We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Bright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve never wanted to be an entrepreneur! I’m fairly risk-averse, and I prefer to know how much money I’m getting and when. Historically, I’ve never done sales well (I couldn’t sell candy for field trips out of fear of bothering people), and my dreams have always been conventional: military or academic.

However, during the pandemic, I couldn’t stomach the educational system any longer, and I needed to homeschool my own son during the years that no one knew if we would have school or not.

I started working on my dance business while teaching online at a university. I soon fell in love with being able to be the guiding force behind my artistic dreams while having the space to homeschool and work at my own home.

Now I hope I never have to return to a 9-5. The idea of having to stay indoors on a beautiful day because I have no choice saddens me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background is in teaching. I taught high school literature for 20 years and college composition for six, so I love teaching as well as performing. Those years of teaching have allowed me to be patient while passionate as I instruct. I also taught theatre, so I incorporate theatrical ideas into my pieces which I believe helps all of us become better performers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I homeschool a 12-year-old, so I’m not entirely sure where I would take an adult in the area!

This time of year, I’d definitely take someone to Sky Top in Zirconia to go apple picking and shoot the apple cannon. We would go to Green Lettuce in Greenville for amazing Persian food and then to the Peace Center for a show. At some point, I would load up my swords and introduce them to sword fighting at Sword Carolina in Piedmont and visit Hagood Mill on a Third Saturday for a festival.

I usually spend my vacation at Folly in Charleston or in the Asheville/Weaverville area. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to visit WNC.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to the members of Bright Eyes Belly Dance! Their dedication to their craft and patience allows all of this amazing creativity to happen.

Website: https://www.brighteyesarts.com

Instagram: @brighteyesbellydancer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellydancegreer/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrightEyesBellyDanceAcademy

Image Credits
Dan S.

David N.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.