Local Business Owner Speaks with Students About Being an Entrepreneur

“If you don’t take action, nothing is going to change.”

This was just one of the many words of wisdom local business owner Eugene Simac had for students at Hillside during a recent talk.

Marianna Agunzo, a Fox Lane High School job coach, regularly tries to bring in people from different professions to speak with students and give them exposure to different jobs.

“It gives students the chance to learn about a profession they might not get a chance to experience,” Agunzo said. “We hope it helps them figure out what they might like to pursue. Sometimes you find out you like something you didn’t expect to.”

Simac owns Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Mount Kisco and also has some real estate investments. He told students his whole story — from starting ballroom dancing in Moldova at age six to starting his own studio at 19, dancing on Eurovision, immigrating to the US, and opening a studio here, where he became a top six teacher in the country.

One of the key things he impressed on students was the importance of challenging yourself. If you find a passion that challenges you, you will be motivated to keep pushing, and it will be easier for you to be consistent and disciplined and to develop your skills further.

“The challenges are the reason I am who I am,” he said.

He noted that he came to the US without knowing English or anyone in the country. His students taught him the language, and his passion propelled him forward.

“Don’t be afraid if something goes wrong,” he said. “There’s always a way around it.”

After telling his own story, Simac answered questions from students.

Malachi talked about wanting to be an artist and an author — and even showed Simac a project he’s been working on.

Simac’s advice on getting there? “Try it. Fail at it. Do it again. Maybe hate it for a little while. Get confident with the basics and then learn more skills.”

Christian talked about wanting to own a business like Simac does, though he wasn’t sure what type.

“If I were to give you one piece of advice, I’d say first do research,” Simac said. Next, he spoke about the importance of being a leader and understanding responsibility.

He had one final piece of advice for students to jot down in their notes: “If your business doesn’t have a vision, it’s not going to work.”