Born and raised in Brownwood, 32-year-old Rachel Moh is making a mark on her hometown through her contributions at FEAT Studios, which is preparing for its 16th season in September.
Moh spoke of the origins of the dance studio, located at 800 S Greenleaf St.
“My sister Amy had the opportunity to take over an existing dance studio where the owner was retiring in 2008,” Moh said. “That’s how we started our dance studio and my sister and I have been working hand in hand since then.”
Regarding the services FEAT provides, Moh said, “We offer dance for girls and boys starting at age 3 and most students continue into high school. Our goal is to have a fun and safe space where students can express their feelings and let their emotions out. We believe all kids growing up need a place to go other than being at home or school to learn some life skills. Some students just come and talk to us without going to dance and that can be the most rewarding because we want to be here to teach dance but also to be someone they can trust and count on if they have any problems.”
Moh, a 2008 Brownwood High School graduate, stated she never imagined FEAT Studios would be around 15 years later, but attributes the success to the relationships made.
“We have students that have been with us since the beginning that have turned into family,” Moh said. “We envisioned the dance studio impacting the community and the lives of these children that come through our doors whether they come here one year, five years or until they graduate. We just want to be able to make a positive impact on them. The most rewarding thing has been over 15 years we’ve seen these kids grow up and being with them during their whole childhood. We’re very blessed to be doing this year after year. It doesn’t even seem like we’ve been doing this for that long, it’s just been great.”
Moh thanked the community for the backing it has shown FEAT Studios and her family throughout her entire life.
“The community has shown us nothing but support over the years,” she said. “We would not be able to do this year after year if we didn’t have this trust from the community, trusting us with their kids year after year to be a part of their children’s lives.”
Moh’s family moved to Brownwood from Taiwan in the 1980s and her parents previously owned the restaurants Peking, Moon Zen, and Chop Kitchen.
“I grew up in the restaurant business,” she said. “My mom had restaurants here in town for more than 30 years, and the community has always supported us.”
Moh also works with her husband Michael at CrossFit Longma.
“Whatever my husband needs me to do at the gym,” she said with a laugh in regards to her gym tasks. “It’s been fun to work with him on the gym and watch it grow over the last year. Really I’m just there for his support in whatever he needs help. Both of these experiences have been great because I work hand in hand with my sister here in the studio and also share CrossFit Longma with my husband. It’s amazing.”
Regarding any future plans, Moh said, “We’re good right now with what we have. If time opens later we could think about something else, but right now we’re focusing on these two businesses and starting a family.”