We had the good fortune of connecting with Rashona Best and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi RaShona, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process starts with ME! I have to go through what I am seeking to do and become. I started taking piano lessons at the age of seven. My mom was a musician and made sure the instructors knew their craft and taught me in a way I will continue to enjoy playing the piano. Fast forward, I taught at a school to get my license to teach beginner piano and before I ventured out and started my business, my mom had trained me on what to do and not to do when it comes to teaching. When I began, “In The Beginning Music Studios” in 2005, I did EVERY POSITION, I was the accountant, the secretary, the custodian, the promoter, the driver, the engineer, the composer, and the instructor. As I said, it starts with ME! I had to believe in my ability, I had to demonstrate my passion to each client, and most of all I had to have a vision. From all of this I stayed opened for seven successful years teaching over 65 people and grossing over $32,000 a year working 15 hours a week on top of my day job as a teacher assistant. The more I worked at this profession I realized I needed to go back to school to get more education to make my business more successful. Now I have a master’s degree in Education and moved to Houston in 2022 to teach choir and band. All of this is gearing me up to continue In The Beginning Music Studios teaching in person and virtual lessons and I am excited about the process that is going forward.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Gospel Singer! I love writing music that will bring people into my world. My ultimate goal is to help win souls to Christ. What sets me apart from others is that I love singing different genres in a Christian world. My powerful sound is like no one else, (so I’ve been told). I need to believe what I am singing about to convince my audience that I mean what I say as I stand boldly to sing what says the Lord. When I think about where I came from, to where I am today, I get excited and want to talk to women who are or were in an abusive marriage and to let them know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I want to tell women who were bullied that they can make it and be successful without retaliating. I was to tell women with low self-esteem that when they begin to love themselves, they will blossom into a beauty that will have them excited they did not give up on life. I can say these things because I went through all of this and to see who I am I can’t credit nobody but God! My journey was not easy, but it was worth it. My village never stopped praying for me and reached out when I needed guidance. I realize that everything challenging that happened to me made me stronger and more mature to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and have strong knees to pray.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Houston there is a lot to do. First, we would catch a Houston, Astros, or Texans game. Next, we would go to the best soul food places like Munches Minerva, Granny Dees’, or This is it, soul food. We would also go to Galveston to swim, eat, and go sightseeing. Finally, we would leave there and take a mini cruise to get that ocean experience.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out to my little brother Burl Hampton III. He has believed in me since we were young children. My brother wants his sister to soar; because he is my biggest supporter!
My next shoutout is to my amazing husband Fela Best. He is truly my biggest FAN! Nothing is too small to receive the biggest congratulations and a hug. He will pray for me, support and do anything possible to promote or talk about what I have going on and that is a blessing to have this type of support.
Instagram: RaShona Hampton
Facebook: RaShona Hampton
Other: Ms. RaShona
Spotify
Song “Looking over my life
Image Credits
2902 Media for all photos!!!!