We were lucky to catch up with Alexis Baker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexis, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Three words immediately come to mind in thinking about what it takes to be successful: Purpose, Passion, and Grit.

Over the past 15 years, my journey of becoming a music therapist and subsequently working in the field hasn’t been the easiest road. Many people don’t fully understand what music therapy is or what exactly I do in my work. It has required continual advocacy and education. I’ve spent countless hours of my own time practicing to become better and learn music for my clients. I’ve given of myself mentally, physically, and emotionally. I haven’t made a ton of money. I’ve been undervalued. Yet, using music to make a difference is one of my main callings in life. It’s my purpose that keeps me committed.

For me, my passion for my purpose is my fuel. It’s what keeps me going through the hard times. Passion is that burning desire for something. My passion is to make a difference using music for people living with dementia. My passion is also to be successful as an entrepreneur and a small business owner. This can look like helping a ton of people and also making a ton of money. I am passionate about both.

Grit is passion and perseverance combined, both of which are absolutely necessary to succeed in business. Grit is setting goals and taking action. Grit is the ability to have delayed gratification. Building a business is like building a structure made of bricks. How is this structure built? By laying one brick at a time. Some days you lay multiple bricks, some days none. Some weeks or months, you lay dozens of bricks, but sometimes the weeks and months go by, and you’ve only laid one brick. Brick by brick the structure is built. It takes purpose, passion, and grit.

Alexis, 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 who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My first exposure to dementia was my grandmother. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when I was a kid and sadly passed away just after I turned 16. Coincidentally, later that same year, I learned about music therapy, and one of my callings in life became crystal clear: use music to make a difference in people’s lives. I knew music therapy was what I was supposed to pursue in college and career. In late 2016, I began Bridgetown Music Therapy with the mission of serving older adults living with dementia.

As a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Certified Dementia Practitioner, I provide a variety of services from speaking, writing, networking, and sharing resources with the dementia care community. I am an educator, advocate, content creator, and collaborator. For 11 years, I’ve been providing in-person music therapy as a professional. In response to COVID, I pivoted to primarily providing services online. Our main offering is our Virtual Music Engagement Program which features an extensive on-demand video library of more than 300 pre-recorded therapeutic music sessions designed to engage, uplift and overall, improve quality of life.

Today we serve dozens of memory care communities and hundreds of individuals. We’re thrilled to provide a highly accessible alternative to formal music therapy which is both high quality and affordable (cost ranging from $6 to $29 per month). It’s all created by a music therapist and tailored to people living with dementia. Additionally, for the past two years, we’ve been providing live music sessions every month through Zoom. They’re free and open to anyone. I invite you to join us!

My most recent writing project was a collaborative book. I contributed a chapter to a book for caregivers called ‘The Caregiver’s Advocate: A Complete Guide to Support and Resources’. Upon its launch in early July 2024, ‘The Caregiver’s Advocate’ flew to #1 in multiple categories on Amazon. It earned the title of bestseller in all listed categories. It also hit #1 in Australia and Canada and is a bestseller in the UK.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In early 2020, I was full hope for the future of my company. Bridgetown was still continuing to grow really well, and I set a goal at the beginning of the year to double our business. The first couple months, we were right on track with this goal, but then something unexpected happened: As we all collectively know, COVID happened.

In the span of a week, all of my clients cancelled. My business was down to nothing. It was jarring and disorienting to say the least. At first, I panicked and scrambled. Then I was paralyzed, at a loss as to what to do next. I vacillated between these two states for months. It was one of the most trying times in my life. Few of my clients were willing to try the alternative forms of service I offered, and many were simply unresponsive to outreach as they were completely overwhelmed with the state of senior care during this time.

Ultimately, I made the decision to pivot online. I chose to take my business in a new direction and fully embrace it! My husband and I decided to combine our skills. With him being a professional videographer, we began creating pre-recorded video music sessions. We clumsily launched our Virtual Music Engagement Program in late 2020. We had no idea what we were doing. There was a steep learning curve, and building a business online is much different than building in person, let alone during a global pandemic. However, we kept moving forward, creating content, learning, growing, and improving. Here we are, nearly four years later, and the future is bright!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love to read! Especially books on business, psychology, spiritual growth, and leadership. I’m a sucker for personal and professional development, so anything that helps me improve as a person, I want to get my hands on!

Because business is all about who you know and the power of influence, one of my favorite books is ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie. Interpersonal skills are incredibly important in everyday life and are critical in business. This book teaches us how to effectively and efficiently connect with each other. That’s why it’s such a gem. Its timeless principles and strategies are inspiring toward change. Every business person needs to read this book! I don’t typically read books again, but this is one worth reading over and over and over again.

I also appreciate anything by John C. Maxwell. I’ve read about a dozen of his books and have also gotten to hear him speak live at a conference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgetownmt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetownmusictherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridgetownmt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisbaker-mt-bc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bridgetownmt