A Small Business That Looks to the 'Starry Skies' For Inspiration

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Starry Sky Studios, LLC
Owners: Nancy Marie Metcalf & Sandra Johnston
Website: www.starryskystudios.com
Address: 213 Greenwood Avenue (the loft at Molton Java) Bethel, CT 06801

How did you come up with the name?

It came from the Vincent van Gogh painting, “The Starry Night.”

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

I’ve forever been a fan of Bethel-- its charm, Bohemian vibe and sidewalks!

Briefly, what business are you in? Art and Music Lessons Studio, offering Private lessons and workshops for all ages and skill sets. We also offer Birthday Parties and Girls/Boy Scout programs

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Starting up a business without any financial backing.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Not one. Our passion for the arts can’t be discouraged. There is no feeling more fulfilling then sharing our talents with future artist and musicians, while making the arts a whole in our new community.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Our instructor meeting, seeing the instructors that we hand picked and feeling proud that we made exceptional choices, being surrounded by 18 unique personalities who all share one thing in common-- “the arts”! Their talent is beyond awesome and their commitment outstanding.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Custom themed birthday parties has been very successful and the idea brought forth by our art director and partner Sandra Johnston. The other is our Rock Star program, we group beginner musicians together according to age, skill level and musical interest and create a band. They work 2 hours a week with an instructor and learn songs and I book them at a local venue. Our artist then works with them on a logo and band name.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

The customer is always right. We try our best to eliminate the disgruntled customer by prescreening their needs and then meeting their expectations. So far, so good!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Since our doors have opened, we have offered a beautiful Grand Opening party including free music and crafts, an Earth Day celebration with music, terrarium making, seed planting, bird feeders and more. We have donated services to Saint Mary’s as well will be working hand in hand with the Bethel Chamber on First Weekends in Bethel. Community is most important to us. We love giving back!

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.