To say Shana Dancer is well-rounded is an understatement. She decided at an early age that her life’s purpose was to speak for those that did not have a voice, and to that end obtained degrees in psychology and criminal justice before furthering her education to become a Licensed Masters Social Worker. Somewhere in her spare time Shana also fell in love with yoga and became a Certified Yoga Instructor before returning to her hometown of Alma. Her passions came together with a business concept: ZENlightenment Wellness Center.

“I want to help as many people as I can, how they need to be helped. ZENlightenment aims to accomplish this by offering a variety of services to meet each individual where they are in the moment of first encounter to best fit their current needs and desires. We treat each client as their own person through active listening and mindfulness,” said Shana. The center promotes holistic wellness, which encompasses seven dimensions: spiritual, physical, emotional, career, intellectual, environmental and social.  

Shana and her husband Curtis honed their skills for business ownership by attending five sessions of a Michigan SBDC-facilitated training series hosted by the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce. They worked with Business Consultant Jeff Punches on the startup process, including registrations and licensing, marketing strategy, website development and SEO, social media, and digital marketing and presence. The business and relationship have grown to the point where quarterly meetings and discussions now center around annual budget goals, new areas of growth and overall operational efficiency.

“I’ve been working with the Michigan SBDC practically since opening ZENlightenment and have been astounded by and thankful for all of the help and support they have provided me through the various stages of business ownership, including planning, start up, profitability and now into expansion. Jeff, in particular, has provided thoughtful and sound advice and has been a compassionate sounding board through both difficult and exciting conversations. I would adamantly recommend and encourage any small business owner, regardless of what stage of business ownership they are in, to work with the Michigan SBDC,” said Shana.