Entrepreneurs come from all walks of life, whether they’re innovators, artists, or athletes. For Dominique Dawes, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and Owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy and Ninja Studio, her entrepreneurial journey began as a fight against a toxic sports culture.
At the 2024 CO— 100 Small Business Forum, Michelle Russo, EVP, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, spoke with Dawes about her entrepreneurial journey and her mission to transform the sport of gymnastics.
A sport’s painful history has led to a mission of change
As a three-time Olympian and a mother to four children, Dawes sought to create a gymnastics academy that could inspire children and boost their confidence.
In a sport known for its toxicity, including abuse allegations, Dawes wanted to change the narrative and rebrand the sport into one that offers a positive and healthy culture.
“I started the academy from a place of pain,” Dawes explained. “In 2012, the abuses in the sport of gymnastics became global news. When that scandal broke … it really planted a seed in [me] to want to be a part of the positive change.”
Since 2020, Dawes has been at the helm of her academy, taking on the many roles of a CEO — from marketing to human resources to bookkeeping. While learning the ins and outs of the business hasn’t always been easy, Dawes stays driven by her passion and keeps her ultimate goal — her “why” — in mind, pushing through challenges to find fulfillment.
“At the end of the day, what is winning?” Dawes asked. “It's something that makes you happy. It makes you fulfilled.”
[Read more: 20 Entrepreneurial Quotes to Keep You Motivated]
At the end of the day, what is winning? It's something that makes you happy. It makes you fulfilled.
Dominique Dawes, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and Owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy and Ninja Studio
‘I didn’t want my business to run me’
Part of being a small business owner is learning to set work-life boundaries. This was particularly challenging for Daws as a gymnast in an individualized sport who learned to rely on herself.
Amid the hard work and relentless ambition that being an entrepreneur calls for, Dawes highlighted the importance of preserving the things we cherish in life.
“Make sure what's most important to you does not get sacrificed, because … sometimes there's no turning back when you make those sacrifices,” Dawes said.
Today, the Olympian isn’t striving for titles or accolades; instead, she’s focused on making an impact and building a legacy. To do so, she’s learned to delegate and rely on others, bringing in growth partners to help support her business.
With the added help, she’s been able to take a step back and spend more time with those who matter most: her family.
“I didn't want my business to run me; I wanted to run my business,” Dawes emphasized. “When I was capable of … bringing in partners and being able to step away so I could have a better work-life balance, I did that.”
[Read more: How To Balance Motherhood and Entrepreneurship]
How Dawes finds inspiration despite feelings of self-doubt
Though Dawes acknowledges that the Olympic pressure has helped her handle the challenges of entrepreneurship, she, like most small business owners, continues to struggle with self-doubt. She finds support through her husband, who often reminds her to stop doubting her abilities.
“One of the best pieces of advice that I got … was from my husband,” said Dawes. “[He] said, ‘Get out of your own way. Stop doubting yourself. Stop thinking that you're not enough. Stop hearing the words that you heard from your mom. Stop hearing the words that you heard from your coach.’”
In addition to her partner, Dawes often looks inward for daily inspiration, leaning on her faith and starting each day with gratitude. This shift in perspective has allowed her to use her struggles as a way to pull herself up, rather than hold her back.
“There are going to be hardships that you are going to go through in life for many different reasons, — because of your gender, ... race, ... upbringing, ... lack of connections, or whatever it is — but you have to believe in yourself [and] in what you're doing,” Dawes said.
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