Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Danyew, Founder of Musician & Co., located in Rochester, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Musician & Co. is a blog and web resource designed to equip 21st-century musicians to be both artists and business owners. Our mission is to provide an innovative model for bridging the gap between the practice room and a profitable business.
Tell us about yourself
I always knew I wanted to be a music freelancer. I liked the variety of doing different kinds of work: teaching, accompanying, writing, creating, and designing. I didn't really know what it meant to be a music entrepreneur until I was in grad school, but once I learned more about what that meant, I realized I was already doing it in my career.
From blogging to developing and teaching online courses to creating digital resources and templates to podcasting, I'm dedicated to sharing what I know and what I'm learning and creating valuable, practical resources to help other musicians do their best work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The day I was able to step away from the last piece of part-time employment in my portfolio and become full-time self-employed was a proud moment for me. I recognized that I've been able to build something both profitable and sustainable, and I have the freedom to do work that is most meaningful to me. I'm so grateful for that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, one of the hardest things is figuring out where to go next. It can feel very lonely sometimes to operate as a business of one or two, and it can be challenging to figure out what people really need and how to serve them best.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It's okay to change your mind. You don't have to do what you started doing forever. You don't have to do something forever just because you're good at it. Give yourself permission to dream new dreams, to try new things. This will keep your business fresh and flexible.
- Start small. Choose one service or one offering at first and build from there. Don't try to do everything at once. Instead, make a commitment to your audience and follow through.
- Build a business that supports the life you want to live. It's easy when you're first starting out to build something that looks like everyone else's business. Instead, take the time to really evaluate your values, your strengths, your skills, and your ideal audience. What do they need or want, and how are you ideally suited to serve them? Don't be afraid to try something that's never been done before.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
A bonus tip! Take time in your business to keep learning: Take a class. Learn from someone in another industry. Develop a new skill. Read a book. Go to a conference. If you're in the creative industry, I highly recommend taking time to stretch your creative muscles in new ways, even if they're outside of what you do for business. If you're an artist, explore creative writing. If you're a musician, explore painting. If you're a writer, explore cooking. Sometimes finding new ways to connect with your creativity will help you see your business from a new vantage point.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://musicianandcompany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleydanyew/
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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