Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music therapy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bonnie Houpt, owner and founder of Rhythmic Roots Music Services, LLC, located in Denver, CO.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a board-certified music therapist, and my solopreneur business is Rhythmic Roots Music Services, LLC. Rhythmic Roots brings music lessons and music therapy to individuals with disabilities in Denver, CO, providing accessible and adaptive music experiences in-home and in the community.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to learn and experience music, and I am passionate about creating these accessible music experiences for my clients and students in a way that is also motivating and fun!
Tell us about yourself
Music has always been a significant part of my life from making up songs in childhood to high school marching band and percussion playing in undergrad. This has motivated me to bring these experiences to others, especially if they are also motivated by music. Many disabled individuals do not have the same opportunities to learn and experience music as their "typical" peers. Once I realized that I could create a business that aligned with my values to bring music to all abilities levels, I dove 100% into creating my business.
Now, I provide in-home music therapy and music lesson sessions to individuals with varying abilities as well as provide group music experiences in the community, continuing to bring these accessible opportunities for all. Each day working with my clients, the joy and creativity that my clients experience in sessions motivates me to continue creating these musical spaces.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner has been the collaboration I have been able to do with the disability community in Denver. For example, I have created online resource fairs, a Fall festival, and music groups all in the community with community partners. Thinking of these ideas, connecting with likeminded professionals, and making them come to life has been a huge accomplishment for me as a business owner.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that I do not have coworkers. This lack of camaraderie is felt day to day, but several online communities have allowed me to connect with other business owners. This has helped, but being the one person who has to make the decisions at the end of the day is both thrilling and exhausting.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Find a community. Like I mentioned, online communities have made a difference in creating connection that I do not receive from coworkers. Online communities have also answered several of the questions I have had along the way.
2. Find free resources that resonate with you. I have several business podcasts that keep me motivated, gave me great advice when starting a business (like having separate business accounts), and provide me with updated information as my business evolves and grows. My favorite resource for business resources is Being Boss, both the podcast and the community.
3. Planning is important but so is just doing something. I find a lot of new business owners get stuck in a planning phase and appear afraid to move forward. Sometimes the best way to learn is to start doing what you want to do. Not sure your website is 100% perfect, but is it stopping you from marketing? Post it, edit it, watch analytics, and get going! If everything had to be 100% perfect before I shared it, I would not have created many of the things that my business has created.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner can be exhausting and hard at times, but it has been so fulfilling to create a business on my own terms that follows my values and creates music and joy in the community. Staying connected with my why and my community allows me to feel so grateful for my business and the connections I have made.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://rhythmicrootsmusicservices.org/
https://www.instagram.com/rhythmicrootsmusicservices/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/40765788
https://www.facebook.com/rhythmicrootsmusicservices
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.