Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Sawicki, Co-Owner of Suburban Pro Studios, located in Saint Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a recording studio in South City St. Louis that serves the hip-hop and rap community primarily, but we make records with artists from all genres of music. We mostly work with musicians in the STL area, but we do have artists from all over the US that send us projects for mixing and mastering as well.
Tell us about yourself
I started making recordings when I was 15 or so. I got an internship at another local studio when I turned 18 and just fell in love with working in the record industry. I partnered with a good friend of mine, Carter McKee, and started our own studio, Suburban Pro Studios, in 2006. Since then, we've been collaborating with artists and other industry professionals to bring their visions to reality. A driving force for me is the thrill that someone gets from hearing their dreams come true. I love being a conduit to their creative process and helping them realize their goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say that staying in business for almost 17 years has been an incredible achievement. Most businesses don't make a few years let alone almost two decades. I don't see any signs of us stopping what we're doing, so I plan on making records until I can't anymore!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest is definitely juggling all of the things that it takes to keep everything moving smoothly. I feel like I'm putting out a new fire every day, and there's no end to it. I am glad to be able to choose what I want to do each day, but sometimes the day chooses you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would say make sure you're ready for the long haul. Nothing happens overnight; it always takes going step by step to achieve success. Be prepared to neglect personal relationships, possibly to a detriment. It is hard to start a business, and it will fail if it is not your number 1 priority. You can find a balance, but that, too, comes with experience. Do something you love. If it doesn't make you happy, then when it's also not making you money... it will also drive you crazy! Make sure you enjoy it so the tough times aren't so bad. The success you want is around the bend!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://saintlouisrecordingstudios.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewsawicki/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewsawicki
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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