Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music & arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Connor Grayson, 4th generation of ownership at Grayson's Tune Town, located in Montrose, CA, USA.

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

Grayson’s Tune Town is a historic, family-owned music store located in Montrose, California, originally opened in 1953 as a record store. Over the years, we began carrying musical instruments, eventually specializing in guitars. Today the store focuses on guitars, music lessons for all instruments and ages, and some of the best repairs in all of Los Angeles.

Tell us about yourself

I am the fourth generation of ownership here at Grayson’s! I began working in the store when I was twelve years old, helping out on Saturdays and, over time, adding after-school hours through high school. Eventually, I began managing the business during and after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, where I studied Entrepreneurship.

I pinch myself sometimes, thinking about just how cool it is that I get to follow in my family’s footsteps, carrying on an almost 70-year legacy. I am filled with passion every day that I wake up, knowing that I’m playing a part in helping a child find their musical passion, an artist finds their next sound, or saving someone before a gig with that last-minute guitar fix!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think overall, our biggest accomplishment as a family is sustaining a business for almost 70 years. Businesses move, change hands, or go under all the time and to say we have been in the same city for four generations is something we are very thankful for. It hasn’t always been easy (recessions, consumer shifts towards online sales, COVID), but we have continued to adapt to trends, the industry, and, most importantly, our customers.

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

I think the hardest part about being a business owner is not getting caught up in the small things. In other words, it’s so important to remind me of the larger goal and ask myself how to get there. It is incredibly easy to become distracted by day-to-day tasks and get lost in the shuffle.

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

  1. Learn to communicate effectively. With your staff, with your customers, and with your vendors - communication is the most important skill set. If you and your people are on the same page, it’s amazing how easily things fall into place.
  2. Ensure that you’re on track with your vision and revisit your goals often. Update your goals from time to time, and make sure you’re taking the actions necessary to grow.
  3. Make enough time for yourself… Okay, I’m still working on this one - it’s very easy to become immersed in your business, constantly checking your phone for emails, orders, and fires to put out, and it’s often difficult to “unplug” after work. Try to find healthy habits and distractions outside of work to center yourself. Remind yourself that if you’re burnt out, you won’t be able to offer the same caliber of service to your customers.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.graysonstunetown.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraysonsTuneTown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graysonstunetown/

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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