Jessie Dolezel
What makes Jessie Wildly Capable?
Jessie loves fiercely. She runs Ascend Dance Studios in Midwest City, where she is growing leaders. It hasn’t been an easy road, but I see her and am encouraged and inspired by her journey. MEGAN LOPP
What makes you feel proud?
I am proud of who my kids are becoming and the family culture my husband and I have created. I am proud of myself for having so much resiliency and building my dance studio through so many hardships. I am proud of my own learning in this process and the growth I am finding in myself as I lead a team and run a business. I never ever thought I would be where I am today! I am proud of my students. They really are the reason I show up at the studio every day. I am proud to be a part of Oklahoma’s legacy of dance, which is deep and cultural and often forgotten.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
Oh, I have so many goals for the next 12 months! In a year, I hope to see a little more joy in myself (the last few years of running a business have been hard!) and more balance in life. We’re reaching a new phase in so many areas of life—as a family and in our business— and balance is key for this next phase and our goal is to master it!
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My parents. As an adult, I look back and am so grateful for the experiences I was given growing up. We never did anything like anyone else, but I know that’s why I’ve been brave enough to strike out on my own and build something from the ground up and be my own boss. They supported me 100% and that’s rare when you plan on going into a career in the arts! We also had such an open and honest relationship for the majority of my growing up years. We talked about everything & I always knew they had my back no matter what. That’s something I’m attempting to replicate at home for my own kids and I can only hope I’m finding the way!
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
Education in our state. I am an educator, at my core, whether I am teaching my kids at home or teaching my students at the dance studio and I would love to see more options out there for families who just don’t fit into the education models that are available today.
