Connecting With Diverse Needs

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Esther Thane, Owner of ET Music Therapy, located in North Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

We are a Vancouver-based music therapy company specializing in autism and diverse needs since 1996. We support social, communication, cognitive, physical, and emotional skill development through the motivating medium of music. We provide individual and group sessions, at our two studios, in schools, and online telehealth.

Our clients are young children, adolescents, and adults. ET Music Therapy is based on one simple principle: Music is one of the most motivating and effective mediums for building strong connections with individuals with diverse needs and/or autism. We offer services with a holistic approach, family-centered, client-directed experience, and with a neuro-diverse forward philosophy, presuming competence. We believe in supporting the neuro-diverse individual in achieving his/her/their authentic potential, respecting and celebrating their neurodiversity.

We are trauma-informed and sensory-informed, use a positive behavioral approach, and individualize each program to each unique individual to promote connection and independence. We collaborate with other service providers to support each client we serve.

Tell us about yourself

Music has always been my passion since I was a small child. It was all that I could do or wanted to do. I knew I wanted a career in music, just not sure which path I would take. When I first heard of music therapy, a light went on for me. To be able to help people through the experience of music means so much!

Knowing we are making positive changes in individuals' and families' lives is priceless. After working on my own for many years, I wanted to build a team that could increase our footprint and help many more individuals in need of support.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is growing the company to increase the number of staff. This has meant that more diverse needs children, teens, and adults have been able to participate in our programs. It has been a joy to watch them flourish in their developmental journey!

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

One of the hardest things is being available 24/7. It is important to always be accessible. Your staff needs to feel heard, supported, and loved. The community needs to feel your responsiveness. It is a tireless job, but always filled with joy and accomplishment!

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

PERSEVERE: It's important to never give up. Keep the vision true and clear.
NETWORK: Create relationships with like-minded people and colleagues. These relationships can be valuable and establish community!
MARKET: Have visibility on socials and with newsletters. Get the word out by offering to do interviews on podcasts, have a booth at industry fairs, do webinars, do presentations, and give free services.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.etmusictherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etmusictherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etmusictherapy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/etmusictherapy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/et-music-therapy/

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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