449: How CeCe Marie Turned Hard Times Into a Dance Revolution

449: How CeCe Marie Turned Hard Times Into a Dance Revolution

Author: Startup Junkie April 27, 2026 Duration: 26:11

Summary

In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast sponsored by Bank of America, CeCe Marie, dancer, choreographer, and founder of The Vibe, joins Daniel Koonce and Ty Steele to share her inspiring journey of resilience, culture, and community through dance. 


Raised in a culturally diverse family, CeCe was immersed in Afro-Caribbean dance from a young age, fueling her love for culture and movement. Life’s challenges, including her father’s incarceration and solo parenthood, only deepened her connection to the black and brown communities and hip hop, which CeCe describes as lifesaving. Her experiences ultimately led her to launch The Vibe: a space for adults to rediscover joy and unity through dance, regardless of experience.


Listeners are treated to honest reflections on the intimidating leap adults face in returning to dance, with CeCe emphasizing the importance of creating safe, hype-filled environments where “you feel seen, welcomed, and refreshed.” She also highlights The Vibe’s upcoming Block Party, a dazzling celebration of hip hop’s five elements—dance, DJing, emceeing, graffiti, and fashion.


Whether you’re a longtime dancer or curious first-timer, this episode reminds us all that artistry, joy, and unity are always within reach!


Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:30) Starting The Vibe Dance Classes

(06:46) Finding Inspiration Through Faith

(11:30) Overcoming the Fear of Being a Beginner

(13:41) Celebrating Hip Hop Culture

(19:25) The Challenges of Limited Teacher Training

(25:40) Closing Thoughts


Links

Daniel Koonce

Ty Steele

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

CeCe Marie

The Vibe

Sponsored by Bank of America


Hosted by Jeff Amerine and the practical minds at Startup Junkie Consulting, The Startup Junkies Podcast digs into the real work of building a company. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct conversation on the stages every founder faces. You'll hear discussions on moving from a raw idea to a proven concept, the intricacies of strategic planning, and the daily grind of scaling operations. Episodes tackle leadership under pressure, effective marketing without a massive budget, and even the long-game considerations of exit strategies. The core of the podcast is built on conversations with those who have been in the trenches-seasoned business owners, resilient entrepreneurs, and specialists who offer actionable advice. The focus is consistently on tangible value, providing insights that can be applied directly to your own challenges. Tune in for a grounded perspective that aims to help you navigate each critical decision, pushing your venture forward one practical step at a time. It’s a resource for anyone who prefers honest talk about business growth over empty inspiration.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Startup Junkies Podcast
Podcast Episodes
418: Revolutionizing Dermatology Access using AI with Daniel Marques [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:23
SummaryIn this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Daniel Marques, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Skin Check, to discuss his unique entrepreneurial journey and the i…
416: Growing Urban Spaces from the Ground Up with Ozark Green Roofs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:38
SummaryIn this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley are joined by Lee Porter, founder and owner of Ozark Green Roofs. Lee shares the inspiring story behind her journey to starting a g…
415: From Mobile Trailer to Storefront: The Chug NWA Soda Shop Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:24
SummaryIn this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Jeff Amerine welcome Catelyn Hooser, the dynamic founder and owner of Chug NWA—a Farmington-based soda shop that’s stirring up the beverage scen…
413: Transforming Video Documentation in Public Safety with CLIPr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
SummaryIn this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Kendall Jasper are joined by Humphrey Chin, founder of CLIPr, who shared how his startup is revolutionizing documentation for police officers. Or…
411: Building a Hole-in-One Business: The Journey of Birdie and Brews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:36
SummaryIn this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce dive into the innovative world of Birdie and Brews, an indoor golf lounge in Northwest Arkansas. They are joined by Tyler and Shani…