Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Kokri-Bhatt.
Hi Jo, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My studio began in my hometown of Spartanburg, SC, where I moved back to reorient in my 20s and start my business, teaching and performing music. It had modest beginnings out of my house, slightly out of town and mobile. During that time, I also addressed a health issue and managed to go to school part-time in Music Business and Marketing. It was tough juggling work, school, a home with a yard, roommate, pets and more.
Then in 2016, I got a job selling Steinway pianos in Charleston, SC. The move was somewhat lateral and upwards. When that company folded here, I went back to my old business and expanded it. In 2024, I redid my entire backyard to build a small studio. waiting area and gazebo, behind my duplex near EarthFare and downtown. Since then, lessons truly took off and performing jobs improved too along the way, to 5-star hotels and venues. I am so very grateful for the best of clients and constant referrals. Commercial space is a future possibility.
Charleston is a good base from which to be established and potentially work short stints in major cities here and abroad. I like to travel for work a week or so at a time, and yet teaching full-time fills my cup. I love helping students progress to achieve their goals, small or large. Teaching also has good hours that sustain family-life. Other than work, I enjoy a healthy lifestyle, outdoor sports, culture, travel and good friends. I look forward to the future of what is store for me personally and professionally!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can definitely say: running a business solo as a solopreneur has been really tough, especially at times. As with anything, most people not in business for themselves could not know what is involved, especially behind the scenes. Also, I have not been married yet or had a business partner to help sustain my studio or the rest of my life either. So those are definite goals I am ready for and actively working on. I can’t imagine how strong partnership will help further my goals and life overall as well, as I am at the end of what I can do by myself.
As you know, we’re big fans of Homeworks Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a minority business owner, focused on quality, diversity, and developing whole people (hence soccer goals and more, right by the studio). My clients are all ages and skill levels, and I encourage consistency and belief in themselves. Within the fundamental structure of piano and voice lessons, I also welcome student flexibility, whether goals are music schools and careers or hobbies and fun. That sets us apart from other studios who are not full-time or perhaps not as open-minded.
As far as performance, it is no different. I am a classically trained pianist, but play and sing all styles of music, including requests and with groups. I pride myself on excellent service and preserve through adversities like Covid that ended others’ careers. Grateful for God-given resilience, I constantly network, today with great selectivity over who is in my life. I take good care of myself, which is partly how I maintain it all. And I encourage others to do these same things for success in life!
How do you think about luck?
To be fully transparent, I don’t really believe in luck. That word is in cute phrases we use in society at times. But to me, hard work is everything. A lot of people have business dreams they never achieve. I love what I do, but it is definitely work.
I know opportunities are created through dedication to a craft. If “luck” is in my life, it may be that despite many adversities, I have the good support of family, friends and communities. So I am eternally thankful for their support, because it can be pivotal in working to create a legacy.
Pricing:
- $100 per hour for lessons
- $200 per hour for live events
- Credits for loyalty packages
- Higher rates for group performances
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homeworksmusicstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeworks_studio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/homeworksmusicstudio?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomeworksMusicStudio
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/IEuWQ52LV0vwE5SnmS
