Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nadia Zaid, Owner of Barrhaven Music Academy, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a group of 25 staff who serve over 400 families in the Barrhaven area weekly for music lessons, including private lessons in any instrument, group music lessons for ages 3 to 5, vocal groups, and a band program! All ages and levels are welcome.
Tell us about yourself
I started teaching piano part-time in my first year of University. I absolutely loved the experience and continued throughout my Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education Degree. I was originally going to become a classroom teacher, but I realized it wasn't for me during my studies. I then decided to start teaching piano privately (at my parents' house at the time), and there was so much demand. I eventually moved into my own house with my ex-partner, and we opened the school in 2012, which grew from there. I bought her out in 2017, and it's been a sole proprietorship since then! My main motivation was that so many kids were missing out on quality and structured music lessons because there were so many people offering them in their own way, with no streamlining. Many of my advanced students have become teachers for me themselves, and they follow the BMA program I created! It is so good to wake up every day knowing many more kids benefit from our structured lesson approach since I now have a growing team who believes in the program!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Expanding the business in 2018 on my own (with the amazing support of my wife, of course, who was then just a girlfriend) was nerve-wracking, but I'm so proud of myself for taking it on alone. When my ex and business partner were finally leaving after 2 years of difficulty, I was searching endlessly for another business partner. My wife continuously told me I could do it alone, but it made me so sick to my stomach to think so. My brother was also in support of me taking it on alone, and he helped me during the process of buying out my partner in 2017. I decided to do it, which was the best decision I could have made. I developed a new trust in myself I never previously had, stability in my mind and life that was empowering. I'm so glad I jumped in and faced my fears, but not without the support of my loved ones.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Selling yourself and others, maintaining the right business decisions without emotion, staying positive and confident 24/7, dealing with sudden last-minute situations, and damage control. Maintaining a work-life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you are passionate about something and believe in what you can give, go for it. Have a carefully thought-out business plan. Don't spend foolishly to brag. Believe in your staff and let them shine through you. Do not micromanage but give both positive and negative feedback to help your staff grow. Understand that people will move on, and you are part of their journey, don't resent that. Don't be afraid to have rules and expectations for staff. Figure out what makes your company stand out compared to others similar to you. I could go on! Haha
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.barrhavenmusicacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrhavenMusicAcademy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrhavenmusicacademy/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.