Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music & arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Herreid, Founder of Starlight Ukes, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Music is my business. I teach ukulele & bass, sell instruments, & design community events based around the ukulele. I am a songwriter, and I illustrate the songs I write.
Tell us about yourself
My Dad gifted me a ukulele when I got home from RISD (design school). My dad was a sounds man, and his dad had a music store, so I dove right in and began learning and teaching and now selling ukes and hosting events.
After I met my partner Perry Stauffer, we both began teaching and building a beautiful online community. What keeps me going is the lovely group of students we have, meeting new musicians in the shop, and realizing our dreams one step and one day at a time. I only wish there were more hours!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been to become established from the ground floor. I started working in my Dad's shop, and now I own my academy with my partner. The biggest accomplishment is that I love waking up every morning, and we pay our rent! It's essential to appreciate the little things.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
My biggest challenge is making time for the fun social media posts and illustrating and playing music when there are so many little, time-consuming tasks like emails, accounting, inventory, ordering, and planning curriculum. I find that 10 min of "stolen free time" is essential. I like to do this when the sun comes out here in Portland. I sit on my front stoop and dream.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep going! You'll make mistakes, and tightening the ship's bolts means learning and relearning sometimes. Just breathe and believe in your vision.
- Ask for help. I have an accountant who helps me tidy my books for taxes, we have students who assist in class, and we have volunteers who are happy to help at events.
- Work more innovative, not harder. My Dad always reminded me of this one. Be efficient, even if becoming efficient is frustrating. Most people overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what they can do in a year. In good time it will all be running smoothly.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://starlightukes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starlightukes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-herreid-2b572b35/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
- 162 words
