This month, the spotlight is on a beautiful mama named Ellen! She teaches the Kindermusik class in downtown Southern Pines, along with her little cutie pie Knox! I met with Ellen and her son one warm Monday afternoon to get cupcakes, but unfortunately they were closed! So instead, we just headed over to the park for some play time!
Hi, Ellen! Can you tell me a little about yourself!?
I am a wife & mother first - 16 month old son, Knox and new baby on the way in May! I have studied Creative Writing, Early Childhood Education and Special Education and have worked with children on and off since I was 15. Most recently working as a preschool teacher and working one-on-one with children with special needs. This is my first semester teaching Kindermusik and I feel like this is my calling!
How’d you become a business owner?
I decided to start a Kindermusik studio because I wanted to continue working with children while making my own schedule and being able to spend as much time with my son as possible.
What’s Kindermusik all about?
Kindermusik is a parent-child music and movement class that is all about family, fun, creativity and exploration of music. Classes are full of research-based activities that enhance cognitive, emotional, social, fine motor, gross motor and behavioral development for young children through music. Kindermusik is about educating parents as well as children, and providing opportunities for continued growth and exploration outside of the classroom.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching Kindermusik?
Definitely getting to witness the special bond that each parent and child have with each other. I love watching parents' faces as they see their children learning and making connections.
What challenges have you faced or overcome?
I think any new business owner faces the same challenges - Attempting to reach your customer base was a big one for me - I thought it would be a lot easier for me to reach parents since I am one myself. I know where I go to look for information about these types of activities, so that is where I advertised, but it's harder than I thought to reach all of the people you want to.
How do you balance being a mom and running your business?
This one is easy for me because Knox attends my classes with me! Another reason I love teaching Kindermusik is getting to experience it with him - and seeing how much he loves it makes any challenges totally worth it! I also like having him with me because it makes it easier for me to demonstrate to the parents how to best participate in an activity, also he is a great guinea pig! :)
Any business secrets or strategies you’d like to share?
I think Facebook is a great tool for business owners. The free business page is a plus but also their ad campaigns are affordable, so precisely directed towards your desired audience and they provide lots of feedback.
Ellen is always offering FREE previews to anyone who is interested! So get in touch with her to schedule your free preview class!
How can we get in touch with you?
Email:
ellen@kindermusikwithellen.com
Business address: 176 NW Broad St. Southern Pines, NC
Phone number: (910) 315-0990
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kindermusik-with-Ellen/136492519754255
Ellen, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet me! I had so much fun watching you and Knox interact and I'm so excited for your new bundle coming next Year! We still need to catch up on those doughnuts! ;)
Portrait Photographers, Fayetteville, NC
