What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love that I able to make a career of helping other musicians who have chosen to forego the traditional career paths presented to us in favor of their entrepreneurial pursuits.
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness involves a great deal of freedom: time freedom, financial freedom, creative freedom.
What is my greatest fear?
I experience imposter syndrome regularly, and have a fear of my business not being sustainable in the long term, and being responsible for that.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I can be very short tempered, which can be problematic in a service based business.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I really admire women who are conductors. I love seeing women in those very strong, visible, leadership roles.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
My business is time based, so I struggle with overworking myself and being unable to stop and end my work day to live my life outside of work.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I’m happiest when I am collaborating with someone who I am truly aligned with, whether in a performance or administrative setting. Community is everything.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would make myself a more patient person.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Starting a business and leaving my full time job five months later to support myself completely through self employment.
Where would I most like to live?
Anywhere near a beach!
What is my most treasured possession?
My engagement & wedding rings, because of what they symbolize.
What is my most marked characteristic?
My drive & determination to succeed at what I put my mind to.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
I love working anywhere in downtown Greensboro. The city atmosphere brings me extra energy and focus when I need a change of scenery.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Dram & Draught, where I met my husband.
What books influenced my life and how?
I love How I Built This and Diary of a CEO – they changed my life by changing how I think about business and success.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Taylor Swift, Is It Over Now?
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Can’t say that I have one
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Within the arts administration space, I really look up to Aubrey Bergauer. I also look up to Tory Dunlap and the financial education work she does for women.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
I actually don’t watch movies…
What role play stories in my life and work?
I love stories of real people and their success because they inspire me to continue working, and give me different ideas of what success can mean. I love reading fictional stories to give my brain a break from the real world.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
I can control the narrative I tell myself in my head, how I look at things, and what my perspective is.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My husband & my parents.
Which people or companies would I like to work with ?
I would love to support companies like Digital Clarinet Academy, Yoga for All Musicians, and Intermission Sessions through The Musician’s Assistant, if they were ever in need of support.
What project am I looking forward to work on?
Expanding my virtual assistant business into an agency to support even more musicians and their businesses.
Where can you see me or my work?
https://www.adellacarlsonstudios.com/the-musicians-assistant
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
When you truly love your work, you’ll never fully stop doing it.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
Sharneisha Joyner
How can you contact me?