We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tess Kent a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tess, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for TK Strings grew from my passion for creating unforgettable live string music experiences. There’s something truly magical about how live string music can transform an event—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gathering, or an intimate celebration—by filling the space with emotion, elegance, and connection.

I wanted to build a business that supports that magic by providing strings designed to bring out the best tone, clarity, and warmth in every performance. TK Strings is about more than just high-quality products; it’s about empowering musicians to deliver those incredible moments that guests will remember long after the music ends.

What excites me most about this idea is the power of live string music to create atmosphere and touch hearts. By focusing on strings that help musicians perform flawlessly and expressively, TK Strings helps elevate the entire live music experience.

I saw a real opportunity to serve musicians who are dedicated to making every event truly special. This endeavor feels meaningful because it’s not just about selling strings—it’s about enhancing the emotional impact and lasting memories that live string music brings to people’s lives.

Tess, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the founder of TK Strings, a live music company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences through elegant and emotive string performances. My passion for music and live performance sparked this journey—knowing firsthand how the right music can transform any event into a truly special moment.

I got into this industry because I wanted to bring the timeless beauty of live string music to weddings, corporate events, private parties, and celebrations of all kinds. Music has the power to connect people, set the perfect atmosphere, and elevate the energy of any gathering. TK Strings specializes in providing professional string ensembles that tailor their performances to the unique vibe and needs of each event.

What we offer goes beyond just playing music — we curate an entire experience. From carefully selecting repertoire that fits the mood, to seamlessly blending into the event’s flow, to engaging with guests in a way that feels both refined and heartfelt, our goal is to make every event memorable through live string music.

What sets TK Strings apart is our commitment to excellence and personalization. We don’t do one-size-fits-all performances. Instead, we listen closely to our clients’ vision and collaborate with them to deliver music that enhances their story and atmosphere. Our musicians are not only highly skilled but also passionate about creating moments that resonate long after the final note.

I’m most proud of the joy and connection we bring to events—seeing guests moved by the music, watching the atmosphere shift, and knowing we helped create memories that last a lifetime.

For anyone considering live music for their event, I want them to know TK Strings is about passion, professionalism, and a deep love for the art of live performance. We’re here to make your special moments truly shine with the beauty of live string music.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in the world of live string music and events has been one of my proudest achievements. In this industry, reputation truly is everything — it’s what opens doors, builds trust, and keeps clients coming back.

From the very beginning, I committed myself to delivering not just exceptional musical performances but also a level of professionalism and reliability that clients could depend on. I understand that live events are often once-in-a-lifetime moments where every detail matters. Showing up prepared, punctual, and adaptable has been key to earning the confidence of clients and event planners alike.

Over time, word of mouth became one of my most powerful tools. Happy clients recommended TK Strings to friends, family, and colleagues, which helped grow a network of trusted relationships. I also made it a priority to communicate clearly and proactively throughout the booking process and the event itself—making sure every expectation was met or exceeded.

My dedication to both artistic excellence and professional integrity has been the foundation for building a reputation that stands out. Clients know that when they choose TK Strings, they’re choosing a team that is dependable, talented, and deeply invested in making their event extraordinary.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” made a big impact by helping me focus on the core purpose behind TK Strings—creating meaningful, unforgettable live music experiences—rather than just business transactions. It’s a daily reminder to keep the mission front and center.

I’ve also been inspired by several Tony Robbins books, including “Awaken the Giant Within” and “Unlimited Power.” These works have shaped my mindset around personal growth, leadership, and maintaining motivation through challenges. Robbins’ emphasis on mindset, clarity, and taking massive action has been invaluable in both business and life.

“Grit” by Angela Duckworth helped me appreciate the importance of perseverance and passion over time, especially in an industry like live music where resilience is key.

Finally, “EntreLeadership” by Dave Ramsey has offered practical guidance on leading a business with integrity, clear vision, and strong team culture—elements that are central to how I run TK Strings.

Together, these resources have helped me build a balanced approach that combines passion, discipline, and smart leadership to create lasting success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tkstrings.com