We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alice Marie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alice, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I knew I was meant for the stage as soon as I wrote my first song at 7 years-old and performed it to wild applause. I identified as an artist from that moment on…Later in life, after battling with mental health issues and working in countless dead-end bands, I would identify as a business woman and combine my two passions: music and sales. My work has always given me a sense of purpose – I knew from a young age that I did not care for the conventional…marriage, children, etc. I prioritized my art; it got me through some hellish times. It was always my purpose- but my god I had to overcome a lot of dystopic obstacles to get to where I am today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Alice Marie- Owner/Operator at Elegance by Violin- a company focused on weddings, private events, and music education. You can find my website at www.elegancebyviolin.com or follow my social media at alicemarieviolin on Instagram, which highlights my work as an artist. I’m a bit different, as many artists fear business interactions…I, however, embrace them. It took me a while to get my foot in the door, but once I got the hang of promoting and booking shows, I couldn’t be stopped! I have faced so much negativity in my life from family and supposed friends- I’ve experienced abuse and bullying, sexism and objectification, but I never gave up. I had industry professionals telling me not to bother with a career in music. Now, I average between 15-25 shows a month, in addition to teaching private lessons in violin, viola, piano, and voice; I also offer Music Education consulting services for schools trying to start an orchestra or a general vocal music program. I live happily in Philly with my Partner and my three rescue cats. My point is: so many people told me not to bother with music- that I would amount to nothing. I’m one of the few people I know who does it for a living, and that is a blessing. Never stop.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Read as many books on sales as you can- listen to podcasts about sales and about the industry you’re in…
2. Learn by DOING…Just do it. You can read about sales until you’re blue in the face, but it’s worthless if you don’t practice it. Reach out to 20 new clients a week. Sound overwhelming? Don’t worry- only 2 out of 20 will get back to you. But keep going!
3. Your Prices are Your Prices! Don’t lower your costs to garner more gigs…this is something I have to keep reminding myself, as I know several artists who will work for nothing or little. Set your prices and stick to your guns!
That’s my advice to any up and coming business owner/artist. My approach was heuristic, to say the least, I made several mistakes, including having a lack-luster social media presence during most of my twenties.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, I have greatly improved my social media presence. It was anemic in my twenties as I didn’t post quality content, and I kept going on and off of Facebook, particularly. In the past couple of years or particularly the past year, I have totally rehabilitated my Instagram account to thousands of followers, by boosting a couple key posts and sharing professional photos, as well as generating interesting “stories.” I made sure I mentioned my appearances on Good Day, Philadelphia, since that would help boost my branding. Everything pretty much fell in-line after that. Now some will say that being “Insta-Famous” is akin to having Monopoly Money…but that is just not true. A great social media presence is essential for a great brand- or whatever product it is that one is selling. I bring all my clients to IG, since it showcases my wedding music, band performances, and educational endeavors. It’s an excellent networking tool as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elegancebyviolin.com
- Instagram: alicemarieviolin
- Facebook: alicemarieviolin
- Youtube: alicemarieviolin
- SoundCloud: alicemarieviolin
Image Credits
Photography: Frankie James’ Photography
