Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in a music academy, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anthony DiMichael Gemignani owner of Allstar Music Empire, based out of Flemington NJ, USA.

Tell us all about your business...

Allstar Music Empire is NJ's most unique music school. We specialize in the experience of learning music in a Rockstar environment. Whether you are just starting or advanced and looking to sharpen your skills, musically and socially.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

My name is Anthony Gemignani and I am the owner of Allstar Music Empire. I opened the Empire in 2013. This was my largest music school to date. I had owned and sold 3 facilities before this one. I was fortunate to be able to follow my dreams of music and attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. After graduating in 1994, I moved to NY and dove into the trenches of the music scene.

After many years of touring and teaching, I opened my first school in Flemington NJ, and never looked back. Now almost 20 years later we have built such a foundation of students that we were able to pull through the world's obstacles and survive as a "NON-Essential" business.


My path has brought me around the world touring with the Former vocalist, Janet Gardner, of the 80's band VIXEN. We have been touring the world playing hits and new music in places like Australia, England, Scotland, and many more European countries as well as the entire US.

Allstar Music Empire and Anthony's goals are to bring the most inspiring facility and staff to the lives of anyone looking to find the love and passion of learning a musical instrument.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment is continuing to find ways of staying current and relevant while keeping up a level of professionalism and growth as a person and as a business. I also believe it is an amazing accomplishment to find amazing instructors, and I know how to do that. I have been an instructor for 25 years. I know what is needed in the personality, and the skills of the instructors. Connecting with the students on a personal level is needed. I have created a safe, fun, inspiring, and exciting facility that I feel nothing but love and passion for, and all I can ask is that all that love and passion is passed on in one way or another by your experience here as a student.

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

One of the hardest things about owning a business is having a very long list. But if you are planning to be a business owner you either know how much it will be or you learn quickly. Choose to stay with it or abandon the idea. Keeping clients happy and feeling like they have growth here is very important. I believe the hardest thing is making sure everyone that walks through the door, whether it is current clients or soon to be clients or someone just popping their head in to check it out, needs to feel comfortable, excited, and like they found where they belong. Like it is a new place, but everything about it feels familiar and comfortable and safe with all of today's concerns.

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

First, make sure you have enough money to live for a year without making a profit. Having enough capital to get through the first year is usually the hardest. Second never stop looking for new ways to better or reinvent yourself, and it shows a personal growth that carries over to your business. Third, I would say do not listen to anyone's thoughts, opinions or concepts unless you are truly interested in the conversation or you've asked their opinion. Don't share ideas until they are marinated in your head. If you can't explain your own business clear, and easy then you don't even know what your business is yet.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Allstar Music Empire has combined Westling's Martial Arts Academy, and now we have performing arts and martial arts under one roof. It is a very cool dynamic and vibe, and it is a continuation of learning discipline, social skills, dedication, and work ethics. Everything about the music lessons and the martial arts classes is a lifelong skill that can be enjoyed and explored for a lifetime.

Where can people find you online?

Website: https://allstarmusicempire.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllstarMusicEmpire

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.