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About The Emerald
Emerald Youth Academy and The Emerald Collective
coming soon
The story behind The Emerald Academy
In 2012, I founded Dreams Dance Academy with a vision that went far beyond dance instruction. Leadership, confidence, goal setting, teamwork, and personal growth were woven into everything we did. I built a very successful and sought after dance school from the ground up, that I am very proud of. DDA will forever have a place in my heart and legacy.
Over the years, I realized my favorite part of owning a dance studio wasn't teaching dance—it was helping young people build confidence, discover their strengths, and grow into remarkable young adults.
When I sold my studio, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop working with youth. In fact, I felt called to do even more. I created a few new youth workshops and continued my work with Girl Scout badge workshops. I quickly learned I wanted to expand on this.
After more than 25 years of working with children and teens, I've seen firsthand the challenges young people face today. They need more than activities—they need encouragement, mentorship, leadership opportunities, life skills, and a place where they feel valued and supported.
The Emerald Academy was born from those beliefs and experiences.
Our mission is simple: to help young people build confidence, develop life skills, discover their potential, and dream bigger than they ever thought possible.
The story behind The Emerald Collective
When I sold my dance studio after more than a decade of ownership, many people assumed I had everything figured out. The truth is, I was entering one of the biggest periods of uncertainty in my life.
For years, my identity was tied to being a dance studio owner. After selling my business, I found myself asking questions I hadn't had to ask in years:
What's next?
Who am I outside of the business I built?
What new dreams do I want to pursue?
As someone who has always loved personal and professional development, I continued attending conferences, workshops, networking events, and leadership programs. But for the first time in my life, I struggled to find where I belonged. I wasn't a dance studio owner anymore. I no longer had the studio owner association I was involved in for years. Local organizations didn't feel the best fit for me anymore. And I loathed anything "virtual" - I need in person, real human connection.
I was exploring new opportunities, pursuing different passions, and figuring out my next chapter. I realized there are so many women doing the same thing—women who are growing, changing, reinventing themselves, or simply looking for meaningful connection and inspiration.
I envisioned a place where women could gather, learn, connect, share ideas, build confidence, and support one another in a welcoming and authentic environment. Whether you're in the corporate world or a stay at home mom.
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The Emerald Collective was born from that vision.
More than anything, I want it to be a community where women feel encouraged to pursue what excites them, whether that's launching a business, learning a new skill, exploring a creative passion, navigating a life transition, or simply meeting incredible people along the way.
Because growth doesn't have an age limit, and new dreams can emerge at any stage of life.
Welcome to The Emerald Collective.
About the Founder
To learn more about Jenny O'Brien, click here to visit her personal website
"Emerald Youth Academy is the next chapter in the mission I have been living for years."