We recently connected with Joslynn Cortes and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joslynn, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I absolutely love this question! Self care is so important to our mental state and our creative state as well. When I first opened Vocal Love, my prayer was that I would have days full of lessons! I made it my business to go out and promote myself by collaborating with other small businesses offering my services for free just so I could get my name and brand out there. Eventually my prayers were answered and I was so thrilled! Almost three years in and I currently find myself trying to find the balance between operating a “successful” small business, maintaining my administrative full time job and still being emotionally, mentally and creatively available for auditions and booked projects all while finding time for my faith, partner, family and self. It is a wild ride and challenging to say the least, but doable!
When I’m feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated, my first thought is that something is wrong with me. I should be able to handle everything. Once I take a breath and look at my plate, I realize that I’m overextending myself and I have to pull back on a few areas so I don’t completely snap. That’s when fear sets in.
FEAR TALKING: “If you call off of work for the day, they may fire you and you’ll be broke, destined to live on the street a failure!” or “If you limit how many lessons you’ll take this coming week people will hate you and your business will crash and burn leaving you broke, destined to live on the street a failure!!” or my favorite “If you can’t handle it, you don’t deserve it. And that makes you a weak minded individual….who will eventually be broke, destined to live on the street a failure!!!”
But then reality sets in and I remember that having anxiety on what tomorrow will bring is a waste of my time. I know for a fact that God will always provide, because He has proven himself countless times. This brings me comfort and peace, allowing me to properly analyze my workload and make decisions that work for me!
Now that I’ve downsized my workload, my effectiveness has skyrocketed. Since I’m not being pulled in multiple directions, I’m focused in on certain tasks and that makes crucial things like paying attention to fine details much easier and feasible! It no longer about the amount of work I’m getting done or the amount of lessons I’m booking in a week or the amount of Auditions I’m submitting within the week, or the amount of family members I call. Instead my energy goes towards the quality of these experiences. When the Quality goes up, the end results are immaculate! Even though I downsized lessons for the week ,the lessons I did end up having were so customized and personal to the vocalist that they tell other vocalists about Vocal Love therin gaining more clients. The tasks I was able to complete at my 9-5 job are more efficient, earning me a raise ! My phone calls with family are deeper and more meaningful, creating beautiful bonds and genuine moments of healing, growth and wisdom.
I used to think, in order for all the areas of my life to be thriving, I had to pour my entire self all the time, but I realized with time, scripture and some wise words from my partner that sometimes it’s better to not show up at all then to show up exhausted. I needed to rest, and be okay with resting. I needed to understand that I am a person not a robot. I can and will get burnt out and it is up to me to take the time needed to properly rest so I can come back better than when I left! Let me tell you, it didn’t take me long to disconnect, grab some chocolate and watch some Law and Order SVU. Taking the time needed (personally I need 24-48 hours) and being okay taking that time really elevated my mental health which then elevated every other area of my life! My prayer over my business now is to have the ability to handle all the growth in a healthy, grateful way!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hola I’m Joslynn Cortes, Founder, creator and Vocal Instructor of Vocal Love! On top of being a business owner, I am also the Assistant Office Manager at the Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts and I am also an AEA actor! This year for Vocal Love, we opened up a Youth Division for our young artists and we’re focusing on building up more workshop/showcase opportunities for Adult artists! Last year Vocal Love launched its first workshop/showcase and it was super successful! Great relationships between vocalists and casting were created and it really opened up some doors! My hope is that I can provide that program again and in addition offer a scholarship! I would also love to produce a recital so my students can showcase what they’ve been working on, but that looks like it may happen in 2024. I am absolutely in love with my business. It promotes healthy, encouraging and dynamic vocal routines! What’s not to love?! As far as Acting goes, surprisingly enough, I’ve been getting more traffic and booking more gigs in front of the camera vs on stage, but I’m excited to put myself out there in the AEA arena for the first time and finally get a Musical Theatre agent!
I think that’s all I got for now!
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.God will always provide. He’s good for it! 2.Quality over Quantity
3.Take a nap
Everyone’s journey is completely different. Take your time, learn from your mistakes and enjoy the relationships you create along the way. What is meant for you, is already yours….Work for it still…but know it’s already done!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Vocal Love is always looking to collaborate with other entrepreneurs or sponsors. In the past we’ve collaborated with The Cabaret Corner, Homegrown and so many other businesses focusing in the arts! We would love to team up with any auctions going on or theatres looking to elevate their season or programs vocally!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vocallove.shop
- Instagram: @vocallovexoxo
- Other: Tiktok: @vocallovexoxo
Image Credits
Huebner Headshots
