Mompreneurs
A few months ago, we ran an article on local Mompreneurs, women who own businesses and also have families. In doing that article, we were surprised at how many mom-run businesses there are in our community. And, despite a down economy, these savvy women are doing quite well. Their creativity, business sense, family and friend support, and passion for what they do seem to be the common denominators for success. Oh, and throw in a little fierceness and humor.
Pick up next month’s issue, too, where we’ll feature some more Tulsa Mompreneurs.
Midtown School of
Performing Arts
Moms: Tami Losoncy, founder, Lucinda Farrington, accountant, and Sandy Willmann
What do you do?
Midtown School of Performing Art (MSPA) is a Tulsa performing arts studio with a range of programs for almost everyone. MSPA staff may be going into a preschool to enrich the curriculum for children ages 4 and under, or offering classes for babies and their parents in the studio.
Keyboard classes, musical theatre, private lessons in piano, voice, drums and guitar, and the newest class, NOISE, which is MSPA’s version of STOMP, are also part of the many offerings at MSPA. We also have birthday parties, summer camps and a new partnership with the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey for Summer Jazz workshops.
How long have you been doing it?
I started the business in 2001 when my children Megan and Zachary were ages 2 and 4. I grew my business as my kids grew. Once they were in school full time, I began to work more full time. Well, at least during the hours they were in school and then evenings after they were in bed. (I still do that now!)
I met Lucinda Farrington in 2001. She had just had her first child, Audrey. Lucinda is a CPA, but she was looking for something more flexible. We became fast friends and she began doing my books. It was a great match that has lasted more than 8 years!
In 2004 I opened a studio in Ranch Acres Shopping Center to that I could expand and offer more classes, such as music theatre and private lessons. And we’ve continued to grow ever since.
Lucinda is now the mom of four, and one of my very best friends.
Another mom, who is also a dear friend, and has been instrumental in our success is Sandy Willmann. She is another entrepreneurial spirit with her own consulting company. She brings to the table a background in grant writing, fundraising, management, marketing and a love and passion for music. Sandy is the mom of two sons, John-Martin and Keegan.
Tell me about your family
I’ve been married to my wonderful, supportive husband David for 17 years. Zachary and Megan are now 12 and 10. We’ve always had the philosophy that music makes the child very well-rounded. I have been a vocalist since I was in the third grade and David has played the guitar since he was in high school. We told our kids they can do anything they want, but they have to take piano. Having music in their lives, I feel, has helped them achieve all that they have and helps them focus better on their own life passions.
Any funny stories about running your own business?
The best thing is listening to my kids talk about the studio. I can tell they are proud of what I do and what I have accomplished. They always want to be a part of the studio in one way or another or help out when things really need to get done.
At a music theatre camp one summer a few years ago, my then 8-year-old daughter walked up to the director and announced: “Do you know who my mom is?” (hand on hip, of course!) I ended up having a little “discussion” about that question and how it really wasn’t an appropriate thing to ask. But deep down, it made me giggle. I understood that in her own, 8-year-old, drama-queen way, she was showing her pride for her mom!
How do you balance being a mom and running a business?
It’s not easy, but very rewarding. Some days are more challenging than others. I do the best I can and occasionally something slips through the cracks. I count it as a really great day if I remember to pick up both kids and not leave anyone locked in the car!
Most of my business can be done while the kids are in school. From 3 to 10 p.m., it’s all about the kids, their activities and homework. I also want to be available to drive on field trips and volunteer in their classrooms. I don’t want to miss any of that. Anything I have left from my day, I try to complete before I go to bed. It doesn’t always work out the way that I want it to, but in the end, it truly is a rewarding experience being able to do the two things I love most: Being a mom and bringing music to kids of all ages.
