Women Entrepreneur Wednesday: Monna

One of the joys of having a cafe is meeting inspiring people and being able to collaborate with them.

I've just started collaborating with Monna Liza Niere of Arts de Musique, the founder of an Arts & Music Studio beside our cafe. In just more than a month of knowing her, I was already inspired by her passion and perseverance for her craft.

She was also kind enough to share her life and entrepreneurial story. What I am about to share is just a glimpse of her wonderful story.

D: Can you describe your typical day to us?

M: Basically, I teach music all day. It could be one on one or a group class. One on one here in the studio and a group class in St. Paul, Pasig

D: What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture ? How did the idea for your business come about?

M: I am a graduate of University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music Bachelor of Music in Music Education Voice Emphasis and Piano Minor. Since then I dreamed of having a music school of my own. I started teaching when I was 18 yrs. old at a music studio in Megamall. Then I worked as a Music teacher in various schools while doing private lessons for piano, voice and guitar. Year 2012, I was given an opportunity to work in Singapore as a Music & Movement Teacher in a Preschool Setting. I worked there for almost 4 years. Then last December 2016, I was diagnosed of "Renal Cell Carcinoma" or can be called as Cancer of the Kidney. I was supposed to fly back to Singapore on the 2nd day of Jan.2017 to work but because of my condition I was not permitted to do so. My employer cancelled my working visa/pass after they found out about my condition. March 2017 I undergo an operation called "Nephrectomy" or left kidney removal because of the tumor covering my left kidney. A month after the operation, I went for a PET CT scan and after they hand us the result, I am so happy to see that I am already cleared with cancer. Praising HIM everyday for the GIFT OF LIFE. It was the biggest and hardest challenge I ever received from HIM and yet I hold unto HIS promise and that it will all come to pass and as my life's verse goes, "I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13 and indeed it was and is a story of LIFE and FAITH. On that same day, I decided to pursue my dream of having my own "music studio".

D: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

M: Be RESOURCEFUL, “Less is More”. Less expenses more possibilities of earning. Start with what you have and focus on what you can do. Be OPTIMISTIC, brave all those challenges and learn from it positively for you to gain positive results. Be CONSISTENT, always prioritize quality over quantity in your services.

D: What three pieces of advice would you give to those who want to become entrepreneurs?

M: Have FAITH that in all things HE is and will be in charge of our lives. Be PASSIONATE, in business, money/capital and knowledge/ concept alone will never be enough you need to be in-love with your business. Do what you love to do. Be PATIENT, putting up a business will never be easy, so you have to be patient with yourself and also with the business for it to grow and profit. It has its own process and maturity. It will take time and all you have to do is be patient and trust your instinct.

Visit Arts de Musique and book a free trial today.

https://www.facebook.com/artsdemusiquestudio/