WHEN Laura Paul and Ashleigh Cameron first started teaching dance, they assumed they’d be lucky to earn even a part-time living doing what they loved.

Just a few years later, however, the friends and business partners from Erskine not only run one of the most successful dance schools in Scotland, Infusion Dance Company, teaching 45 classes a week to around 300 children, young people and adults, but employ six others.

“At the moment we’re organising our end of year show, which is now so big it takes place the Armadillo in Glasgow,” smiles Ms Paul, 30. “We honestly never dreamed we could or would achieve so much. It just goes to show what you can do when you really put your mind to it.”

The pair first met at school and studied the well-regarded HND dance programme at Dance Studio Scotland, part of Glasgow Clyde College. They then worked together as dance coaches in schools in Glasgow and Renfrewshire, and it was while doing this they spotted a gap in the market.

“So many of the kids were asking us where they could go to our classes at evenings and weekends,” says Ms Cameron, 28. “At the time we weren't running any of our own, so we put our heads together and decided to go for it. We drew up a business plan and learned the business bit as we went along. Things took off quite quickly and after two years we realised we had more than enough classes to go out on our own full-time.”

The pair believe having different skills and strengths is a key element to their success. And while both teach, Ms Paul focuses on the front-facing communications, and Ms Cameron takes care of the technical parts of the business, such as the IT and music. Both, however, say their confidence has blossomed as the business grows.

Six years on they now run a packed programme of classes at three locations in Renfrewshire, covering everything from ballet, tap and musical theatre to hip hop and cheerleading for boys, girls and adults of all ages and abilities.

“I love the freedom of running your own business,” explains Ms Paul. “And the relationship we’ve been able to build with the kids over the long-term is really special. Many of them started with us as five-year-olds and now they are going into primary seven. We’ve watched them grow and develop as people and dancers.”

Her business partner agrees there are many upsides to self-employment: “Being your own boss also means you really see the benefits when you put in the hard work. But we’re also very fortunate that we are able to make a living from doing what we love.”

As for the future, Infusion Dance Company hope to one day build a purpose-built studio with dancewear shop attached. And if and when they require more staff, they’ll be heading straight to their ever-reliable source of great dance coaches: Glasgow Clyde College.

“Our lecturers there have been so supportive of us for 10 years, championing us whenever they could,” adds Ms Paul. “Most of our current staff are former students of our course. We know that everyone who comes through it will make a great teacher. And it’s great to be able to give a chance to those who are just graduating, to give something back.”

And what advice would they give to people who may be trying to work out how to make money doing something they enjoy?

“Just go for it,” smiles Ms Cameron. “As long as you have the commitment and drive, there’s no reason why you can’t be successful.

“And don’t be afraid to start small – if one client is all you have, then just go with that, make the best of it and grow from there. Find out what’s new in your sphere of business and keep up to date. But the most important thing is to always provide the best service you can.”