Melanie's Melody
It's official. I am going into business for myself!
I never dreamed I would be walking through this door. Two years ago, my friend Jennie asked me, "Would you ever consider teaching piano lessons?" I had taught piano lessons in the past. Actually, my first year teaching music I had three students. They lived in the neighborhood of the elementary school and paid me $5 per lesson. After I married and moved to San Antonio, I picked up a piano student here and there. One little girl I taught for free. Once we were in Houston, I coached a couple of kids from church before auditions or choir contests. But I had never really considered "going into business" for myself. Who does that, after all?
Michael is an entrepreneur. He is always imagining, thinking, inventing. He reads books about being self-employed, succeeding in business, thinking outside the box. (He says that Seth Godin's new book, "Lynchpin" is really good, by the way.) I am always more of a Negative-Nelly. I can talk myself out of trying things before I even start. "I don't have time." "That will be too hard." "I have the kids!" You get the idea. Maybe you can even relate to that. I think most people are probably more like me.
So, my friend Jennie asked me in the hallway at church one Sunday - would I teach? I didn't know at the time what a pivotal moment that would be. I considered telling her "no". I default to "no". I didn't really NEED the money. I liked my normal routine. Making it work takes effort. I treasure my free time.
But, something compelled me to say.... yes.
Two years have passed since she asked me that question. Today was my second of two Winter recitals. I now have 11 students, with 3 more scheduled to start up later this Spring. I have been going back and forth about what I am going to do next year - go back to Katy ISD or try to make a go of my own thing. One is safe. But the other is exciting. I would generally choose safe. But, (thankfully!) I am married to Michael. And he has given me the greatest gift a husband could give. (No, not money. OK - the SECOND greatest gift.) A year to make this work.
It has been an exciting whirlwind the last couple of weeks. I designed and ordered business cards, Michael commissioned a web designer to build me a web site. I bought a piano!
I am nervous, but hopeful. Best of all, I feel like I am really LIVING in the gifts God has given me. My skill set fits this perfectly.
So - don't be afraid to dream. And then, if you have the wonderful opportunity to "go for it", just do it. Say "yes", even if, especially if, you would naturally say "no, thanks."
You never know where the rabbit hole might lead you.
www.MelaniesMelody.com
I never dreamed I would be walking through this door. Two years ago, my friend Jennie asked me, "Would you ever consider teaching piano lessons?" I had taught piano lessons in the past. Actually, my first year teaching music I had three students. They lived in the neighborhood of the elementary school and paid me $5 per lesson. After I married and moved to San Antonio, I picked up a piano student here and there. One little girl I taught for free. Once we were in Houston, I coached a couple of kids from church before auditions or choir contests. But I had never really considered "going into business" for myself. Who does that, after all?
Michael is an entrepreneur. He is always imagining, thinking, inventing. He reads books about being self-employed, succeeding in business, thinking outside the box. (He says that Seth Godin's new book, "Lynchpin" is really good, by the way.) I am always more of a Negative-Nelly. I can talk myself out of trying things before I even start. "I don't have time." "That will be too hard." "I have the kids!" You get the idea. Maybe you can even relate to that. I think most people are probably more like me.
So, my friend Jennie asked me in the hallway at church one Sunday - would I teach? I didn't know at the time what a pivotal moment that would be. I considered telling her "no". I default to "no". I didn't really NEED the money. I liked my normal routine. Making it work takes effort. I treasure my free time.
But, something compelled me to say.... yes.
Two years have passed since she asked me that question. Today was my second of two Winter recitals. I now have 11 students, with 3 more scheduled to start up later this Spring. I have been going back and forth about what I am going to do next year - go back to Katy ISD or try to make a go of my own thing. One is safe. But the other is exciting. I would generally choose safe. But, (thankfully!) I am married to Michael. And he has given me the greatest gift a husband could give. (No, not money. OK - the SECOND greatest gift.) A year to make this work.
It has been an exciting whirlwind the last couple of weeks. I designed and ordered business cards, Michael commissioned a web designer to build me a web site. I bought a piano!
I am nervous, but hopeful. Best of all, I feel like I am really LIVING in the gifts God has given me. My skill set fits this perfectly.
So - don't be afraid to dream. And then, if you have the wonderful opportunity to "go for it", just do it. Say "yes", even if, especially if, you would naturally say "no, thanks."
You never know where the rabbit hole might lead you.
www.MelaniesMelody.com
