Startup Story
They say that if you want to create change at scale, create a movement, and that is what entrepreneur Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement has done. She is empowering women to find confidence and experience self love through the power of dance.
LoA chatted to co-founder Nilsa Ribeiro this month to learn more about this unique business.
What does your company do?
OWNit is a studio that promotes self-love and confidence through dance.
“What inspired me to start the company was the feeling of self-ownership and empowerment every time I dance. I just wanted to share that with other women.”
What inspired you to start your company?
The feeling of self-ownership and empowerment every time I dance. I just wanted to share that with other women.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
It's not just a business, it's a movement that anyone can belong to. It's a brand that people can support and call their own.
Tell us a little about your team
The team is comprised by 4 mentors. Nilsa, Neyda and Mila are professional dancers that teach monthly choreographies that range in different styles like afro, sensual, hip-hop, etc. Onésia teaches Zumba classes focused on fitness and well-being. César is the house photographer, videographer and web content creator.
The team is led by the founding couple Nilsa & César.
“It's not just a business, it's a movement that anyone can belong to. It's a brand that people can support and call their own.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Neither of the founders had any business experience. Nilsa is a gender sociologist and dancer and César is an Advertising Copywriter. The passion for dance and brand building came together to form a movement that is more than dance classes.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We want to keep growing the number of students, open new studios in Mozambique and abroad, and keep improving the quality of our web content.
“The passion for dance and brand building came together to form a movement that is more than dance classes.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Knowing exactly why we make so much effort and sacrifices. Being able to see the impact we have on people’s lives and not ever wonder why we keep doing it.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Don't ever let your insecurities stop you. People out there need you to try.
Contact or follow OWNit
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL ownit.movement@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
If ever there was a great example of a woman entrepreneur harnessing the power of her passion to create and drive a business, then it is Nilsa Ribeiro. Her love of dance, combined with her understanding of how dance can promote health and wellbeing, is what led her to create the company. Today the business is helping lots of women to feel confident and live their best lives through the medium of dance. Nilsa is a great example of how women entrepreneurs can successfully drive profit through passion. — Melanie Hawken, founder & Ceo of Lionesses of Africa