At Hudson Valley Swim, our mission centers around water safety, personal empowerment, and community engagement. Recently, Marquita Brown, owner and founder of Hudson Valley Swim North Arlington, took the stage at the Dallas Ultimate Women’s Expo for a special Founder Spotlight LIVE segment with Actress and Producer, Claudia Jordan. Marquita reflected on her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind opening a swim school, and why building confidence in the water is a life-changing skill for people of all ages.
Transitioning from a stable career into business ownership takes courage, vision, and dedication. During her interview, Marquita spoke candidly about the pivotal transition she made after spending 20 successful years in corporate America.
While taking on business ownership was a major leap, Marquita embraced it with what she fondly refers to as “crazy faith”—choosing to trust God, step boldly beyond her comfort zone, and move forward in obedience to what she believed He was calling her to do, even without knowing exactly how it would unfold.
Acknowledging that creative design and branding weren't her primary strengths, Marquita found that the structured, mission-driven franchise model of Hudson Valley Swim was an ideal fit. Owning a franchise allowed her to leverage a proven framework while focusing her passion on what matters most: helping children and adults in Arlington gain essential life skills and feel confident in the water.
For many people, the water can feel intimidating rather than inviting. A core pillar of Marquita’s mission at Hudson Valley Swim Arlington is helping adult learners navigate and overcome water anxiety.
Unlike many recreational activities, swimming provides a vital skill set that lasts a lifetime. During her conversation with Claudia Jordan, Marquita highlighted how Hudson Valley Swim approaches instruction:
During the interview, Marquita and Claudia also touched on common societal myths and stereotypes regarding swimming in adult communities, including the misconception that certain groups don't swim. Both women warmly dispelled this myth, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of background or age, can learn to swim and love the water.
Marquita shared that she took her very first swim lesson at age 27. Raised in Rayville, Louisiana, far from open bodies of water, she didn't have many opportunities to learn as a child. As an adult, her desire to travel, go on vacations, and comfortably participate in aquatic activities inspired her to get into the pool. She refused to stay on the boat while others enjoyed the water—a mindset that eventually led her from being a adult swim student to owning her own swim school.
Marquita and Claudia also pointed out a inspiring parallel: learning to float requires surrendering control and trusting the water, much like taking a leap of faith when launching a business or pursuing a new goal.
Attending and speaking at the Dallas Ultimate Women’s Expo was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow women leaders, celebrate local entrepreneurship, and highlight the importance of water safety across North Texas.
We extend our sincere thanks to Claudia Jordan and the Ultimate Women’s Expo team for hosting Marquita and providing a stage to share her story!
Interested in hearing Marquita share her journey in her own words? You can watch the full 4-minute Founder Spotlight segment from the expo stage below:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DUtrYsWYY/Whether you are seeking swim lessons for your child or are an adult ready to overcome water fear and build new confidence, Hudson Valley Swim Arlington, TX is here for you every step of the way.
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