Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music & entertainment but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Cabri, Founder of Paul Cabri Guitar Studio, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

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

I run a music school, giving guitar lessons out of my home studio when I'm not out teaching at one of the schools I'm affiliated with. The students here at my studio are mostly local children and adults who are either beginners or want to improve their playing and expand their understanding of music and how it relates to the guitar. Aside from that, I also offer Zoom lessons to students too far away to visit my studio.

Tell us about yourself

Since middle school, I have loved the guitar and all aspects of music, and I started playing in bands. That said, I was around people who were professional musicians, including some of my family. The idea of teaching and running my practice was a natural progression I fell into when I graduated from college in the 80s and needed to make a living.

Playing and teaching music balanced each other out and helped me create a life for myself in the field. My motivation comes from learning new things, helping my students, and trying to improve my skills in one way or another.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is just making it all work and becoming affiliated with several established institutions as a music teacher. I currently teach guitar at two private schools in NYC and a college in Brooklyn, besides running my teaching practice.

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

One of the hardest things can be establishing a life-work balance, but giving everyone your best as a teacher is essential.

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

My tips may be a little unconventional for some, but here goes. First, learn to understand your clients so you can work and grow with them. I try to adapt to each client's needs and goals.

Second, I always thought it was good to have some affiliation with professional organizations outside my practice. This, to me, is a way of showing that other people in my field of education value my expertise.

Finally, share your passion for your work with your clients. People can pick up my enthusiasm for my work and my willingness to share it. This should never be in question.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.paulcabri.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulCabriGuitarStudio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulcabriguitarstudio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PcGuitarStudio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cabri-96533b1b/

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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