We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nagihan Ozturk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nagihan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers?
As the LA Independent Film & Music Company, we have a tight-knit family deeply involved in the realms of film, commercial music production, music technology, and orchestral performances featuring a diverse array of instruments. Our company is comprised of individuals who are experts in their respective fields, showcasing proficiency and success in their roles. This project has served as a guiding force, offering valuable insights into our industry.
Undoubtedly, crafting such a unique project posed challenges for us as musicians. While the notion of conceptualizing a special project may have seemed straightforward given our musical background, the implementation proved to be anything but easy. As I mentioned earlier, the key to overcoming these challenges was the fortuitous intersection of meeting the right individuals at the right time, who not only shared our vision but also believed in our capabilities. This collaborative effort significantly strengthened our endeavor.
It is crucial to emphasize that our organization operates on a completely non-profit basis and is staffed by experts dedicated to their craft. Consider this analogy: just as a sailor or diver passionately loves their work and contributes by collecting waste, our musicians passionately play unfamiliar music with skill and enthusiasm, imparting lessons to a global audience on instruments they may not be familiar with. Few jobs can match the beauty and emotional depth of this endeavor.
In essence, our commitment to excellence, coupled with the shared passion of our team, propels us forward in this unique journey where creativity, expertise, and altruism converge.
Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.
Yes, I once owned my own music school in Istanbul. After completing my studies at the conservatory in Ankara, I relocated to Istanbul. Soon, students began coming to my home for private lessons, prompting me to transform a corner of my house into an office equipped with a grand piano. What began with just two students eventually burgeoned to 33, and while I had never envisioned opening a school, I unexpectedly found myself as a business owner.
As the number of students grew, conducting lessons at home started to feel unofficial. Despite lacking the desire to open a school initially, I took a leap of faith, relying solely on my expanding number of students and a portfolio I believed would gradually increase. True to my trust, I successfully opened a school, with plans to expand into the ‘Agaoglu complex’ of a prominent organization—an incredible journey in itself.
Securing business opportunities in such establishments is challenging without connections, and I didn’t have any. Undeterred, I approached the large holding company, asking the secretary at the door about their top executive and expressing my need for a meeting due to a significant project. Although met with skepticism and laughter, persistence paid off. On the second day, the secretary informed the boss, who, intrigued, agreed to a meeting.
When I met the boss, his first question was about my project. Lacking a written proposal, I seized the moment by proposing that if he provided a 10-square-meter space in any of their branches, I could establish my workplace and hand him my business card. Impressed by my confidence, he declared, “I like your self-confidence very much” and granted me a 12-square-meter space, waiving the first 5 months’ rent to cover initial opening expenses.
Our continued contact with him underscores the importance of recognizing opportunities and engaging with the right people at the right time without giving up. I eventually traveled to Los Angeles, and the opportunities I encountered there directed me toward making it my permanent residence. With new dreams on the horizon, I sold my school with joy and peace of mind to a fellow musician.
The legacy of my school lives on through the students still being trained under the name and patent I established. Although I occasionally reminisce about ‘AGAOGLU MY MUSIC CLUB,’ it brings a smile to my face.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
What an excellent question. The key takeaway here is the importance of making a meaningful impact on humanity and the world, irrespective of one’s profession. I consider myself fortunate to be engaged in a profession that allows me to proudly contribute by blending my abstract, non-concrete work with the realm of imagination.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lafilmandmusic.com/
- Instagram: @lafilmandmusic
Image Credits
My friend and partner Yağız Oral, with whom I collaborated on this project, played a crucial role in connecting me with you, and you have previously interviewed him.