Meet Philip (PK) & Crystal Kendrick | Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Philip (PK) & Crystal Kendrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Philip (PK) & Crystal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Phocused Kollective began with a simple but powerful vision shared by its founders, Philip and Crystal Kendrick. After spending more than twenty years in the dance industry, we both felt called to offer young dancers something deeper… something beyond choreography, technique, or competition. We wanted to create a space where students could show up exactly as they are and leave transformed. That intention became the heart of our motto: “Come as you are, leave better.”
What started as a plan to build a hip-hop crew quickly evolved. Once we opened our doors, dancers of all styles and backgrounds were drawn to what we were creating. The Phocused Kollective organically grew into a vibrant, diverse community, a true melting pot of genres, personalities, and stories.
At its core, The Phocused Kollective was built to be more than a dance studio. Our goal was to build a family, a safe space, and a home for dancers who may not have found one anywhere else. And the most rewarding part is that we accomplished exactly that, everyone who walks through our doors can feel the love, unity, and belonging that define our community. Many never want to leave.
Starting this business wasn’t just about teaching dance; it was about creating impact, building community, and giving dancers a place where they can grow, express themselves, and be truly seen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our art is rooted in people — their stories, their growth, and the power of belonging.
At The Phocused Kollective, our work goes far beyond dance steps. We create movement, yes, but we also create moments… confidence… community… and opportunities for dancers to discover who they truly are.
Philip Kendrick, known to many as P.K., is a South Florida native whose artistry is shaped by a unique blend of creative and holistic disciplines. With a background in Video Production (The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale) and Massage Therapy (Florida Career College), Philip brings an eye for visual storytelling and a deep understanding of the body into his choreography and teaching. His style is intentional, emotional, cinematic — movement that makes you feel something.
Crystal Kendrick, a proud Brooklyn native, brings her Master’s in Education and a lifelong devotion to nurturing others into every aspect of the studio. Having experienced the dance world from every angle — student, parent, teacher, and instructor — Crystal knows the unseen challenges dancers often face: favoritism, unnecessary politics, discouragement, and financial barriers. Rather than accept that as “the norm,” she and Philip chose to build something radically different.
What sets our art apart is our mission:
To build a program rooted in equality, authenticity, and love.
A place where dancers are valued not for their popularity or technique, but for their heart, their effort, and their willingness to grow.
Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Starting a studio from the ground up meant facing challenges we had never experienced before — financial risks, long nights, self-doubt, and moments where we had to learn as we went. There were times when we didn’t have the answers immediately. But one thing we always had was determination. When obstacles came, we problem-solved, adapted, and reminded ourselves why we started.
The biggest lessons we’ve learned?
• Lead with integrity — always.
• Treat every dancer equally, no exceptions.
• Community is more powerful than competition.
• Growth comes from the hardest seasons.
• Love is a strength, not a weakness, in leadership.
What we want the world to know about our brand and our story:
The Phocused Kollective is more than a dance studio.
It’s a home.
A safe space.
A family built intentionally by two people who believe that every dancer deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Our art is movement — but our purpose is transformation.
We are proud of who we are, what we stand for, and the community we’ve built. And we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop? Sawgrass Mills Mall — one of the largest and most exciting shopping destinations in the entire country. It’s famous for its massive collection of over 350 brand–name stores and designer outlets all under one roof, perfect for bargain hunts and fashion finds alike. While you’re there, grab a bite at Naked Farmer for a fresh farm-to-table lunch or relax with dinner at Seasons 52 for globally inspired flavors and great wine.
Once we’re ready for real South Florida vibes, we’d head to downtown Fort Lauderdale, especially Las Olas Boulevard, where art, culture, boutiques, and nightlife come together. We’d start the day with brunch at Café Bastille Fort Lauderdale or Hatch, classic local favorites for coffee, pastries, and people-watching. For dinner, indulge in a savor flavor-packed meal at Voodoo Bayou or the stylish Moxies, two of our personal favorite places to eat.
No visit would be complete without soaking up sunshine at Fort Lauderdale Beach, where miles of sandy shoreline and calming ocean views make for the perfect afternoon of beach walks, swimming, or just relaxing with a cold drink.
Between beach days, shopping sprees, world-class food, and nightlife, your week here would be a mix of relaxation and excitement, the perfect introduction to why we love South Florida so much!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To answer this question, it’s each other. Philip and I are truly the yin to each other’s yang. There is nothing more valuable than having a partner who believes in you just as fiercely as you believe in them. Running a business, especially one as demanding and heart-driven as a dance program, requires someone who can lift you up on the tough days, step in when you need rest, and remind you of your purpose when doubt creeps in.
As we’ve built The Phocused Kollective, there have been countless moments where we questioned whether we could keep going. But every single time, it was our love, our partnership, and our unwavering support for one another that carried us through.
We also want to give a huge shoutout to our families. Their belief in our vision, their encouragement, and their willingness to stand behind us have been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished. Without them, none of this would be possible.

Website: https://thephocusedkollective.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thephocusedkollective/?hl=en

Image Credits
All the professional shots were taken by Juan Garces Instagram: Jmg_visuals