Innner Voice: Jordann Christie
Jordann Christie is the director of Newcastle tuition business Inner Voice Vocal. Teaching under her own name for over ten years led Jordann to her brand-new space in Newcastle West. Now, with a new team of teachers and a new name, Jordann is set to take work to the next level.
Late last year I helped out creating a logo and identity for the new business. Now with COVID constantly changing the game I wanted to catch up with Jordann and see how she was going with it all.
Is it normal for a singer to like the sound of their own voice? I usually cringe hearing mine back in recordings.
It took me ages to get used to hearing myself recorded, I’m still getting used to it! [laughs] I should feel better about it - I’ve been singing long enough to know what it sounds like! Other people like it for the most part. I think it's ok… [laughs]
How did you get started running your own business?
I suppose, in this industry, you are always kind of working for yourself. Over the last 10 years, I’ve taught from home while studying at Uni, I’ve worked for larger music schools and then again from a home studio for the past 3-4 years. I’d been at capacity for years, and had a waiting list of people who wanted to get lessons. It was making me really anxious keeping people waiting!
It sounds like a good problem to have.
People say that! [laughs] I was constantly feeling pressured by my waiting list, most students waited for about a year! It was exhausting!
At the end of last year (2019), we launched the new logo and branding for the business for my anniversary concert - Celebrating my 10th Year of Vocal Coaching. I had some alumni students perform and it clicked for me that we could work together. It really made sense. It is so rewarding to be able to grow the business and create workplace that alumni can be part of!
Our new space (799-803 Hunter St, Newcastle West) is perfect. We are now focused on having a space that isn’t in my house - and everything that comes with that!
It's pretty amazing to have such a large space to do what you want with.
I am loving it! It is wonderful seeing the space come to life. I'm not interested in becoming a massive company or anything like that, but the mental space has been just as helpful as the physical! I’ll be the first to say - I didn't have a very good work/life balance at home! [laughs] This is helping!
What have you been focusing on now?
Well, I opened this space in February, and this term (late July), I welcomed Emily and Hannah to the coaching team. I’m focused on our students - both at the studio - and I also teach from Hunter School of the Performing Arts. So we are busy! [laughs]
I’ve had to step into more of a management and marketing role for InnerVoice. I’m trying to grow the business and the "brand" to promote the girls (staff) and our growing services - instead of just myself.
I’m really not one for self-promotion, I’ve actually never promoted my own lessons [laughs] - at the time, I was too scared I’d get a bigger waiting list! [laughs]
When we did the logo and branding last year, I had no idea I’d be expanding. You did such an amazing job - it’s been great seeing the business ‘brand’ come alive.
Have you changed things in here to adapt to COVID?
We we fortunate to be a service that could continue online! Half of term one and half of term two was online only, and then we opened again as restrictions eased. The online lessons were really successful. It's actually been a great opportunity to create an online presence and ‘digitalise’ our service.
We had a few fun trips to Muso's Corner for some new gear, and created resources for our students to assist with their ‘at home set up’. Our online portal now has videos and exercises for students to access anytime - as well as and all the documents/requirements for lessons. So it’s been a positive learning experience for us all - we like to put a positive spin on things here!
Check out innervoicevocal.com and join Jordann on Instagram @inner_voice_vocal for more!