Profile of A Pearlista: APRIL PETERS

As you all know I love delivering palatable pearl$ of wisdom that you can put into practice today to live even better tomorrow.  It is always a treat to know someone who is doing just that.  Songstress, April Peters is a true Pearlista and has planted seeds to allow her music career to fully bloom.  She was recently featured in MONARCH Magazine in their exclusive music issue.

Here’s what April had to share about her blossoming music career and what it took to start and maintain it all. There is much to learn from how she planned and executed her dream. Thank you, April, for your transparency. You are a star!

Ajshay: What led you to entrepreneurship?

April: A sense of ownership. I have always been encouraged to “go for it”. My family is extremely supportive. They spoiled me in that way; so ‘no’ is a hard word for me to swallow. (laughs) The fact that I was initially afraid to do this independently, entrepreneurially, was a good sign—it indicated that this was EXACTLY what I should be doing and to move against the fear. But doing music itself is instinctual. An even better question, what keeps me here? Discovering that my great-aunt was a serial entrepreneur coming out of the Depression era–she owned businesses, property, bonds and investments and was a benefactress.

Ajshay: Tell us about what you do, why you do it and where we can find you.

April: I’m a singer-songwriter, indie recording artist and publisher of my music. I write songs and perform because it’s where my heart soars…the telling of a tale, weaving pictures with words, helping someone see a glimmer of hope—it’s part of my makeup to encourage people…so music is my bullhorn. It just so happens that instead of the songs I initially wrote being on the first album, God had me write fresh songs that were much more personal about my life, growing up, my observations, domestic violence, father issues, love, abuse and forgiveness. My mom survived domestic abuse. You can find more information about me, my debut EP, and the causes that mean a lot to me, here: www.aprilpetersonline.com.

Ajshay: Did you have a plan at first? How did you plan to succeed?

April: To be honest, I plan, but not in the way most people do.

1. I dreamed a dream. I think this is usually the first step in something blooming.

2. I sought the counsel of more seasoned professionals in my field. I asked a music mentor what her experience was recording her album out-of-pocket. What were the costs? What would she do all over again and what would she change if she had the chance? What was the wisest approach to not only recording, packaging and releasing a project, but marketing it as well? She gave me sound advice. She’d done a lot on credit. And that was not the direction I wanted to take.

3. I did follow-up research, looking up average costs for recording sessions, studio time, packaging and PR.

4. I set a budget. Although, to be honest, I would say it was more a figure that I could live with.

5. I prayed for the funds, because at the time I was doing consulting work and had no steady yearly salary.

6. I got a day-job to fuel the dream-job. Soon after praying, I received a full-time position whose total salary included to the dollar the exact amount I needed in additional funds to pull off recording, packaging and marketing the EP. It also helped that the position was flexible, allowing me time to travel and record in a different state while working remotely.

7. I sought/negotiated the best deals. Such as: Discounted studio sessions and package offers that included recording time, musicians, engineer, mixing and mastering; Bundle packages for manufacturing the CD that included digital distribution and more.

8. I was courageous and clear in communicating about money. It was tantamount that I be careful to outline and establish my expectations with vendors who were rendering services. It was also key that I get their expectations and plan before beginning a project or a day of service.

Ajshay: Did you hit any financial roadblocks or have a financial epiphany during your journey?

April: Yes. “Creative people sometimes have difficulty talking numbers…or they delay the conversation.” Once, I walked into a situation where my service provider had hired people, but payment methods and timelines were not cleared with me. This was not going to work for me, since the costs were coming from my pocket. I was expected to pay, sometimes an unknown number of workers, on the same day of service. I wondered aloud to the person, why had I not been told prior to the day of service, so I could plan accordingly or change the plan. When it looked as though details like this were left up to chance, I immediately confronted the situation with the provider. We established rules of engagement and I faced all money conversations head-on, leaving nothing to chance. As a fellow creative, I knew that I personally needed to break my own fear of broaching the subject of money if I was going to be effective in my business dealings.

Ajshay: What pearl of wisdom would you share with those who are looking to pursue music?

April: Own your rights. Own your music. Own your creative process.

Ajshay: What do you love about DailyPearl$?

April: Daily Pearl$ is a fresh approach to discussions in finance. It’s the next generation in helping me plan a better lifestyle, melding the wisdom of tried and true tactics with the innovative thinking of the next generation! I love that you can take a seasoned pearl and place it with a freshwater pearl, a black pearl and string it with an ivory pearl. Just like fashion in the 21^st century, DP is helping me mix and match the best options in my money closet!

Pearlista April Peters has certainly Passed the Pearl$ by sharing her experiences.  She’s also given us the gift of music; sign up to her list and claim your free download here.