Shomari Anderson’s vision for Empire Sports and Performance Studios remained extraordinary from conception to creation. It is Enfield’s first and only professional acrobatic arts centre and boasts custom-built studios which provide space for a unique variety of classes including acrobatic, cheerleading, aerial skills, tumbling, gymnastics and more – for children aged 4 up to young adults at 17 years old.  The spacious studios, which were established in 2021 in Enfield Island Village, is the only custom-designed facility in Enfield, with a sprung Tracks2000 floor and a wide variety of support equipment.

 

As its founder, Shomari was determined to bring Empire to its full potential – and was looking to increase visibility, attract new students and boost revenue. Shomari recognised that the company’s customer base was mostly built on word of mouth and wanted to develop her digital marketing plan to help reach a wider audience.

 

With these goals in mind, Shomari registered for Enterprise Enfield’s E-business Programme in September 2022, to receive dedicated one-to-one support from experienced Advisers including Digital Expert Vernette John-Joiles.  She said, “Vernette was incredible in working with me to increase and improve the visibility of my business and get better engagement from our website and social media pages. I am so grateful for her support.”   Over the course of a year, she continued to receive 121 digital advice, guidance and support – in addition to general business advice “ My allocated Business Adviser, Liz Gjoni, worked with me to look at the financials and guided me on how to understand and look at the numbers when making financial decisions and taking risks for the business.”

 

Since Shomari started receiving support from E-business Programme Advisers, Empire Sports and Performance Studios has seen a notable increase in customers and an influx of activity on their social media channels. Their 2023 summer show was well attended by over 325 parents and family members, and student numbers have increased by 25%. 

 

In April 2023 Shomari was voted Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 Enfield Business Awards, which was based on a public vote, and she believes that this was the result of her business’s increasing online presence and brand visibility.  As part of her award prize, she received mentoring from a mentor at Microsoft’s offices in Enfield and was recently invited to deliver a talk for a Microsoft WGMA Group (for women and minority genders) about her journey as a woman in business, and the challenges she has faced.   Shomari has ambitious plans for the future and is working towards increasing the number of athletes even further and eventually opening up another studio space.   She reflects on the support she has received:

 

“I recommend the programme to anyone who is struggling and is seeking guidance on how to grow their business using digital tools, or if they just want a fresh pair of eyes to have a look at their vision.”

 

Empire Sports and Performance Studios has highly experienced coaches who are qualified in a range of acrobatic and performing arts areas as well as having IDTA teacher status. They also have a designated safeguarding lead on site at all times and 2 specialist SEN teachers, one of whom is Shomari.  For more details visit https://esp-studios.co.uk/

Free Advice and Support to Grow Your Business!

For more details about how you can access free 121 digital advice and support to grow your business visit the E-business Programme webpage.  (The programme is open to businesses which have been registered over 6 months and located in Enfield, Waltham Forest or Redbridge).

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The E-business Programme is fully funded - and supported by Local London, Waltham Forest Council, Enfield Council and Redbridge Council.