Inspirations Academy
Mary Ingersoll wasn’t about to let dance disappear from Savannah. When the local studio closed7, she felt called to step in. Having grown up attending dance class every week since kindergarten, Mary understood firsthand the confidence, discipline, and joy it brings to young people. That passion led her to open Inspirations Dance Academy , creating a space where local children could continue to grow through movement. This year, Inspirations proudly celebrates 18 years in business.
From the beginning, NWMEF facilitation played a key role in her journey. Mary credits the value of having an impartial voice of reason to help think through logistics, budgets, and big decisions. Over the years, NWMEF has remained a trusted resource — connecting her to professional services and even supporting major HR conversations when another steady presence in the room mattered. “Having a resource group and support around you is key to success,” she shares.
Her advice to future entrepreneurs is straightforward: do the research and do the work. Study your market. Talk to others in similar businesses. Create both best-case and worst-case budgets. Business ownership is not glamorous — it requires resilience, planning, and perseverance. But with preparation and the right support system, it can be incredibly rewarding.
