Six months ago, I set out on what I thought would be a simple journey: open a third Leading Note Studios location in Magnolia, Texas. You know—sign some papers, hang a “Coming Soon” sign, cue the confetti. Turns out, opening a business is more like being on a roller coaster... in the dark... with a septic tank surprise.

Let’s just say the “straightforward process” involved:

🏃‍♀️ Walking away from the deal (dramatic exit),
🕵️‍♀️ Then coming back (cue movie music),
💰 Renegotiating three times—once for the original price, once for surprise repairs, and then again because apparently trying to close early is... complicated?

Then there was the financing. I started with a plan for zero money down—bless—but halfway through, the rules changed and I suddenly needed 10%. Enter stage left: a 2020 IRS refund check I didn’t even know was coming. Divine timing? Absolutely. The Lord provides—and the IRS occasionally delivers.

Oh, and the playground? This was the area I’m thinking will make a great outdoor music venue, stage, tents, and lawn chairs. I looked at the area of land and the charming spot with sprinklers. Yeah... those sprinklers were hooked up to a Aerobic septic tank system. Let that sink in. (No pun intended. Or maybe pun fully intended.) Needless to say, that playground is no more.

Original septic fix estimate: $40,000 😱
Post-fire marshal negotiation: $10,000 😅
Savings: My sanity.

Now, with the keys in hand and no permits needed for signs, I’m headed full-speed into the fun stuff: marketing, community outreach, and finding awesome new teachers. The Chamber has been incredible, and even before the job posting went live, people were already reaching out to join the team. Magnolia is already feeling like home. ❤️

🎶 So here we go—I'll be posting every day on Instagram with the good, the messy, the funny, and everything in between. Because sharing the joy of music is what we do best—even when it starts with septic surprises.

Stay tuned, Magnolia. It’s about to get musical. 🎹🎤🥁