This month’s fabulous business owner interview is with Catherine Offner from Catherine’s Music Studio in Skippack, PA. We used her services for my son’s guitar lessons for years. She gathers several instructors to teach individuals their instrument of choice. Let’s read about how she made her business successful for many years.
***Catherine has been doing other things, and this business is no longer around. But I am keeping this post so that you can learn from this amazing person.***
1. Tell us about your business and when you started.
I own two music studios, in which I teach piano lessons and have other instructors teaching instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, vocals, ukulele, and mandolin. I started going to people’s homes but was able to open my first Studio about ten years ago.
2. Why did you start your business?
I started my business because, as a teacher, I saw the need for students to be able to fully concentrate on their studies and skills without interruption. At home, there is so much going on, and it’s hard for them to focus. At the studio, I can have a ‘classroom’-type atmosphere along with numerous other instruments and games to help teach music.
3. What area do you feel you struggle with in your business?
When I first started, many people didn’t take me seriously. I was young, and I also felt that, as a woman, I wasn’t considered to have a ‘real’ career.
But I also struggle with the price point of lessons. Running a legitimate business with all the expenses and making money doing this is tough. I can’t charge too much because I won’t be able to help as many students, but I still need to pay the bills!
Another struggle is advertising. Most people do an internet search, which is OK, but finding something universal to advertise from is hard. But social media is doing the Studio good right now!
Another struggle is finding the time to complete all the paperwork. Being a mom of three kids makes it tough to be a working parent, and my hours are after school, when I teach. It’s a lot of juggling, but we somehow make it work!
4. What did you do to combat or overcome this struggle?
To overcome people taking me seriously, I kept going and did my best! I knew in my heart that one day people would see me as a legitimate business with a legitimate occupation. Being in business for over ten years really shows a lot, and the growth I’ve had in the company has also opened people’s eyes.
I stay competitive with other studios in the area but also feel I offer something unique. The quality of the instruction and the atmosphere of the studios speak volumes.
5. Please share some tips on how you made your business a success.
Love what you do! If you don’t love it, then no one else will. Put your whole heart into what you do and care. Keep communications open with customers. Keep yourself open to new ways of doing things and things you can add to improve your business. Be unique, offer something that no one else can.
Sabrina’s Comments
Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your thoughts and participating in my Business Owner Interview series. I agree with her. Just because people judge what you do doesn’t mean you should stop what you are doing. With exposure to the entire world through the internet, we see daily how many people make money with their unique businesses. Having a clear vision of what you want and a plan that can be modified as your business grows is critical for success. Remember this quote: “When you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
Visit our fabulous business owner interviews to see how they made their business a success.
I’m glad you persevered, Catherine! Your passion for what you do is clear through everything you say, and I’m sure that is what’s allowed you to be successful.