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

Hi Rachael, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Concerts were my go-to happy place. An escape from the real world, even if just for a little while. I was incredibly passionate about music, to the point that any time I had a moment to spare, I’d eagerly pitch in as a volunteer at local festivals. But when the pandemic hit and live music was halted, I started worrying about all the people who make those shows happen. Since my journey began in the world of production finance at NBC, I’d always admired the folks who make the magic behind the scenes, working hard to put on a show.

I had become friends with the crew of my favorite band. When I saw them trying to raise money for rent because of the pandemic, I knew I wanted to do something. So, I started reaching out to folks in the music industry. To my surprise, I discovered that the issues were more profound than I had initially realized. A lot of the people in this industry, especially in touring, work as freelancers, and they don’t have an employer to advocate for things like retirement plans, health insurance, or financial wellness resources. It hit me that I could make a difference.

I also felt stuck in my own career. I’d aimed high in my younger years, going after my dreams. Life got busy, though. I got married, became a mom to three wonderful kids, lost my own mom, and became the main caregiver for my sister with special needs.

Seeing how my own mom switched careers – from a teacher to a financial planner when my dad got sick – inspired me. I decided to blend her entrepreneurial spirit with my own passion to help those who needed it most. And that’s how, in May 2021, Life’s Jam was born. My goal? To make sure that the hardworking people behind the music have the support they deserve.

Rachael, 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?

I used to believe that music was only a passion of mine, not something I could pursue as a career path – especially not something I could embark on in my 40s. However, a shift occurred when I considered the individuals behind the music, realizing my potential to make a meaningful impact in their lives.

Have you ever come across the concept of financial coaching? I certainly hadn’t until I delved into it, and I’m so grateful for that exploration. Armed with years of financial expertise, a strong inclination to aid an often overlooked segment of professionals, and a desire to absorb knowledge and share it, I discovered that financial coaching might be just what the music industry needed. Financial coaching empowers individuals to cultivate healthier habits, identify what’s important to them, take care of themselves now and for their future. It struck me as a fundamental toolkit that everyone should have at their disposal.

In the early stages, a music industry professional shared, “We need someone who understands our lifestyle and profession.” Her words resonated deeply, sparking my determination to delve into the intricacies of touring and the industry at large. This drove me to provide coaching and solutions that would resonate with the touring community. Today, I stand as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Quickbooks Pro Advisor. I engage one-on-one with touring professionals, speak at industry events, and host workshops for industry organizations and companies. I’ve been privileged to speak at MusiCares, Music Forward All Access Fest, The Business Side of Music podcast, Touring Career Workshop, Women in Music, and more. Looking ahead to the coming year, I am excited about making a positive contribution to the individuals who form the heart and foundation of bringing a show to life.

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

When I first mentioned to people that I was diving into the financial coaching world, they were intrigued and started asking questions. But when I further elaborated and told them that I was focused on helping music touring pros, I got a common response of “Whoa, that’s super cool and very specific!”

Recognizing the underserved nature of this niche audience—individuals often lacking foundational financial knowledge as they embarked on freelance careers without traditional employer guidance—I was inspired to concentrate my efforts on addressing their unique needs.

By consciously adopting this niche approach from the outset, I was able to establish a strong presence within the community and cultivate authentic relationships. Drawing parallels with my earlier experiences in the media industry, I appreciated the significance of establishing an initial foothold and then leveraging the power of connections within the music industry. I was able to gain people’s trust which is so vitally important.

My commitment to exceeding expectations and my willingness to work with Beta clients at the outset were instrumental in crafting positive initial experiences. These early successes played a pivotal role in shaping my reputation. Beyond my niche specialization, I recognized the potential of LinkedIn as a powerful tool for showcasing my professional value. I proactively engaged with industry webinars, connecting with speakers through personalized messages. This approach organically grew my network, with a majority of connections coming from the music industry. Engaging with their posts and staying updated on industry events allowed for a natural progression of networking.

I believe my market reputation took shape through nurturing relationships, wholehearted engagement, embracing honesty and non-judgment, fostering empathy, delving into industry nuances, and staying resolutely dedicated to uplifting this vibrant community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey has been a testament to resilience, a trait I’ve cultivated since an early age. The trials began when my father battled illness throughout the first decade of my life, his eventual passing leaving my mother to raise me and care for my special needs sister. Rather than succumbing to life’s challenges, I chose to channel these experiences into becoming stronger, more audacious, and deeply engaged.

Launching my own business has become a daily battlefield for resilience, where victories and setbacks intermingle, creating a roller coaster of uncertainty. While I anticipated the challenges that come with venturing into the unknown, I didn’t fully grasp the perpetual state of discomfort that would become my daily norm. Yet, I’ve embraced this discomfort as part of the growth journey and have learned to extend kindness to myself amid the turbulence.

Amidst the million aspirations that fuel my drive, I recognize the importance of pacing myself, much like the touring professionals I serve. Just as they try to prioritize self-care, I’ve realized that nurturing my own well-being is vital for navigating the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship.

This resilience, forged through personal hardships and the rigors of business, has underscored my commitment to both personal growth and contributing to meaningful change. It’s a journey I’m excited to embrace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lifesjam.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesjam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifesjam
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelbronstein/