Chantal Curmi and Samson Smith are a husband and wife team with years of experience performing on stage and on screen, with Chantal being a pro dancer who has worked with the likes of Ricky Martin and Geri Halliwell and Samson being part of the music and dance group Justice Crew plus a stint on the programme Ninja Warrior. Both are also passionate about helping kids build confidence through dance, so they decided to leave the industry and run their own dance studio, Lil Groovers. We get to talk to Chantal and Samson to learn more about the shift they made from entertainers to entrepreneurs.
ISB: How did you come to the idea of starting Lil Groovers?
CC: Lil Groovers started from our passion for teaching preschoolers and creating our own music to help both kids and teachers thrive. During COVID, when we had to take our classes online, we went all out—costumes, mascots, and fully produced lessons. That experience made us realise just how much support studios needed to engage little ones. Since we already had a powerful system in place—educational, uplifting music and engaging teaching tools—we knew it was time to share it with other studios and help them create magic, too!
ISB: Why did you start a business with children/parents as its target demographic?
SS: You know that saying, it takes a village? We live by that. We wanted to create a space where kids could learn, grow, and thrive while giving parents the support they need, too. When we launched Lil Groovers, we were also welcoming our first child, which made us even more intentional about the world we were creating for her—music, movement, and the right learning experiences. The first seven years shape so much, and we knew we had something special—something that could uplift, educate, and empower not just our child, but kids everywhere.
ISB: In what way have your experiences being in the public eye helped in your business journey?
SS: Being in the public eye has helped us connect with businesses and people who share our values and really get what we’re about. It’s opened doors to some amazing opportunities and partnerships that have helped us grow. More than anything, it’s given us a platform to spread the word about Lil Groovers, reaching more families and studios. We’ve been able to showcase what we believe is a must-have for little ones—something fun, engaging, and educational that makes learning through movement and music so much more exciting!
ISB: Can you share with us as well what it’s like to run the business together as a couple and how you are able to define what your roles in the business are?
CC: We’ve never really sat down and said, “This is your role, this is mine”—we’ve just naturally stuck to what we’re good at. Samson’s the creative genius when it comes to editing and music, and I’m all about organisation and keeping things running smoothly. He’s the talker and networker, and I’m the one behind the computer making things happen. We just complement each other (even with a toddler in tow!). The hardest part? Switching off! But we love what we do, so it never really feels like work. We’re always bouncing ideas around—it just works!
ISB: What is your vision for Lil Groovers in the next couple of years?
CC: Our vision for Lil Groovers is to get even more kids dancing, moving, and having fun all over the world! We want to make it more accessible—not just in studios, but in households too—so parents know their kids are listening to music that’s fun, uplifting, and helping them learn. We’re all about creating happy, healthy little humans with a positive mindset, using music, dance, and movement to build confidence. With Bboy Beatz, Tippy, and the gang leading the way, we’re making learning exciting, engaging, and full of energy for every child, everywhere!
