Today we’d like to introduce you to Saundra Harris.
Hi Saundra , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It started in 2020 during the pandemic when I felt a strong desire to worship and praise God like never before. At the time, I was part of a dance ministry at my local church, but services had gone virtual. During that season, I kept hearing God tell me to set the atmosphere in my home and not “sit on the gift He had given me.” So, I began worshiping through dance at home, and from there, I became more intentional about using worship flags and garments that aligned with my presentation to God.
At that time, there was a store in Cordova, not far from me, where I purchased a few dance garments to use in ministry. Shortly after, the store closed, and I remember thinking, Memphis needs a place that caters to praise dancers and ministers. As time went on, that idea stayed with me and began to grow. I realized there was another need in the Memphis area – A dedicated studio space for rehearsals and events, a safe place where youth and adults could honor God, learn, and grow through their creativity in dance.
I didn’t know how I would bring the vision to life, and there were hurdles, especially when it came to securing funding. For several years, I put the idea on the back burner. But in 2025, the fire and passion for the vision were reignited. I had begun working closely with youth, and I saw a visible transformation in them. I recognized that God was allowing me to use the ministry of dance to reach them.
This time, I didn’t let the vision simmer. Although it wasn’t easy and at times seemed impossible, I refused to give up. I was blessed to make connections with people who supported me with their time, resources, and mentoring, and in 2026, Saundra Serenity Dance Studio and Store was launched.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it wasn’t a smooth road. Trying to get buy-in and pursue traditional funding to start the business was a struggle. That was one of the reasons I pushed the idea to the side for a while. I knew there was a market for it, but I still had doubts because I hadn’t seen anything specifically like it in the Memphis area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Christian Brothers University and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University. I have worked in the healthcare administration sector for over twenty years. I have also spent time training in different dance styles and enjoy the creative and performing arts.
I’m proud to have mentored and led professionals throughout my career, and I now bring those same leadership skills to Serenity Dance Studio and Store.
I’m most proud to be a Christian, a wife, a mother, and now, a grandmother.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
We used to have at-home talent shows when I was young. I enjoyed that so much. It was an outlet for me to express myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.s2sdance.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585972845858
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaundraSerenityDanceS2S
