Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marissa Lerer, Owner of The Listening Booth, located in Lewes, DE, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Listening Booth is a haven for original music in Southern Delaware. We exist to create a cultural center in Southern Delaware where original art and music are cultivated and celebrated. Founded by artists, run by artists, funded and supported by local music lovers, The Listening Booth is already a place where musicians truly love to play, and after a sold-out kick-off show, appearances on regional television, podcasts, and radio, audiences agree.
Tell us about yourself
I am a singer/songwriter. When I moved to Lewes from Brooklyn, I was hoping to work on my music career but what I found was a "covers only" scene where original music wasn't particularly welcome. I wanted to have a space where not only was original music okay to play; we could create a community around songwriting and storytelling. My motivation is the young musicians I meet in my town who are dabbling with songwriting. I love to encourage them, and I am so proud to be able to give them a platform to play their own music.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far, what I'm most proud of has been my ability to pivot. Our first concert was supposed to be in my backyard. We had rented tents and a porta-potty and had everything planned out. But three weeks before the show, my HOA told me I could not do the show there. In less than 24 hours, I had secured a new, better space, and we have continued that relationship. I love that not only did we get a better space, but we're also building community business relationships that will last a lifetime.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think this is specific to being a music venue owner. I am most stressed about getting butts in seats. I don't want to disappoint the artist who has sometimes travelled many miles to be there. I would never want them playing in an empty house. So I need to build and keep an audience which is really hard.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Write that business plan. I know it's daunting, but it clarified everything for me. I've never actually used it in a formal sense, but all my little snippets about who we are and what we're doing have come from that.
- Get good at designing stuff. I design all our own merch, flyers, and social media ads. It's tremendously helpful because I don't have to pause to find someone to design things for me - I just do it myself.
- Get help! Find people who truly believe in what you're doing and are willing to work for sweat equity. I could not be doing this without my general manager, who is awesome. Also, don't expect to make any money. So find a way to sustain yourself so you aren't stressed about your own financial well-being.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.listeningbooth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/listeningboothlewes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listeningboothlewes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LewesListening
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissalerer/
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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