Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura Styler, Director of Noted Music Studio, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the Director of Noted Music Studio, offering lessons currently in piano, voice, and guitar. I also run Notations Children's Glee Club Choir under my studio name and currently working on offering music programs to Pre-K at day homes and daycares. My teachers and I teach a variety of students of all ages, from 4 - 80! There is no limit to learning music, and it is never too late to start; music is relaxing and enriching for the soul.
Tell us about yourself
I am from Wales, the UK originally (known as "The Land of Song"), and I sang in children's choirs growing up. I always had a love of music, and at a young age, I knew I wanted to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to take my degree and postgraduate in music specializing in Voice and Opera. I moved to Canada after my degrees and always wanted to impart my knowledge and passion to young individuals. Teaching truly enriches my everyday life; I love seeing students grow and develop more confidence through the art form. I am very lucky that I can pass on my love of music to others and make it my living. I still like to perform myself and feel it makes me a better teacher.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Always holding a full studio along with wait lists, not having to advertise much as word-of-mouth has become my biggest form of business. That is heartwarming as I feel I must be doing it right, and my students and families are happy with their lessons.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being self-employed, there are many challenges, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes constantly, and you have to wear many hats - a lot of administration and emailing parents, arranging concerts, competitions, and extra performing activities and workshops for students. I am always trying to find extra opportunities for my studio's students, as that is how they grow and develop as musicians. I am also thinking about how I can constantly evolve as a business and not become stagnant, creating more opportunities and business avenues.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be patient - it takes time to grow a business; it doesn't happen overnight. You have to be prepared to work long hours and put the work in. It's worth it if your heart is in it.
- Get out in your community, create events, and volunteer where you can to spread the word about your business. You have to think outside of the box and look at what others are not offering in your area and the surrounding areas where your business resides.
- Have a good website and social network for your business - there are a lot of platforms out there to utilize these days, and have a clear idea of your target audience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.notedmusicstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notedmusicstudio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notedmusicstudio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/welshsinger80
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.
