Convo with a Dance Pro: Josephine Lee, Pointe Shoe Fitter & Keynote Speaker
In any career path, there is no straight and narrow route - especially in dance. Onstage isn’t the only place your dance experience can land you. If you’re curious to learn more about different dance-related career paths, keep reading!
We recently interviewed Josephine Young Eun Lee, CEO of The Pointe Shop Inc., a professional pointe shoe fitting company, and a founding member of DanseMedica, a collaboration of dancers committed to the health and longevity of dancers through injury prevention, injury treatment, and nutrition.
Currently located in San Francisco, CA, Josephine is also an international keynote speaker. Josephine started dancing when she was 3 years old. She has trained in classical ballet and Korean Folk dance.
Related: Convo with a Dance Pro: Anisah Richardson, Choreographer & Artistic Director
In her interview below, Josephine shares how she became a professional pointe shoe fitter, her experience as a keynote speaker, and an impactful presentation about the transformative power of words.
Photo: Josephine Lee; shot by Jazley Faith
Tell us about your path to becoming a pointe shoe fitter and keynote speaker. Did you stumble upon the career, or have you always known what you wanted to be?
My mother was a pointe shoe fitter. I started fitting shoes when I was 15, but didn’t think I would make it my career. It wasn’t until I opened up my own retail store after college that I realized what a need there was. We now have 5 locations across California and created one of the first standardized pointe shoe fitting curriculums.
In 2016, I won 3rd place in the World Championship of Public Speaking, becoming the first Korean American woman to place on the final stage. Since then, I’ve given keynote addresses in Russia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and China, as well as all over the U.S. including a TedX in Culver City.
What do you love most about your career?
There is no limit.
Have you ever had a moment when you were given a clear sign that this is where you’re meant to be? If so, tell us about it.
There wasn’t a clear moment. It was more like a slow realization through seeing dancers reacting to shoes that finally fit.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way? How did you overcome them?
As a business owner, I face challenges every day. But one of the biggest hurdles has been the COVID shut down when performances and brick and mortar businesses had to shut down. I had to learn how to completely pivot my business to survive.
Do you have any advice for someone who may want to follow a similar career path?
Find mentors and learn as much as you can.
Photo: Josephine Lee; shot by Jazley Faith
What is the impact you’d like to make through your career?
I want to make “Professional Pointe Shoe Fitter” a viable option as a career choice for life after performance.
Is there anything you’d like to add for anyone reading this?
Watch Josephine’s TedX presentation, The Transformative Power of Words, on YouTube!
Keep in touch with Josephine by following her on Instagram. You can also learn more about The Pointe Shop through their website, YouTube channel, or Instagram page. DanseMedica can also be found online or on Instagram.