We recently connected with Susan Spann and have shared our conversation below.
Susan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Thanks for asking!
Seventeen years ago, I decided to leave my teaching job to open a performing arts school for children. It has been a wonderful and wild ride…..and I have never looked back. I ran the business successfully for many years until the pandemic when we had to shut down. We tried to do online classes, but kids were so burned out doing online school, that our numbers dropped dramatically, and the business began to fail. Because I continued paying my employees, I could no longer pay myself, and needed job.
It was during this time, that I really began to reflect on what I had always imagined an “entrepreneur” to be. Whenever I heard this term as a child or young adulthood, I had always associated it with a person running several different businesses. I had been a photographer for years, photographing my own musical theater productions, and also wildlife so I expanded my passion and began to do headshots, corporate shots, pet photography, and family photography, and was actually able to open my own photography studio in Burbank, California. When the pandemic ended, my performing arts school opened back up again, and I now have two businesses that I absolutely LOVE. I feel that I am truly living my best life as an entrepreneur.
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 was a teacher for many years and also a theater actress….. so it seemed like a natural fit for me to open a performing arts school for children. We teach kids drama, singing, dance, and do professional level musical theater with them. We also emphasize confidence building and teach children about teamwork. My photography business was a natural transition from my musical theater company because I had been photographing our shows for many years and also enjoy shooting portraits, travel photography, pet photography, and wildlife photography.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I actually do very little formal advertising for either of my businesses. The very best source of new clients is through referrals and word of mouth.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Yes! During the pandemic, when I had to close my performing arts school in California, I used the time to start two other businesses…a performing arts school in my home state of Indiana and also a photography studio in Burbank.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Lacanadajuniortheater.com
- Other: www.SusanSpannPhotography.com
Image Credits
Susan Spann
Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.