We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Edmonds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I decided to start my own business to be able to utilize all my skills to support the community while being able to build my own schedule and allow for my better work life balance. I love the work I do as a music therapist in supporting people explore and strengthen their mental health, but I also missed the joy of teaching new musicians and helping others achieve other goals in their life.

What should our readers know about your business?
Through my business, Apollo Awakening Academy, I offer music therapy, music lessons, and life coaching. I’ve spent a majority of my career working as a music therapist in the inpatient psychiatric setting. While I loved the work I did in that setting, I wanted to find ways to make music therapy more accessible to the community outside of the inpatient setting, as well as be able to use my skills as a music instructor and a life coach more frequently. Many of the skills I developed as a music therapist transfer well to coaching, whether it’s helping clients achieve their personal goals or access their own creativity. One of my main goals for this business is to offer people of all ages the opportunity to explore themselves on a deeper level and nourish their curiosity and creativity.

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?
I love Downtown Phoenix. Welcome Diner is one of my favorite spots to grab dinner and enjoy conversation, plus the Phoenix Art Museum always has awesome new exhibits to check out throughout the year. Another one of my favorite pastimes is rollerskating, so I’d definitely say to check out a game with Arizona Roller Derby!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my amazing family! When I told them I was starting a business they immediately stepped up and offered their support in any way. My mom came up with the name for the business, my sisters co-designed the logo, my siblings, blood and chosen, helped me to get my office setup, and my brother-in-law photographed the open house. It’s been amazing to have so much support throughout the launch process!

Website: www.apolloawakeningacademy.com

Instagram: @apolloawakeningacademy

Facebook: facebook.com/apolloawakeningacademy

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/apollo-awakening-academy-tempe?osq=apollo+awakening+academy

Image Credits
Holly Shoemaker, Marcus Rayford, Robert Cunningham, Estevan Piña

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