Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sonya Florie, Founder of Sonya Florie Vocal Arts, located in San Antonio, TX, USA.

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

Sonya Florie Vocal Arts is an innovative style of vocal training combining classical & contemporary techniques. I have been a private voice technique teacher for 26 years. Singers that come to my studio are singing contemporary style music but are looking for good vocal technique. However, they do not want to sing classical music. Classical technique is mostly utilized in classical singing and opera. Customers often have difficulty learning proper vocal techniques while singing in the Contemporary style. I help to bridge that gap because of my training and experience.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a singer my entire life as the musical gene runs deep in my family tree. I always knew that getting a Vocal Performance education would involve performing, but at some point, I would have a vocal studio to train other singers. I realized that although I loved opera, I did not see myself only performing in that genre. So as I told my students, I "flew out of the nest" and started singing everything. I soon discovered that there was more to learn in the contemporary style, and it proved to be challenging; I understood that classical singing was meant to use the voice in the way that the natural mechanism was intended to be used. When you train for years to do something the "right" way, it's difficult to introduce the weird tensions and inconsistencies that occur in contemporary styles. Manipulating more of the jaw, tongue, and soft palate and finding the mixed voice register was critical in making a good contemporary performance. I felt like this is where more artistry could be born and perfected. Each side, classical/contemporary, had its downfalls; as a singer, I did not want to be limited.

So I started a performing group where we had to learn to sing all styles and perform them at events. It made me realize that this was one of the reasons why contemporary singers injure their voices with faulty technique and knowledge. They use their voices as an athlete for the Olympics but with faulty or no technique at all. My motivation comes from seeing that big smile on their face as I teach them how to use good technique and relieve tension that inhibits their singing, and it works. They gain that knowledge, and they become great contemporary singers with good technique.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say, as a whole, any time a student works hard through the "meltdowns" to perfect their skill and then nails, it makes me so happy because I know how hard they worked. I have had many students who have gone on to achieve some wonderful things. It's hard to pick just one, but if I had to pick one, it would be my former student Edwin Bates. He had come to a vocal workshop I was doing for the Urban Music Festival and Competition. He had so many questions about technique. I loved the genuine interest he had. I started training Edwin at the age of 12. I put him on a scholarship after hearing him sing, as vocal training would have been a financial strain for his family. His voice sounded like Luther Vandross. I knew he had the ability to make it in the music business. He went to a Musical Theater performing arts high school, where he fell in love with Musical Theater. He also learned how to dance and act. He then went on to Texas State University in their Musical Theater department, which out of 600 applicants, only accepts 12-14 students. He graduated and went to New York City. He then "paid his dues," but not too long after was cast in the National Tour of "Beautiful," the musical, and a year after became the primary understudy for the character "Usher" in the 2022 Tony-Winning Musical "A Strange Loop." Tears streamed down my face; seeing him on the stage with the cast as they accepted the award made me say out loud, " I KNEW it" He often performs during the matinee performances at the Lyceum Theatre.

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

Understanding what it takes to launch the business and be the main person that has to do the work after your business closes for the day. Knowing that there is a lot of technology that has to be done to compete in the business market. It can be overwhelming. Websites, social media, and not just one social media. Several that each takes time to do but are important in growing your audience.

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

  1. Have a business plan and branding.
  2. Know where you are deficient in technology and take some courses so you don't have to figure things out when you are already stressed and tired from your day.
  3. Research and continue growing in your knowledge. Check out other businesses around you. Call and get prices for other businesses that are the same as yours. STAY IN THE KNOW. I cannot stress that enough.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It can be challenging, but it is so rewarding! Don't give up!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sfvocalarts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfva_singersstudio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sfvocalarts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-florie-40942698/

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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