We had the good fortune of connecting with Don Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Don, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For 12 years at the beginning of my career, I worked as a professional pianist in NYC. I played for some Broadway shows, HBO, auditions for professional actors and taught hundreds of students. But the financial uncertainty involved in the arts ultimately led my wife and I to a career change. We moved to Atlanta where her family resided and got our MBAs. I never really found a path I was passionate about. So I decided the universe was calling me back to the arts. However, I was not going to only freelance again. I wanted to open my own business where I could structure the programs the way I knew would work and hire the best artists and treat them fairly, particularly in terms of pay. So the idea of The Studios Brookhaven was born! We have three pillars: Early Childhood Education in the performing arts and yoga, Private Music Instruction, and of course, Musical Theatre intensives for pre-professional and professional actors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Building this new business is all about giving back and also knowing that my instructors are teaching kids and adults alike in a way that I approve of. Students are getting quality instruction because as a musician and performing artist myself, I know what I’m looking for when hiring my instructors. I feel confident that if students attend our weekly classes, there are few programs in the country that will educate them more effectively. Perseverance got me here but also knowing what I wanted to do and settling for nothing less. If I wasn’t able to open this business my way, I wouldn’t have done it. After 20+ years of working in the arts, I decided to trust in the confidence that I had gained and make great things happen for myself, my instructors and my students.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is such a cool city because you can enjoy the midtown life, but then drive 45 minutes north (if there’s no traffic) and start to get into the mountains. The north Georgia mountains are my favorite part about the state. The scenery, tranquility… it can’t be beat! Wineries, mountain trails, lunch in the little town of Clayton up by Lake Burton. They would all be on the itinerary.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife, Kate for her endless help and patience. And of course my daughter, Allie for just being the best kid in the world!

Website: Www.thestudiosbrookhaven.com

Instagram: @thestudiosbrookhaven

Facebook: The Studios Brookhaven

Image Credits
imoto

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