Deborah Bond, age 43, lives in Plymouth. Deborah has two children and has been the Principal of Razzamataz Plymouth for three years.

Deborah Bond, age 43, lives in Plymouth. Deborah has two children and has been the Principal of Razzamataz Plymouth for three years.

Q. How did you hear about Razzamataz?

Deborah: Initially I saw Denise on Dragons’ Den in 2007 and then some of my dance school pupils told me about a branch opening near one of my dance schools.

Q. What’s your background?

Deborah: Dancer and dance teacher. I have been running dance schools for 22 years.

Q. Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Deborah: Yes definitely. I have a passion for everything to do with the theatre and have always wanted to work in this industry.

Q. How did you finance your business?

Deborah: Savings.

Q. What are the best things about being a Razzamataz Principal?

Deborah: Although I run dance schools, Razzamataz is very different because it allows me to get involved in the other aspects of performing arts. I have a real passion for choreography so being able to put on big Razz shows is a lot of fun.

Q. What are the most difficult aspects of running your own business?

Deborah: It is incredibly time consuming because you never really switch off. In a paid job you just turn up, do your work and go home. The rest of the time is your own but when you are running your own business you are always thinking of how you can improve it to be more successful so you have to be careful it doesn’t take over your life completely.

Q. What advice can you offer other people going into business?

Deborah: Be prepared for the hard slog and appreciate it is not always going to be easy. Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing because that is what brings you the most satisfaction.

Q. What’s a typical day like?

Deborah: I don’t have a particular routine to my work, preferring to concentrate on different Razzamataz priorities as and when needed.