We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Groote. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.

Alright, Jamie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am incredibly happy as an artist and creative…when I’m creating, but I do sometimes wonder what a stable “regular” job would feel like. Being an artist has extreme highs and lows. As an opera singer I am so fulfilled by my practice when I get to be a part of a production and creative team. I am floating on a cloud when I am really doing what I do, but my work in this industry is effected by so many different variables that it can be very stressful between contracts. The industry’s financial well being, programming trends, scheduling, relationships, personal taste, company’s looking for variety and so many other factors can come into play and the instability of living in this world, having limited control over so many elements, was a big part of what lead me to create a business. I wanted to relieve some of that pressure, and be happier in the ebbs and flows so that I could get back to the essence of my art. I am less stressed between contracts and I actually really enjoy getting to be involved in something entirely different. My floral design company handles only events so that I can schedule them around my singing career and I love having another artistic outlet. Operating a business has also allowed me to be a more well rounded person and build necessary skills should I ever be ready for a switch into another area of the arts world. For me, balancing multiple careers has really allowed me to have the life balance I always wanted and open doors.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jamie Groote and I am an operatic soprano and proud owner of a flourishing floral design business. My journey into the realm of opera wasn’t typical – I stumbled into it quite unexpectedly. Before I even witnessed an opera, I found myself performing in one. I always loved singing, it made me feel special and seen but it wasn’t until I was encouraged by my high school voice teacher to audition for university music programs that I even thought of it as a possible career path. Knowing I could always switch programs, I followed her advice and started down the path with a naive excitement, unaware of what a career in performance might look like.

I received my Bachelor of Music in voice performance and an Opera Diploma from Wilfrid Laurier University, and then a Master’s degree from the University of Toronto. Each step I fell more in love with the art form, and I dreamed of a career on the stage.

I felt like I won the lottery when I was accepted into the esteemed Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio program. It was a dream come true – the opportunity to be paid to hone my craft with world-class teachers and coaches while performing alongside some of the best singers in the world on the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts stage. However, mere months into the program and just as I was poised to soar, the pandemic struck, casting uncertainty over the future of the arts industry.

I am a planner, and not knowing how things were going to look when I was done at the COC, particularily financially, was something that caused me enough stress that my art wasn’t filling me like it used to anymore. It was too much pressure to foster creativity and growth and so I made a change to support my singing career. Recognizing the need for flexibility and stability, I ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a floral design company specializing in weddings and events. With determination and a thirst for learning, I taught myself the intricacies of floral design, supported by invaluable guidance from industry peers and online resources.

Balancing two diverse passions – singing and entrepreneurship – has been both demanding and immensely gratifying. I’ve discovered that my business endeavors complement my artistic pursuits, enriching my creativity and providing business sense and fulfillment beyond the stage. Now, I have the privilege of spreading joy through both music and by being a part of some of the most important days in my clients’ lives. That feels meaningful.

Through it all, I’ve come to realize that having a secondary career doesn’t dilute my dedication, determination or inspiration – it enhances it. Whether we like it or not being an artist is not always most valued through financial gains but now that I have relieved some of that pressure and found something else that fills me, I can get back to why I make art, I strive to connect with people on a deeper level, I want to foster empathy and human connection and give people the opportunity to step out of their worlds and into a story where they can escape and reflect. I am proud of both of my careers and to have found this balance.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

First and foremost, notice the art around you! It is everywhere! Often artists feel undervalued, particularly in the past few years as we all experienced the hardships of Covid and artists were very quickly identified in a way that made a lot of us feel as though we were the “extra’s” easily cut from budget lines and established as relatively unimportant. Much of that is understandable when facing a health crisis, however look at how much artistic content was consumed when people had the time and opportunity to do so, remind yourself of how much art you consume everyday. The arts are incredibly important to a person’s enjoyment of life. So do that! Find ways to absorb art in whatever way you can and find ways to tell the artists around you that you do value what they add to society. Like, subscribe, donate, attend, tell your friends! Do what you can, even in the smallest of ways, to show that art is valued and foster the opportunity and inspiration for more!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Grants! Yes, they are intimidating and can be a lot of work to put together and yes, there is no guarantee that they are going to pick your project,..BUT there is major opportunity here! Grant writing is a skill that can very much be developed and there are many organizations who understand the perspective of artists and the need to invest in order to create. Career development grants go a long way and writing grants successfully is also a great resume item that makes you appealing to a number of organizations that depend on grants for funding. They also give you the opportunity to put on projects that mean something to you, while being paid for your artistry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jamiegroote.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiegroote/?hl=en
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamie.groote
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-groote-4a2437270/
• Twitter: @JamieGroote

Image Credits
1:Nanc price photography, Edmonton Opera, Carmen 2:Gaetz Photography 3;Gaetz Photography 4:Julian Guidera, Dorset Opera Festival, Le nozze di Figaro 5:Julian Guidera, Dorset Opera Festival, The Magic Flute 6:Gaetz Photography 7:Gaetz Photography 8. Robert Tinker, Manitoba Opera, Cosi fan tutte