Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music & entertainment but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonny Lipford, Founder of Horizons Flute School, located in Cedar Rapids, IA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Horizons Flute School is the teaching platform of award-winning flutist Jonny Lipford. Horizons offers tutorials, courses, Q&A discussions, lesson modules, and more for those interested in learning to play and further develop their skills with the Native American Flute.
Tell us about yourself
I started my journey with the Native American flute on Christmas day in 2002 and have been in love with this instrument ever since. As I was learning this instrument, I realized that very few resources and instructors were available.
The internet was relatively new, YouTube didn't exist, and there was no one around my area that could teach me. I was going at this all on my own. As I became more accomplished with the Native American flute, I developed an interest in sharing my knowledge with others, so I started offering pointers and lessons to those around me in the community.
One thing led to another, and now I've been teaching for over ten years and have worked with thousands of flute players. In 2020, we launched Horizons Flute School and had thousands of students enrolled in courses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a teacher is being able to connect and work with so many more students through this platform. They're also connecting with like-minded individuals who share this journey with them––something I was not afforded as I was learning.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you're an entrepreneur, you're most likely doing something no one else has done. While there are so many opportunities, it can also be frustrating and confusing.
There are so many ideas that lead to more tasks to be checked off the list. Managing time and energy and setting boundaries has been a tricky thing to navigate. Still, it is so essential, significantly, when you're growing a family as well.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Dream big! No one ever accomplished anything by dreaming small. More than just coming up with a few ideas, ask yourself, how can I change the world? How can I leave my mark on the world in a positive way? Above all else, you must believe that you can make it happen!
- Ask for help! Chances are, you'll burn out if you try to do it yourself. You'll need to find people who believe in you wholeheartedly and pull you in the same direction. Sometimes, those people are not your friends and family. They just want to keep you safe, and the best way they know how to do that is by keeping you thinking small and not taking risks. They become the nay-sayers in your world.
- Seek wise counsel. Surround yourself with people who are brighter and smarter than you. People who will challenge you to be and do better. Ask advice from those who have traveled the road ahead of you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jonnylipfordmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonnyLipfordMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonnylipford/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonnylipford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnylipford/
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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