Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leslie Garbis, Founder and CEO of Singing is Healing, located in Nashville.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I believe that singing is healing. I believe we are all singers. My clients are people who find themselves in a place of not feeling comfortable with their voices. Singers, and anyone who is looking to improve their relationship with their voices and feel more freedom and ease around speaking and singing, are welcome to come to me. The process has a lot to do with releasing what does not serve vocal freedom. It is amazing the amount of limiting beliefs, emotional stickiness, and physical tensions that surround the use of our voices. Another thing I see a lot of is loads of self-criticism. I aim to get people out of their heads full of self-judgment and more grounded in their breath and bodies. Curiosity and a sense of discovery are encouraged as well. The singers/songwriters/artists who work with me get way more than a typical voice lesson, but they absolutely do end up getting rid of tensions and constrictions and learning an easier way. My two degrees in vocal performance and my vocal pedagogy knowledge definitely come in handy, but I find that a much wider and holistic approach to my clients is what helps things open up more quickly. I teach one on one sessions; I lead retreats, women's circles, and throat chakra workshops. Everything I do comes back to connecting with our voices and finding ease, joy, and freedom in how we experience and use our voices, whether in a group setting or a one-on-one setting.

Tell us about yourself

I have been singing and teaching singing for over 20 years. I was teaching in universities for much of that time, and I loved it. However, I found that I wanted to have a much more holistic approach and not be beholden to a curriculum or deadlines. I absolutely love the growth and shifts that I can help guide my clients toward. It is SO rewarding to contribute in this way. The healing ripples that can occur when someone commits to spending time in an intentional way with their voice and to see how the process helps them to connect to their overall healing and transformation are so powerful. So, I used to teach voice lessons, but now I guide people to heal through the opening to and connecting with their voices.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love to see my clients shift how they feel when they sing or use their voices. The shift from pain feel state to that of joy, freedom, and ease is a wonder to behold. I have worked with many clients who showed up afraid they'd never sing again, and pretty quickly, those same clients were singing powerfully and having a brand new mindset around their voices. I have also supported clients in doing some intensive emotional release using their voices, leading to incredible insights and healing. I just love contributing to others in these ways.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I don't love PR and marketing and social media. It does not feel easy to me at all. I admittedly have some resistance around it, which makes it challenging for me to spread my message and my guidance as widely as I would like. I have always had plenty of clients just from word of mouth, which is easy and feels good. However, I would like to reach more people now.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Get clear on what your purpose is/what fills your heart.
  2. Go for what feels easy and light over what feels hard and sticky.
  3. Ask yourself how your business can contribute to yourself, others, and the greater good.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'd like to mention that I write chants and simple songs for healing and community song circles. My first EP, "Healing Waters," will be coming out in November. The name of my band (along with my partner Sarah Clanton) is Enchant Yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.singingishealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/singingishealing8/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/singingishealing/
https://www.instagram.com/enchantyourselfmusic/

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.

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