I’ve known members of Lori’s family for years and years but this was the first time her and I got to officially hang out and it was the best! I mean… I knew it would be because her family is amazing so why wouldn’t she be too? It just makes sense. 😛 So today’s spotlight is on Lori! Enjoy!

Tell me a little about what you do:
I am a piano teacher! I get to share my love of music with my awesome students every day, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. Will ever have!

What made you decide to go down the road to creative entrepreneurship?
I desperately wanted to be a stay at home mom for my son, and that’s not something you can do nowadays. I knew I needed some kind of “side hustle,” but wasn’t willing to rely on selling some kind of MLM to others on a regular basis. Mike Rowe, a very smart guy who used to be on that Dirty Jobs show, says to follow opportunity, not passion, but in this case, they were one and the same. I’m so happy that I’m able to be part of the few lucky enough to follow their passion and make a living with it!

What advice can you share with other creatives who are struggling?

There are going to be a lot of bad times. Whether it’s people who don’t understand the work that goes into what you do, why they should be paying you what you ask in the first place, or like in my case, people deciding that they don’t actually want to put any work into learning the piano and choosing to quit instead, we can’t let those bad times defeat us. How you combat these times is what keeps you on the path you’re following. It could be changing up your marketing strategy, or figuring out a constructive plan to overcome the obstacle in your way. The only way we truly fail is when we stop trying.

What’s a favorite inspiring quote of yours?
My sister, who’s going through a really hard time right now, has a quote she’s been using a lot, and I love it enough that I’ll steal it to answer this:

“This too shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.”

There’s always a dawn that follows the darkest of nights. It’s hard to remember that, but keep going and you’ll get there!

Can you share a favorite marketing tip with us?

I am not a good salesperson, so I’m not sure I really have a marketing tip, much less a favorite one, to share. I will say, don’t be afraid to talk yourself up. So many times I’ve found myself trying to undermine my own abilities in some kind of humility dance we’re all taught at one point or another. Whether it’s because I doubt myself, or just afraid people won’t like me if I don’t try to curb my “sheer awesomeness,” I’m not sure. Be proud of what you have accomplished, of what you WILL accomplish, and make sure people all around you know it! Confidence, gotten honestly, draws more people to you that you’d realize!

What are your five favorite things right now?

I’m all about cross stitching EVERYTHING while watching my K-Dramas (Korean shows), somehow stitching and still reading the subtitles on the screen. I also love singing at the top of my lungs, playing the piano with my son, and hanging out with my family.

What song do you listen to when you need to get motivated?
You Are Enough by Sleeping At Last

Who do you love to follow?
I don’t really follow too many people online. Mostly just friends and family with a few house plant and crochet peeps scattered at random in there.

Where can we follow you?
@loriplayspiano

 

Lori, thank you so much for sharing with us today! I love that your passion for teaching and music also fuel the priorities you have in your family life. I think you’re right, we are so lucky when we can create a life like that for ourselves and for our kids and families! Kudos and love to you!!

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Denise Karis is an Arizona photographer who enjoys musicals, Doctor Who and breakfast burritos. IG @denisekaris