Building strength and confidence

After facing a toxic work environment, Natasha Vujic was determined to create a space where women felt empowered, supported, and strong. That vision became Dance Sculpt Fitness Boutique, a unique studio where movement, connection, and confidence come together. Through her journey, Natasha has built a thriving community and earned national recognition for her work.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and how did you get started?

Fitness and movement have always been my passions, but the real turning point came from a difficult experience. I was teaching fitness classes in an incredibly toxic environment, facing constant harassment from my boss, and it left me feeling drained and undervalued. I knew deep down that I wanted to create a space where women felt the exact opposite—empowered, supported, and strong.

After I was no longer teaching at that job, clients were reaching out, asking where they could continue taking my classes. That’s when the idea hit me: Why not create my own space? I didn’t have all the answers at the time, but I knew that if I could build a community where women felt seen, confident, and encouraged, then I was on the right path.

And that’s how Dance Sculpt was born. It’s more than just a fitness studio; it’s a place where movement, connection, and empowerment come together. Every step of the way has been about creating a supportive environment for women to thrive, both physically and mentally.

What moment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?

One of the proudest moments in my career has to be winning the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Award in Fitness Services. It wasn’t just about the award—it was what it symbolises. When I started Dance Sculpt, it was just me, running everything solo, and there were many moments where I wondered if it would all work out.

Standing on stage, being recognised on a national level was surreal. The award felt like a validation of all the hard work, sleepless nights, and my determination to create something meaningful.

It wasn’t just my win—it was a win for every woman who walks through our doors, and for my incredible staff, who are helping me shape a space where women feel strong, confident, and connected.

What are your favourite things about living and working in the Canberra region?

Canberra is such a special place to live and work. The sense of community here is incredible—people genuinely care about supporting local businesses, and I’ve felt that from day one. There’s this unique blend of connection and opportunity that makes it feel like a big family.

I also love how easy it is to get outdoors. The natural beauty is so inspiring, and it really encourages you to stay active and take care of yourself. Canberra has this vibrant, supportive energy that I’m so grateful to be part of.

What advice do you have for young people looking to enter the working world?

Go for it! You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you take that first step. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—fail forward and treat every misstep as a learning opportunity. The real growth comes from those challenges, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn along the way.

What drives you to continuously enhance your professional skills?

For me, it’s all about being the best leader I can be for my team and our community at Dance Sculpt. Fitness is constantly evolving, and I feel a responsibility to stay ahead of the curve—not just for myself but for everyone who steps into our studio. Whether it’s learning new techniques, refining class programming, or improving how we connect with our clients, I’m always eager to grow.

How significant is the support of family and friends in helping you throughout your career and life?

I honestly couldn’t have made it this far without the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their belief in me—especially in those moments when I wasn’t sure if I was on the right path—has meant the world. I remember the early days of Dance Sculpt when I was doing everything solo. There were moments of doubt, moments when I wasn’t sure if it would all come together. My family and friends were there through every high and low, reminding me why I started and encouraging me to keep going.

Have you faced any major challenges in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?

Absolutely—challenges have been a constant part of this journey, but each one has shaped Dance Sculpt into what it is today. In the early days, I faced a lot of doubt from people who didn’t quite see what I was building as a “real” career. There were comments about how I might grow out of it or that I’d eventually need to get a more “stable” job. But I knew in my heart that Dance Sculpt was something special, and I trusted that belief to push through the noise.

What are your top tips for creating a healthy work-life balance?

Honestly, this year has been a whirlwind, and I’ll admit—I haven’t taken a real break. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building something you’re passionate about, but I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. Moving forward, I’ve realised that taking intentional breaks is essential—not just for rest, but to make room for creativity and vision. That’s when I have space to really think about what’s next for Dance Sculpt and how we can keep evolving for our community.

Dance Sculpt Fitness Boutique

Level 1, 21 Altree Court Phillip

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