Three lessons that have driven my business success

It seems fitting that the first blog post I share is a rundown of how we got here.

Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I always wanted to run a business. Not too long ago I was learning techniques like moment-to-moment and the super-objective, Shakespeare and Meisner, period drama and post-war! It was 2017 and I was living in New York City - singing, acting, and dancing my way across the five boroughs.

So, how did I land in business?

My Early Entrepreneurial Days

I’d like to think I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even as a kid. I created rock statues that I had ‘glued’ together with aloe vera for my schoolmates, and word got out. Those little pieces of art were my first products, and they became popular enough that I could buy myself a frozen orange juice at lunchtime every day with the money I made. Was it legal? Maybe not. But I was eight years old, and it worked! Consider it my version of the traditional lemonade stand.

Little did I know, an entrepreneur was born. Looking back, I realise that my rock statues were more than just a way to earn some pocket money - they were my first real lessons in business. I learned about keeping the offer hot, identifying my ideal client, making the customer happy, and, most importantly, marketing myself - all things that my future self would be grateful for in the years to come.

Lights, Camera, Listen!

It seems silly but with the grit and determination that I’ve naturally been given to everything I’ve learned about the human condition, objectives, motivations and how to truly listen to someone, these skills from primary school to film school to acting in New York have given me a toolkit like no other.

Acting teaches you to listen, not just hear. It’s about understanding what’s beneath the surface, what drives people, and how to connect with them. When working with clients, I don’t just listen to what they say; I pay attention to what they don’t say. These skills are crucial in business. Whether it's understanding a client's needs or figuring out what motivates a team, my acting background has given me a pretty unique perspective. Acting is about storytelling, and so is business. Every business has a story to tell, one that they so desperately want to resonate with their audience. My background in performing arts and film has helped me to learn how to turn compelling stories into head-turning marketing campaigns and brand identities.

Never Stop Learning

They say a true master never stops learning. And although I don’t have a degree in business, what I have done is worked my way into rooms with talented and smart people, where I can learn from the best and also know deep in my gut that I can make a major difference in your business, just like I have with my clients.

Plus, I’m a problem solver at heart. There’s always a way to turn something around. I know when I look at a business, I deep-dive. I go below surface level and can easily find patterns and diagnose the issue at the same time as producing a solution. Sometimes as business owners, we’re blinded with tunnel vision, so by bringing me in and getting an outsider's perspective, you’re bringing in someone that can listen to her clients and hear what they’re not saying, understanding what does align them with their work and how to bring more of that into their business. Whether it’s through strategic insights, operational improvements, or getting them more aligned with their work, each client is different, and I tweak my approach to meet their specific needs. It’s a skill I’ve had to finesse over the years, but it’s allowed me to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, helping my clients thrive in ways they might not have thought possible. 

I believe in making a difference, not just for the sake of business but for the people behind the business. Understanding their motivations, challenges, and aspirations allows me to provide solutions that drive my clients’ success. If you’re interested in working with me and learning more about how Pinch Studios can help your business, get in touch here.