Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eve Williams, Founder of Eve Williams Music, located in Bangor, Down, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a music educator and music & digital content provider. My customers are people who want to pursue a career in music or harness its potential to improve their lives. I supply music for advertising, content creators, and special occasions. My customer base for that is very diverse.
Tell us about yourself
I was actually forced to start my business when a long-term disability became more advanced, and my former employer was quite unreasonable about it. I took them to a tribunal, studied for a Master of Music degree, and started out on my own, so I set my own working conditions. I love the freedom and flexibility that entrepreneurship offers me, but I also love seeing my students grow in confidence and master new skills. The greatest thrill is when a parent tells you their child has become more confident since starting music lessons.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
First of all, being able to support myself, then doing things for my family and my community as the business grew. I think the fact that I make a decent living in an industry that is very male-dominated (only 15% of professional songwriters in the UK are women) and has a low representation of disabled people has been quite satisfying. My greatest accomplishment has been that my work has inspired others to do likewise.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
We live in challenging times financially. One of the platforms where I supply online courses has recently cut its pay to teachers by 60%, and I will have to make up that income in another part of my business. I love the flexibility, but you sacrifice a certain amount of stability to achieve it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research the market thoroughly first. Don't assume because you would be interested in a certain product that many other people will be.
- You don't need to go it alone. In my area, the local council has an advice scheme for start-ups. Find out what support is available. I found a lot of valuable information on YouTube when I started out, and I signed up for every mailing list that was vaguely related to my area of business. Building a network is really important.
- Go for it! As they say, you regret what you don't do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://singinglessonsni.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evewilliamsmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evewilliamsmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EveLMWilliams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-williams-02827274/
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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