Episode Details

Welcome to another episode of Minding My Creative Business, the go-to podcast for creative entrepreneurs looking to level up with real strategies, structure, and self-development! In today’s episode, hosts ShySpeaks and Ron "iRonic" Lee Jr. sit down with the multi-talented Ms. Zabretta—choreographer extraordinaire, studio owner, non-profit director, talent developer, actor, and model.

Get ready to dive deep as Ms. Zabretta shares her journey of building multiple successful ventures in the entertainment industry, from running her family’s non-profit and founding Schooling Talents, to taking on creative projects with major names like Fred Hammond and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. She opens up about her game-changing approach to time management, the importance of building a reliable team, and how focusing on service and good business—not just talent—has kept her booked and expanding.

Whether you’re a dancer wanting to go from freelancer to business owner, or any creative dreaming of scaling their passion, this episode is full of actionable insights. Ms. Zabretta breaks down her strategies for launching a creative co-working space, pricing your services, providing value through community, and building a business model that markets itself. Plus, the episode wraps up with empowering advice for creatives determined to carve out their own unique paths.

If you’re looking for inspiration and real-world business wisdom you can apply today, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Timestamped overview

00:00 "Balancing Life with Meditation"

03:53 Collaborative Non-Profit Choreography Business

08:45 "Growth Through Learning and Listening"

12:01 Choreographing Shy's Musical Journey

13:49 Choreography's Proud Achievements

17:22 Fame Entertainment: Collaborative Ventures

20:12 "Passion for Community Arts Space"

24:18 "Subleasing Strategy and Budgeting"

26:43 Building Clientele and Financial Literacy

31:38 Creative Funding Solutions

32:51 Choreographer Branding Strategy

38:26 Setting Up Artist Training Model

39:32 Creative Collaboration and Respect

43:21 Mutual Conduct in Collaboration

45:40 Multi-Use Space Management Plan

49:57 Lamborghini: Value Beyond Cost

54:46 "Thanks for Watching: Like & Subscribe"

55:48 Join the Creators Corner Community

Key topics and bullets

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

• Podcast mission: Strategies, structure, and self-development for creative entrepreneurs
• Introduction of Ms. Zabretta: Her roles and accomplishments
• Ms. Zabretta’s self-introduction as a “humble servant serving the entertaining community”

2. Ms. Zabretta’s Professional Background

• Overview of multiple roles: choreography, studio owner, nonprofit director, talent development, actor, and model
• Family involvement in nonprofit
• The different business entities Ms. Zabretta is connected to

3. Time Management and Balancing Multiple Roles

• Meditation, guidance, and planning ahead
• Importance of scheduling and project planning
• Delegation and team support
• Knowing when to step back and let the team handle things

4. Scaling Creative Work and Duplicating Success

• Building a team by understanding team members’ goals
• Leveraging collective strengths for mutual progress
• Strategic delegation according to specific interests and talents
• Applying the model to other creative enterprises (e.g., catering, baking)

5. Approach to Leadership and Team Development

• Selflessness and supporting others' growth
• Networking and humility as keys to longevity
• Learning through being a student