Interviewee:
Emily Wiswell (She/her)
In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative.
Seacoast Stilettos is a mission-driven, trauma-informed dance and movement studio that empowers people of all identities and experience levels through movement, embodiment, and radical self-expression. We use dance as a tool for healing, pleasure, play, and personal power—both on and off the floor.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do. Share your passions for your business, organization, or initiative.
Hi I’m Emily! I am a 36 year old Newburyport native, living in Beverly with my Girlfriend, our dog and two cats! I grew up dancing my entire life, received my BFA in Dance, became a full time yoga instructor, and started my own business by the time I was 24. The mission of my business is rooted in values that have been with me my whole life. My interests have switched up, my teaching style has shifted- but the core beliefs are always there. I was raised by a woman activist, who was raised by civil rights activists. The strong line of women in my family runs deep. No matter how my business evolves, I know I will always aim to create spaces for all folks to feel safe and celebrated. Not just regardless of but BECAUSE of their culture, race, gender, sexuality, age, abilities and so on. I am also a trauma informed, E-YRT and lead retreats & movement workshops globally. My work has also been featured through Big Night Entertainment Group and on NBC Boston!
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
It started because I left an abusive relationship. It was also during the year of the “me too” movement. I wanted to do something for myself that helped me feel powerful in my body again and it was something lots of others were needing to! That’s why our tagline is “keep disrupting.” It’s always felt like a movement and a riot to me.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective delivers comprehensive business services – marketing promotion, technical assistance, business consulting, and advocacy at all levels – for Essex County entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators. We support the whole person, not just the business, through a collaborative community where members learn from each other, not just from us, because we know thriving businesses are built by thriving humans supporting each other. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
