Southeast Small Business Spotlight: Seven Stars School of the Performing Arts

BREWSTER, NY — Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Seven Star School of the Performing Arts
Owners: Nicole and Donna Aravena
Website: www. SevenStarSchool.com
Address: 509 Route 312, Brewster NY

How did you come up with the name?
When Nicole Aravena decided to open a Performing Arts School, she knew she wanted to offer classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Voice and Acting and those were my "Seven Stars."

Why start a business in this town?
When Nicole opened Seven Star School, she was 20 years old and living in New York City, She wanted to be on the train line to the city as well as being close enough to her hometown Bethel, CT because her parents are her biggest support team.

What business are you in?
Seven Star School of Performing Arts offers a complete performing arts education in dance, acting and voice for ages 2 - 18.
They offer over 100 classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, breakdancing, acro, acting, voice, modern, musical theater, grand jeté, and pointe. We cater to all levels of dance, whether you are looking to take your first class or are an advanced dancer looking for pre-professional training. Registrations are still being taken for the 2016-2017 season.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
The most difficult challenge is the work/life balance. Being a mom to 2 young boys and running a business has new challenges every day.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?
Each smile that walks through the doors of our studio everyday is my biggest achievement.

How does your business give back to the community?
Seven Star School donates their talented educators, studio space and gift certificates to the Brewster Central School District, local community arts organizations, daycare centers and more. The recently partnered with other local businesses to provide their students with a free discount program called the "Star Card." They also offer a weekly Story Time with a Twist programes filled with movement, music and mostly just fun! This is a FREE program open to all children 1 - 4 year olds and will be held on Thursday mornings from 9:00-9:30 AM beginning October 6th, 2016. Parents and children are invited to stay and play afterwards during open studio time until 9:45 AM!