Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexis Baker, founder of Bridgetown Music Therapy, located in Lake Oswego, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bridgetown Music Therapy is sparking joy and improving older adults’ lives through meaningful music engagement! Our dementia-friendly online music program is created by a music therapist for senior care settings. Our customers include business to business (senior living communities, older adult care homes, etc.) and direct to customer (individuals living at home). We also have a few partnerships with tech and entertainment companies in the senior care space.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve been a certified, professional music therapist for nearly nine years. I began my business in 2016 with a desire to serve older adults through music therapy, especially those living with dementia, as well as to start my own thing. Our online program was birthed out of the COVID-19 pandemic, with our mission being to continue making a difference using music.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was hitting five years in business. There have been countless times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and shut everything down. Running a business IS HARD! Not to mention navigating business during a global pandemic. Sometimes the greatest accomplishment is not giving up.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Sales and marketing have always been my weak point in business, so to me, it’s the hardest thing. Other than that, filling multiple different roles can be quite challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start: Make sure to thoroughly count the cost of starting your business idea.
- Run: Settle in for the ride. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared to learn the definitions of grit, determination, and perseverance. Also, hard work!
- Grow: Don’t get discouraged if growth is slow know that slow growth is still growth. Figure what systems and processes you can set up to automate as much as possible.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Passion makes a great fuel for business. If you can find something you’re extremely passionate about that overlaps with a business, you will probably be more successful and committed for the long haul. When things get tough in business and there’s little to no passion, it’s much easier to quit.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bridgetownmt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgetownmusictherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetownmusictherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-baker-mt-bc-42b7b93b/
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.
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