We were lucky to catch up with Emily Goulazian recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

My journey to earning a full-time living from my creative work has been anything but linear, marked by challenges and unexpected turns. However, it’s these experiences that led me to building a fulfilling career as a 25-year old in New York City.

When I moved to NYC in the spring of 2022, I was fresh out of college and entering a world still affected by the aftermath of COVID. Studying the performing arts during COVID in a virtual setting was a big adjustment, and the pandemic made opportunities feel scarce. I was fortunate to secure a cruise ship job and an agent after graduating, which gave me some direction. When that ended, I was eager to move to NYC to pursue my dreams of performing.

I started out by taking any gig I could find, performing at jazz clubs, dueling piano shows, and cabaret venues. I quickly realized how much persistence and resilience it takes to build a sustainable career as a female performer, facing unique challenges in an over-saturated industry, mostly dominated by men. After a year of balancing performing with side jobs, I decided I wanted more control over my work and life.

That’s when I launched my own music studio. Initially, it was a solo voice studio where I taught virtual lessons to students across the country. I soon realized there was high demand for this, and after months of hard work, I had a full roster of students. Eventually, I expanded the studio, bringing on additional teachers to accommodate more clients.

Building my business was no overnight success—it involved countless lessons in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. But through this journey, I discovered a few key insights:

• A life filled with work you genuinely love is possible, especially in today’s world where technology enables us to operate entire businesses online.

• There’s a stereotype that performers will always face financial and job instability. I believe this is limiting; performers have the unique opportunity to blend creativity with strong people skills to build something truly innovative.

• As a woman, owning my business has been deeply empowering. In an industry heavily influenced by men, creating my own opportunities has given me a level of independence and confidence that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started as a performer at 10 years old, discovering a natural talent for singing with the encouragement of an elementary school teacher. I was shy in every other aspect, so it surprised everyone when I auditioned for the school play and revealed my knack for performing. My teacher saw something special and suggested I study voice more seriously, which led me to a renowned local instructor. That moment set me on a path that would ultimately define my life.

From then on, singing and theater were my world. Performing became my identity, the way I expressed myself, and I pursued it all through high school and into college, eventually earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Rider University. My teachers played an instrumental role in my journey, helping me grow, find my voice, and navigate life’s ups and downs. Music was my lifeline during challenging times, and it taught me resilience, self-expression, and the importance of community.

Inspired by the profound impact my mentors had on me, I set out to do the same for others. Today, through Emily’s Music Studio, I provide a space where students of all ages and backgrounds can find and nurture their unique voices. The studio is more than just a business—it’s a family. We’re a community of passionate artists and learners, united by a love for music and a mission to make the arts accessible to everyone.

At Emily’s Music Studio, we offer a range of classes beyond voice, including acting, guitar, songwriting, and music production, with mentorship programs designed for those pursuing college auditions or industry careers. I am proud to say that through our guidance, students have signed with agents, booked incredible jobs, gained confidence, and most importantly, discovered belief in themselves. Our teaching philosophy focuses on drawing out that special spark within each student and helping them shine.

Some things I want people to know about me and my approach:

• Wearing Many Hats: I believe in embracing all of our passions. Life is short, and we are so lucky to have the privilege to pursue multiple dreams—so why limit ourselves to just one?

• A Family of Artists: My studio is a welcoming community where creativity and curiosity thrive. Here, anyone, regardless of age, background, or skill level, can find a home and the support they need to explore their artistry. My goal everywhere I go is to create this type of connection between people.

In my heart, I know that creativity and art fuel humanity. By sharing these gifts, we contribute to a world that’s full of joy, beauty, love and connection.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey has always been a desire to do something meaningful, something that leaves a mark on the world. Even as a young kid, I felt a deep urge to share something personal and powerful with others—as though my soul was waiting to be seen. I truly believe my voice is a gift that allows me to connect with the deepest parts of myself and, ultimately, to connect with others. Music, by nature, demands to be shared; it’s meant to be sung and played aloud. When you experience that connection to music and share it with the world, it creates a sense of otherworldly, spiritual connection that feels unlike anything else.

At the heart of everything I do is this mission to keep that connection alive and to help others experience it too. For me, this is what makes the work fulfilling, and it’s also why I struggled to find satisfaction in jobs that didn’t allow me to connect in this way. I believe this message applies to anyone, in any field: find a way to weave your passions into your work, and it will bring a deeper sense of purpose and joy into your life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A powerful lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success only comes from following one specific path. As creatives, we often grow up with a single dream, and we’re told that achieving it requires a specific, linear journey. For me, I always believed my path as a performer was to perform, and that anything outside of that wouldn’t be a true success. However, I’ve learned that life isn’t so black and white, especially when it comes to creativity. Success isn’t about one ultimate destination; it’s about the journey and the many ways we can use our passions along the way.

We don’t have to fit into one mold or live by someone else’s definition of success. In fact, the most fulfilling experiences often come from embracing new ideas and taking unexpected detours. Through my journey, I’ve realized that there are limitless opportunities out there—it’s just a matter of staying curious, dreaming boldly, and putting in the work to make those dreams a reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilygoulazian.com/
• Instagram: @emilygoulazian
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.goulazian
• Other: To learn more about my Music Studio:
  https://www.emilygoulazian.com/infoMy Music Studio Instagram account:
  @emilygoulazianstudio