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The Hustle

Name: Tyna Papillon (Jubilee Aerial)

Posted By Megan Holmes

Tyna Papillon is not your average business owner. She has taken entrepreneurship to new heights through her aerial dance business, Jubilee Aerial. Papillon has been a dancer and gymnast since she was six years old. With national and international training under her belt, Papillon spent much of her professional career performing in ballet companies throughout Florida. As a skilled aerial dance instructor and performer, Papillon now provides private instruction through individual and group lessons (you can even hire her for birthday parties!) and performs aerial dance for events large and small.

Years in Tampa Bay

I’ve lived in Tampa Bay for 10 years, 5 years in St. Petersburg. I began my business in Fall of 2018.

Hustle (job)

Business Owner

What do you do?  

Jubilee Aerial provides aerial dance instruction and performances

Why do you do it?

As a lifelong dancer, I have found aerial dance as a means of expression and athleticism that I can use to share my passion for with others.

What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)

My catalyst for creating an aerial dance business was the desire to perform and share my art with others.

What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?

A common misconception of aerial dance is that you have to already be athletic to start taking lessons. The great thing about aerial dance is no experience is required, just the desire to learn and have fun.

Another unknown aspect would be that aerial dance performances are highly adaptable and can be set up and performed just about anywhere.

What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?

The most challenging part of my hustle is finding locations to house my classes, although I am currently in talks with a few other businesses.

Another challenge is the performing arts community is small in St. Petersburg and it is difficult to find ways to become a part of it. Aerial dance is not just a show of strength and flexibility but it is also beautiful and expressive and should be viewed as an art form. My goal is to bring it into the community as such.

What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?

Reach out to everybody and anybody you can. Make connections and have a clear vision of how your business will contribute to the larger community, not just benefit yourself.

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