well-being, individuals can embark on a journey of entrepreneurship. Schultz emphasizes the importance of experimentation, creativity, and celebrating small wins, urging others to set their own pace and savor the journey, be it a dance or a business endeavor.
