Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Mustybrook
Hi Brittany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Sacramento, where my love for dance began at the age of 3. From the moment I stepped onto the dance floor, I was captivated. Dance became much more than a hobby—it instilled in me confidence, a strong sense of community, and invaluable life skills that have shaped who I am today.
After dedicating 11 years to the Army, where I cultivated a deep passion for service and leadership, I sought a way to merge these qualities with my enduring love for dance. When I discovered Tippi Toes, it felt like the perfect fit. In January 2024, I embraced the opportunity to become a franchisee, bringing Tippi Toes dance classes to the South Bay San Diego community.
Our growth has been incredible—from starting with zero students to having 80 enrolled in just a few months. We even held our first recital four months later, with over 200 people in attendance. It was a full-circle moment for me, seeing the joy of dance spread through my community, just as it had for me so many years ago.
Today, I continue to run Tippi Toes in the South Bay San Diego area, offering a variety of dance classes to children. My journey is driven by my commitment to serving my community, my deep love for dance, and the leadership skills I honed in the Army. I’m excited to keep growing, reaching more families, and making a positive impact on children’s lives through the power of dance—just as it has profoundly impacted mine.
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?
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth, particularly during my transition out of the Army. Leaving the service is a challenging experience for many veterans, and while there are numerous resources available, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. I found myself lost, unsure of what direction to take. I dabbled in various career fields—from dentistry to aviation—but none of them resonated with me on a deeper level.
My heart kept drawing me back to dance, so I began taking classes again and teaching part-time, purely for the joy of it. In those moments, something powerful reignited within me—a passion that had been dormant for years. It was then that I realized I needed to make a change. With renewed courage, I took a leap of faith, returning to what I truly loved—dance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My military career is one of the periods of my life that I am most proud of. I enlisted in the Army at 17 years old as an Arabic cryptologic linguist, and my journey took me to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where I gained invaluable knowledge and lifelong skills. I graduated in 2018 and commissioned as a Signal Officer and was stationed in places like South Carolina and Guam.
In Guam, I had the immense responsibility of leading a satellite communications facility, where I was in charge of over 60 Soldiers. It was in this environment that I truly honed my leadership skills, learning to navigate challenges and guide my team through complex situations.
Throughout my career, I became known for my resourcefulness, adaptability, and a strong, can-do attitude. I pride myself on being someone who can be relied upon to get the job done, no matter the circumstances. These qualities have not only defined my time in the military but have also carried over into my work with Tippi Toes, where I continue to lead with dedication and a commitment to excellence.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of many people. My family has always been a constant source of encouragement, supporting my love for dance and standing by me through various career changes.
Support from loved ones and friends has also been invaluable. They have encouraged me to pursue what makes me happy and have been a steady source of support during moments of doubt about my business.
I am deeply grateful to mentors who have opened doors and provided opportunities that have been crucial to my journey. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my path and helping me seize opportunities I might not have discovered on my own.
Overall, the encouragement and belief from my network of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues have been the foundation of my success. I couldn’t have achieved what I have without the immense support from everyone in my corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tippitoesdance.com/sandiego
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tippitoes_southbaysandiego
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tippitoessouthbaysandiego
Image Credits
Plain Jane Photography
