Meet Samantha Pulsifer: Sampul Dance Academy Owner & Director

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

Hi Samantha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Since a young child I always knew that I was going to be a dance studio owner. As I got older It was important to me that I didn’t just run a studio but I did something that brought good and joy into this world to inspire the youth and allow a space for any dancer, of any level, with any ability, the opportunity to share the love of dance and do that at a safe and fun space. 

What should our readers know about your business?
I personally have always been very business minded. I knew that eventually I would want to be my own boss, so when this opportunity arose after moving to California from New York I knew it was my time. At Sampul Dance Academy I am most proud to uphold a culture that consist of a family atmosphere, appropriate song selections and costume choices, an incredibly trained staff, a community involved Studio, and most importantly where everyone no matter is welcome to walk through our door at any time and join our family. Through these past few years it has truly been one of the most incredible rides I’ve ever been on. Of course we’ve all dealt with a little stress and hardship during these times with COVID-19, However that has never stopped myself, my staff, and my very supportive dance families from continuing and keeping this dream alive. Through Covid we have continued to follow the guidelines given from dancing online using zoom when the pandemic first hit and now for the past five months we have been building and removing portable outdoor floors daily that the dancers and tumblers use throughout their classes so we are able to be in person and together but safe. As we continue to grow I hope we are that Home away from home for many dancers and tumblers!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooo! I like this question! Since I’m originally from New Hampshire and studied in New York & all over the world! I love talking about stuff like this! I am a beach girl! I love Ventura, the places, the food, the shopping! One of my favorite sweet spots is Carlos bake shop where I get delicious cannolis and before eating dessert we go to A restaurant called Forma which has incredible cheeses, fresh pasta, and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten! Oh and don’t forget the shopping specifically on Main Street! Then, Before coming home we would take a day trip to my new favorite spot, Solvang, which is a small Dutch town that has awesome little shops and great people! When it’s time to relax we would order takeout from Jasmine‘s Thai food, sit outside at a pretty park, and just enjoy the California weather!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few incredible people and organizations that have supported me and helped me throughout this journey. First being my incredible family, my mother, Robin, her love and support through my career as a dancer and a studio owner has been unbelievable, she is truly my rock, My sister Kasey for always supporting and giving her advice, my Daddy Ron who’s always watching over me, and my boyfriend Nehemiah who doesn’t understand the dance industry at all but supports me 150%! Second, would be my incredible staff especially my right hip, my office Manager Paula, Who through this whole pandemic have crushed this, held a positive attitude, and truly continued the culture and standards at Sampul. Lastly, Sampul is a proud affiliated studio of More Than Just Great Dancing, led by the one and only Misty Lown, without the support of these fellow studio owners and guidance getting through this pandemic would be way harder and for them I am thankful! All the above deserve a huge THANK YOU!

Website: Sampuldanceacademy.com
Instagram: Iam_sampul and sampuldanceacademy
Facebook: Samantha Lee Pulsifer
Yelp: Sampul Dance Academy