Occasionally, we make an effort to dive into new experiences in our lives, whether it’s whipping up a new recipe or taking dance lessons; we aim to step outside of our comfort zone. Embracing a hobby is one of the most rewarding choices a person can make, but fostering that passion and learning how to develop it into a valuable skill in your life truly enhances the experience. We can all gain from the skills we acquire throughout our lives, particularly those we find most enjoyable, so why not make the most of them?
This summer, I decided to get back into music. For the past eight years, I’ve enjoyed playing guitar as a hobby. Yet, I haven’t fully explored the possibilities of my passion. As university began, I unintentionally set aside my passion for music, allowing my guitar to gather dust in the corner of my room. In July, I met a few people who shared my passion for music and decided to spend time with them. Unsure of what lay ahead, I joined a jam session and discovered my passion for performing. It had been two years since I last felt the incredible joy of creating something unique through music. Since then, they’ve invited me to join their band, which has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I didn’t know how far playing the guitar could get me, but when listening to Ebony-Renee Baker, I made that big jump and turned a hobby into a side career. Though it wasn’t easy getting to that point in my music career, I could really relate to Ebony-Renee when she said “Use the trial and error method and utilize interests” When you first start something, not everything will go smoothly or easily, but use what you know works.
When reading “How to Craft Brand Messaging Your Target Audience Will Love” by Rebecca Riserbato, I noticed the three main targets that helped me successfully kickstart my band. Establishing our brand identity was critical for us; we wanted to create a unique image and, more importantly, a resonating sound. This approach enabled us to better understand our target audience and connect with them on a deeper level through the music they enjoy. It also helps us foster engagement; as we became more active on social media, we began to perform for live shows, forming a small community and becoming well-known in our town. So when trying out a new hobby, try to expand on your interest; you never know where it will take you.
– M.C.L