My business is based in Pontypridd where I teach salsa dance classes around the South Wales area. I was offered a recording contract 2 years ago and I started my dance company about 2 years prior to this.

I also work for Rhondda Cynon Taff Council with the Health and Fitness in the Workplace initiative and offer a broad range of dance lessons to a variety of people.

"Go in while you’re young!  Nothing’s a mistake if you learn from it.  When I started my own business, I was living at home with my parents and so if my business didn’t take off then I had nothing to lose.

 When you’re older, and at the age when you have a mortgage, starting a business is a greater risk, you have more to lose.

 Don’t settle for second best and follow your dreams."

Tammika Hopkins - Flamin Heels

 

I went to Cuba on holiday and that’s where I learnt to dance. I loved it so much that I completed a teaching course and joined a company teaching dance for a short time.  I branched out on my own at people’s suggestion.

I love the fact that I meet different people every day.  It’s a challenge trying to teach people to dance but seeing them progress is awesome!

There are ups and downs to the business - when people have no money, they cut out their leisure which has an impact on my business.