Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Caprara, a singer-songwriter and vocal coach, based in Montreal, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate an online music lesson service (singing, piano, and ukulele lessons). My customers are all ages, at every skill level, and from various locations worldwide.
Tell us about yourself
I am a singer-songwriter and vocal coach. I have over 20 years of experience as a professional singer and music teacher. I began piano lessons at the age of 9 and then went on to take singing lessons for many years, focusing on vocal technique and performance. I also studied music in college. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than singing and playing music, and my goal has always been to share this euphoria with others.
I began teaching after completing college, working for various local music schools over the years, and meeting wonderful students. In 2017, I became self-employed and was giving private lessons at students' homes. This was very successful and something I truly adored doing. In 2020 everything changed due to the pandemic, and the only way to keep operating my business was to offer online lessons.
The great thing about technology and the internet is that it connects people from all over the world. Not only do I have local students, but I have been able to gain students from other parts of the world. It's amazing! What motivates me is the happy faces I see reaching their goals while elevating their skills and confidence.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is having the freedom to be able to work from home and be able to have a job I truly love doing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is that I need to wear all the hats by myself. I constantly post ads promoting my business, and I have to post content consistently demonstrating my talent and abilities, schedule lessons, keep track of payments, follow up with parents of younger students on their progress, prepare weekly lessons and email the lessons to students, etc. It's a lot of work but totally worth it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you are organized. This is by far the most important thing. Without a strong foundation, everything is going to fall apart.
- Be patient! There will be ups and downs and some difficult days, but don't give up.
- Be creative! Never stop thinking of new ways to grow and keep your clientele in a constantly changing and competitive market.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Use all the tools you have at your fingertips. For instance, use the internet to your advantage. The possibilities for marketing your business are endless through blogs, podcasts, zoom conferences, and social media.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.stephaniecaprara.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniecaprara/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecaprara/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/missstephyc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniecaprara/
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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