Meet Ana Done | Wedding Musician, Violin Cover Artist & Educator

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

Hi Ana, how do you think about risk?
Risk is something I have welcomed since I was 10. The biggest risk my family took was immigrating to the USA from Romania. It feels like my life has been shaped by risk and held together by God’s grace. It was a risk to continue playing an instrument that no one felt I had a future in except for my parents. It was a risk to continue my journey in music by pursuing two degrees in college and it continued being a risk when I refused to cave in at the thought of possible failure. Doing music feels like a risk most days, and it’s one that has never stopped feeling rewarding or peaceful in some way. I’ve met people that tremble at the thought of risk and I’m often left perplexed as to why this word seems to shake their foundation so much. Risk is needed in order for change to occur and change is the catalyst to growth. You cannot have one without the other. Of course, some may disagree with me and that’s okay. Our views of change, risk and reward can be different, but I believe that the core truth remains the same: As human beings, we are designed to grow in at least one aspect throughout our lives. Whether it’s professional, personal, emotional, psychological or spiritual, humans should welcome change and growth. I took a big risk when I decided to post my covers on social media. I remember sitting down, right about to press the dreaded button and thinking: “What am I doing? People are about to see this. What if they laugh? What if they say mean things?” Risk was pressing the post button regardless and going for it. Many people choose to risk everyday on social media. Some will find their path, and some won’t. The beauty of risk is in knowing that you showed up, tried hard and did it anyways, regardless of what the end result might be. With all that said, I continue to take a risk everyday now while also facing that wonderful giant called: imposter syndrome. I deal with feeling like I am not enough and that my talent does not measure up. I deal with the hardship of my mind constantly plaguing and pressuring me to do more, be more and practice more. However, at the end of the day I remind this brain of mine to rest. Although risking by creating and sharing more music is great, not much can be accomplished when the body is tired and the mind is screaming for rest. Sometimes risk takers fall into that trap of “the next big thing” and I am one of them. I took a big risk when I ventured into the wedding industry alone. I also took a great risk when I decided to distribute violin covers to streaming services as an independent musician. Honestly, before seeing and thinking about this question, I never even thought about the things I do as a risk. It’s actually an incredible feeling to get to say all of this now. My risks have led to commissions, wedding bookings, performances for incredible venues and locations as well as travel opportunities. I now am booked for a Utah and Georgia wedding and I am so excited to get to expand my business beyond Texas. Risks have definitely led to some incredibly rewarding moments. I know that life and its unpredictable strings can weave and tangle at any moment, but I work my way through the hard bits and manage to hold my head up high despite the fears and the doubts that threaten to disturb my path. I hope my risks can push others to practice hard so that they can one day taste the fruit of their labor. This small business of mine and my humble accomplishments can hopefully be a testament of success in the USA for the Romanian people as well as an encouraging message to the little guys that have big dreams and are not sure whether they’ll ever be seen. I gladly dedicate my work to my parents, to God, and to the future me who has yet to see what comes next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey with recording covers started back in 2020 when I lived in Orlando for a short time. Like many others, COVID really took a hit on everything in my life from personal to professional. I lost alot. I lost people I thought I’d have in my life forever, I lost the balance I had found in a place I thought I was meant to be in, and I lost myself. I felt extremely dejected, lonely and secluded. I wanted to do so many musical things and it felt like there was never a good time for anything. Once everything was locked down, I bought the Musician Of All Trades course from Taylor Davis and I invested in my first microphone and interface. I started filming very minimal and simple videos for YouTube in my room, and then things started to shift when I moved back to Texas. I had my own place and I was so incredibly excited to do more. I started diving into all genres and different songs, not yet sure on what I wanted to play and what kind of music felt like my style. Then, something really incredible happened: Taylor Swift released two albums entitled Folklore and Evermore, and suddenly, my life had meaning again. Covering her songs is what led to where I am now. Her music has opened the doors of creativity for me. I’ve found belonging, community, support and musical inspiration. I’ve since started covering other artists as well and created hundreds of violin covers, many of which are wedding violin versions. My brand and my music is dedicated to all the little guys. It’s for the brides who don’t have it in their budget to hire a live musician but want the magic on their wedding day. It’s for my fellow Romanians with big dreams and for countless other musicians who feel like the music world will never accept them. I’ve definitely learned that my biggest opponent and competitor is myself. I’ve also learned along the way that it takes alot of discipline, hard work and passion to build something entirely on your own. If you have the strength to start, then you can find it within you to keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh…is it bad if I admit that I am way too busy recording to go out much? I do have a life. Sometimes. For a nice and relaxing weekend, I usually like to walk or run a couple of miles. I also love exploring farmers markets and seeing what’s new and fresh. Local vintage stores, record stores and small shops are usually places I like spending time in as well as cozy bookshops and bookstores. I am not a coffee drinker at all, so I usually avoid coffee places unless they have some great tea or matcha options. Whenever I feel like taking a longer drive, I go back down to Waco, TX and I spend time at Baylor (my alma mater) or The Silos. Of course, my trip to Waco wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Slovacek’s for my favorite treat: The Sandtart.

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?
The biggest credit goes to my creator and savior, Jesus. He’s the reason why I am here and why I hold it together and find some semblance of peace and joy despite living a pretty chaotic life most days. My parents are definitely the biggest blessing as well. They packed 3 suitcases, and after winning the lottery visa, moved from Romania to Texas, where we’ve been since 2006. Their struggles, sacrifices and endless growth have inspired me to be a good person in all things and to never give up the good work. When I was 7, my mom would hold me on her lap and would encourage me to practice my violin when I felt like I couldn’t take another second. My mom has encouraged me to dream, to hope, to be inspired and to know that my time will come whenever God decides. One final shoutout I’d like to give is to John Townsend. He’s been such a great collaborator and collegue as well as friend. I’m really excited to do some more hard rock covers with him this year and hopefully keep the projects and music going for the forseeble future.

Website: https://www.anadone.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anaisdone/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anadone/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anadoneviolin/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anaisdone?si=UzBLEtLzzHErVXfe

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6anugGmqslouP9IJwime7k

Image Credits
Shelby Lynn Photo Mitchell Martin Photography Carmel Studios Photography