From Dance Floors to Cheer Gyms: Meet Jill Craven

In this inspiring episode of Penny for Your Shots, I sat down with Jill Craven, an entrepreneur, coach, and mom of four who has turned her passion for movement, teaching, and community into a thriving business. Jill's story is one of dedication, resilience, and a whole lot of heart—sprinkled with laughter, hard work, and a touch of serendipity (hello, Patrick Swayze story!).

A Life in Motion: From Dance to Cheer

Jill's journey started young. She fell in love with dance in fifth grade and began helping teach by high school. In college, she showcased her entrepreneurial spirit by running a small dance studio—a venture she jokingly credits to courage (or something else!).

From there, her love of fitness and teaching blossomed. Jill coached dance teams, taught aerobics, and eventually started growing her own programs for kids. Her path led her to a brand-new venture—cheerleading and tumbling—which was a challenge at first but ultimately became a core part of her business.

"I woke up one night and thought: This is like learning Spanish while teaching Spanish on a plane to Spain. I had to learn cheer while teaching it, but I figured it out."

Through her determination to provide excellent instruction and build a positive environment, Jill grew her business to incredible heights—with over 200 students and competition teams that travel nationwide.

Building More Than a Business—A Community

What sets Jill apart is her focus on community and connection. She believes in knowing every kid's name, supporting their individual growth, and creating a welcoming environment for kids and parents alike. Her staff shares this passion, ensuring that every athlete feels seen, heard, and valued.

"Nobody wants to be the kid in the back row every single time. We make sure everyone gets a chance to shine."

Jill also shared how cheer competitions can be intense but are full of life lessons. Whether winning or facing disappointment, her athletes learn resilience, teamwork, and perseverance—lessons they can carry into adulthood.

Balancing It All (And What She Would Do Differently)

Running a business while raising a family isn't easy, and Jill doesn't shy away from the realities of the time commitment involved.

"I've spent hundreds of evenings away from home, but my family has always been all in. That makes a difference."

Her advice to aspiring coaches and business owners?

• Know the time it takes: Your family needs to be on board for the journey.
• Be financially smart: Avoid taking on unnecessary debt while building your dream.
• Trust others: Jill wishes she had brought on more help earlier in her journey, freeing herself to focus on the big picture.

The Patrick Swayze Story You Didn't See Coming

Of course, no conversation with Jill would be complete without the legendary story of meeting Patrick Swayze at an exclusive Mountain Dew party in Los Angeles (before Ghost made him a superstar!). It’s the kind of serendipitous tale that reminds us how life often surprises us when we least expect it.

"I dragged my friend through the crowd, got a picture with Patrick, and even an autograph… which I have no idea where it is now!"

Lessons Learned and Memories Made

From dance studios to cheer gyms, Jill's story is a testament to hard work, community, and finding joy in the journey. Whether she's coaching kids, traveling to competitions, or enjoying memories with friends over wine and goal-setting weekends, Jill lives life with energy and passion.

Her advice to others? Be positive, keep learning, and always believe in what you're building.

Connect with Jill

Follow Jill and her teams at Starstruck Allstars:

• Facebook: Starstruck Allstars
• Instagram: @starstruckallstars

"All our followers are real! No bots here—just a community of supportive people, and I’m so grateful for that."

Favorite Wines and Cheers to Friendship

Jill ended the conversation with a nod to her favorite wine (Blonde Posada, for those keeping track!) and memories of time spent with friends over snacks, wine, and heartfelt laughs. Whether at Spirit Lake crafting, goal-setting, or just sharing stories, Jill embodies what it means to live a life of connection and purpose.

Listen to the full episode of Penny for Your Shots for more laughs, life lessons, and inspiration from Jill Craven. And don’t forget to pour yourself a glass—cheers to building a life you love!

Ready for more inspiring stories? Subscribe to the Penny for Your Shots Podcast and join us every Thirsty Thursday for real conversations, laughs, and a glass of wine.