Tiffany Kumar is thriving in the music industry recently founding Beat House
BASED IN: HOLLYWOOD, CA
I’m a former songwriter turned music publishing executive. I find inspiration in building the careers of songwriters, consulting music companies, and making sure the best songs are heard.
Is it important to dream big? What is the big dream for your business?
It is important to only dream big. Before something is proven, there will always be doubters. As women, we need to use this as our fuel. Entrepreneurship for me wasn’t about quitting my corporate job and putting my last penny into my own company. I created Thoreau Music to be an outlet where I can follow through ideas and pick up clients that inspire me. This allows me to be more fulfilled. This was my dream.
What does success mean to you? What does it mean to “be successful”?
I’m all about creating goals with the end in mind. Once this goal is accomplished, what does that mean for my life? We work so hard towards our goals without fully vetting if that’s what we want. I used to think success was title and money. I eventually learned that I felt most successful when work didn’t feel like work. I am successful when there is nothing I would rather be doing and I’m living my passion.
Is it important to have mentors and mentor other people? Why?
As an entrepreneur, sometimes we can feel like we are on an island. We often think we have to wait until our business is at a certain place before we reach out to a mentor. I’ve had a mentor ask me questions that I would have never asked myself. They helped me see what was really important to me in the long term. We created some pretty lofty goals. It was a safe place to admit that and reach high. On the other hand, mentoring others can uncover ideas and be just as useful to the mentor as it is to the men-tee.
What are some ways of motivating yourself in times of doubt?
It’s easy to blame failure on outside factors, but the best motivation is to remember that you create your own destiny. It’s ok to pivot the plan as long as you remain proactive and not reactive. There is always a next move. I am able to keep going because, I have decided that there will be months where Thoreau Music is the only thing I’m doing, and others when it is my side-hustle. That’s OK. This eases the pressure and allows me to grow Thoreau Music from a better perspective. I keep going because my company is the only place I can act immediately on inspiration. This freedom is invaluable.