Josephine Lancuba, founder of Musical Makers Club, is our 2020 AusMumpreneur NSW-ACT Creative Arts Business gold award winner.
The Musical Makers Club creates happy, confident and fulfilled performers because we understand that every Musical Maker has their own dreams and aspirations. Thriving on inclusiveness, we have designed our programs and ever-changing production focused workshops, to help make those dreams a reality.
The club offers a non-competitive environment that is nurturing, supportive, development focused and most of all fun! Confidence levels soar as members build friendships and create connections, both personal and professional.
The focused age group of students we service are aged 4-19yrs.
Utilising over 15 years of experience and helping to produce thousands of fulfilled kids and teens, the Musical Makers Club is more than just about skills development and wonderful experiences, but rather a community that nurtures growth and meaningful connections with others. Our programs result in developing quality musical productions, where all kids are the stars. No one is left in the back row and goes unnoticed!
When did you start your business?
I have been trialling business concepts since 2008! However the Musical Makers Club started in 2015 (6 years ago).
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
I have always felt very connected to theatre and music. I remember sitting in my garden as a child, secretly singing ‘Memories’ from the musical CATS. I say “secretly” because my home wasn’t a safe haven that made me feel comfortable to truly express myself.
It was a dream of mine to be on stage and perform. Growing up in a volatile household that didn’t nurture or support my creative side, that dream felt out of reach for many years.
Through a lot of hard work and commitment, I eventually did have a performance career.
My career was exciting and exhilarating at times, however it did not fulfil me the way I had hoped. I believe the hardships of my past had overshadowed my own enjoyment of being a successful performer.
I knew I was destined for more. I wanted to be in service.
I realised my true calling was to facilitate the performance dreams in others. To provide young people with the experiences I dreamed of as a child. I wanted to create a safe inclusive space, that meant every child could be a star. I wanted to make theatre accessible to everyone! That is how the Musical Makers Club was born.
What are you most excited about in your business?
Bringing musical theatre to the masses! We are currently in 6 locations across Sydney. My goal is to have over 20 locations in the next 12 months, and to bring our brand to a national audience over the next 2 years.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Managing my time well. Juggling family commitments and my growing business, puts a strain on my time. It’s hard not to feel guilty about this but I always remind myself of ‘why’ I am doing this. Good relationships matter to me, so I have had to become very good at planning and scheduling to make it all work. I am blessed to have a husband who collaborates with me on this and is hands on with the kids.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Be bold, be brave and back yourself! Also, ensure you schedule your day, each and every day. I write what I call my ‘daily action plan’ each morning. This is a list of 3-5 main tasks I need to achieve in my day. It’s a wonderful sense of achievement to tick them off.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
Actually it was a colleague of mine who recommended it. Once I researched it, I realised a-lot of women in business that I respect and admire were in some way connected to Ausmumpreneur, which peaked my interest. Since being a part of the community, I have enjoyed the connection and camaraderie of it all.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
Winning! After a rough year of Covid, it was nice to have something to celebrate. My trophy sits proudly on our mantle piece at home.
What surprised you most about the awards?
How large it was! I didn’t realise the extent of the community and how far and wide it reached.
How did the awards help you in your business?
I wear it with a badge of honor, as its shared across all of our digital platforms. I believe the award showed my clients how committed I was to excellence during lockdown. It was an uplifting story to share and demonstrated that I wasn’t giving up despite the circumstances. I was still here and stronger than ever before!
What advice would you give to others mums thinking about entering the awards?
Go for it! It’s a blast.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
Nothing beats being your own boss when it comes to choice. I can choose my own schedule, making it easier to be more present and available for my family.
What’s happening next in your business?
We are introducing more hybrid service options, where members can engage with us both in person and online. I believe this is the way forward for our arts industry.
What are your big plans for the future?
To be a national brand that every Australian family knows and trusts.
I want to have a Musical Makers Club in every town, making it more accessible than ever before to be a part of theatrical experiences. I would also love to have my own premises within the next 5 years. A creative hub where my team can come together, learn collaboratively and create!
To learn more about Musical Makers Club, please visit the website, Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
All images featured here are from Musical Makers Club and Josephine Lancuba.
2021 GLOBAL BUSINESS MOTHERS AWARDS
The 2021 Global Business Mothers Awards recognise the best and brightest mothers in business globally, acknowledging success in business & innovation.
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