Meet Jess Rodriguez | Voice/ Songwriting/ Art Teacher

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

Hi Jess, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My parents were both entrepreneurs, and I saw how much time and dedication was necessary for success. For years, that amount of necessary work dissuaded me from wanting that for myself. Over the years I’ve worked well with people and found I am a natural at coaching and teaching. The draw towards music and art has also been a constant since childhood. I have worked professionally in teaching, ministry, music, and art, but never dreamed of having my own studio until the opportunity presented itself. It sort of feels like God did this, not me. It’s like the entirety of my life experiences have culminated to this point, where I can mentor budding artists, host songwriting workshops, teach voice lessons, and hopefully point people to the ultimate Creator, as we make beautiful things together.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I do a lot of things. I am a singer songwriter releasing my own music. I teach voice, art, and songwriting at Maker Studio in Tyrone GA. I have a background in teaching, and am raising 5 kids of my own now! Some of my kids are homeschooled, so incorporating art and music classes into our busy life isn’t as impossible as it may seem. I have a heart for pulling out the inner confidence in people and encouraging them to discover how gifted they truly are. It’s incredible to see how that can happen no matter the art form or pursuit. Everyone has talent, and everyone needs mentorship.
I first majored in art, then went for another degree in music because, obviously, I wanted to be filthy rich (HA). I can’t seem to shake my creative bent, so I’m enjoying the process of continuing to make things (art, music, businesses) and see what happens.

Though Maker Studio is brand new, I’m most excited about the positive impact I’ve already seen in my students. Voice students who are getting the part, kids who never told they were good at art discovering they can do so much with a bit of guidance, a group of young songwriters collaborating and critiquing their way towards a great final song… all glimpses of my own story, and the best of me that I have to offer.

I spent the last few years writing music in many different genres, and taking tons of advice from every direction. It all had me feeling like I had lost my voice a little bit, and now, on the other side, I’ve never felt more sure of the artistic direction I want to go in, and the type of artist I aim to be. The endless advice-givers online don’t matter as much to me anymore, and that’s the same kind of authentic confidence I hope to instill into every student artist I teach.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to my gym, Dirty South Strength and Conditioning, whether they liked it or not! Then we’d probably take my 2015 minivan to ChickfilA to feed all my kids. Throughout the week, we’d visit Blume for coffee and quiche, dinners at Thai Spice and Elliott’s, tacos at La Mexicana. We’d definitely spend time in the studio writing songs and painting, and then we’d go paddle boarding on Lake Peachtree. I’d take her to Go Church so I can pretend like I actually attend my church every week instead of watching online. Oh, then to visit Pike Nursery where all your dreams come true and where your wallet goes to die. Any extra time would be spent outside somehow, talking way too much. ……then I would wake up from the most idyllic dream to my baby biting me and the house a mess! HA

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Diane Hartman deserves so much credit for what she has done. Maker Studio, where I get to manage my classes in one room, is only a small part of the talented group at Heart Encounters. Diane has created a place for creative arts teachers to come together under one roof, and provide a joint collective of expertise for the community. I can’t wait for the public to get wind of what we’ve just opened! There is so much being offered and much more to come. Diane has been working tirelessly and I cannot thank her enough for her leadership and mentorship. You can expect a thriving community center with opportunities galore as we begin to make an impact in this area.

Website: https://www.makermade.studio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maker_studio__/ ; https://www.instagram.com/iamjessrodriguez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makermade.studio/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/nauq88cATWA?si=VV5d3-oNQJ0fTuo_

Image Credits
Maker Studio photos: @victoriahanerphoto Album art: @nico__foto