Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernadette Ashby

Hi Bernadette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

People always ask me, “Bernie, how do you do it? How do you travel so much?” It’s true. I try to take a trip once a month, whether it’s local or overseas.

I’ve always had an adventurous spirit. My first solo trip was to Japan when I was in college. I remember exchanging money and going to the bus station. As I boarded, I didn’t know how much it was going to cost, so I pulled out all my coins and held my hands open to the bus driver. He looked at me funny and took the necessary coins. I can laugh now, but going alone overseas for the first time was quite a terrifying experience.

Since then, I’ve continued to travel solo, but my favorite kind of traveling is with friends and family.

There is something special about visiting new places with people you love and creating experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting gifts, but honestly, these moments are the ones I cherish the most with my family and friends.

So, I’ve purposed to travel and make it a habit. When my kids were young, I would take them with me. They gain much more education when interacting with new people and learning to be flexible when the flights aren’t on time or something goes wrong. They’ve become well-rounded and fearless young adults who know how to handle things when they don’t go their way.

Mind you, I’m the mom of my household, so I get some say in what we do as a family, so I made trips a priority. My husband knew that wanderlust was inside me, so he honored my desire to quench my adventuresome spirit by allowing me to go. I brought him along and he loved it, too.

It will take sacrifice and finances to do it, but if it’s a focus, it’s possible. I’ve had to be disciplined about saving and finding the best deals. It’s all about planning.; I avoid going into debt. Even during the pandemic of 2020, I made it a point to go on a staycation, and I actually took a few trips internationally. Doing this fed my soul and made me come alive.

I’m a wife and mom, serve at my church, and own my business. Being an entrepreneur was key for me; it has allowed me to live my dream of traveling. We’re not rich, but we are rich in memories. I wouldn’t trade it for the world! It is a different lifestyle and a different way of thinking.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

As an entrepreneur, there will be ups and downs, years where there will be plenty, and years where you will lack. Those were difficult to navigate, but the time freedom and life choices are worth it. I suppose it’s not for everybody, but it has worked for our family. On the off years, I made it a point to take my kids out locally so at least they experienced something new. I enjoyed going out with my kids. Since they are now adults, my husband and I make our plans and invite them in. Because of years of traveling, they love being with us. I love that!

As you know, we’re big fans of For the Love of Piano Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

As the owner of For the Love of Piano Studio, I enjoy running my studio. If I were to say one thing about work, do something that you love. My story is different. I started playing the piano at age 37 because of a breakthrough piano method called Simply Music. I knew music was inside me, but it never manifested until I learned this method. I had tried the traditional way of learning to read notes, but it didn’t work. Simply Music is a playing-based way of learning and I was able to play immediately blues, accompaniment, classical, pop pieces from my very first lessons. I fell in love with my job. That was over 25 years ago, and I have taught hundreds of students how to play the piano. I still play piano to this day. I’ve so grateful for Simply Music and the freedom that entrepreneurship has provided me. It has allowed me to travel in ways that I never thought.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

I would have to say that I loved music even as a young child. I took piano lessons several times with a couple of teachers; then, in college, I hired my own teacher because I wanted to play. It wasn’t until I found Simply Music that I was able to unlock the music inside of me. I know many desire to express their musicality just like I did. Not only did Simply Music do that for me, but it gave me an awesome way to make money and pay my bills even as a novice piano player at the beginning. I worked really hard to achieve success in my business. I do give credit to God for allowing me this opportunity. I’m very grateful to live the lifestyle of an entrepreneur and of Simply Music.

Pricing:

• My studio provides: Shared Lessons
• Shared Lessons
• Private Lessons
• Teaching Coaching

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pianolessonssanjose.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortheloveofpianostudio/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/for-the-love-of-piano-studio-san-jose
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/GfEqg11