Kids and parents across North America agree that musical entertainers Sonshine & Broccoli are the highlight at any event. Bringing positive messages and a lively spirit, the duo are spreading cheer wherever they perform.
Having just released their third studio album, we had a chance to chat with Sonshine and Broccoli's founder, Lisa Sonshine, to learn about what inspired her to take on the world of children's musical entertainment, the challenges she faced getting started, and how she keeps things fresh for her fans.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I am the founder of Sonshine and Broccoli, a musical duo that caters to kids. I'm 35, live in Toronto, Canada, and absolutely love what I do! I've always been passionate about music, and have been singing for as long as I can remember. I'm driven by creativity and fashion, as well as spreading a positive body image to my fans.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?Sonshine and Broccoli started out as a hobby. I never really thought of it as a viable business at the outset, but we're going on 11 years strong, and with the recent launch of our third album, merchandise line, DVDs, and sold-out concert tours, it's turned out to be more successful that I ever dreamed possible. We've expanded tremendously from our humble beginnings, and are now doing shows all across North America. Most importantly, we've developed a solid fan base, and we make sure we keep growing with the kids. As they grow, our music evolves.
WHAT MOTIVATED & INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?I studied musical theatre at Sheridan College. I always knew I was going to be a "somebody." To be honest, I thought I would graduate and head to Broadway, but I quickly realized that the business of musical theatre was far more challenging than I had ever anticipated. So, in 2004, I formed Sonshine and Broccoli with my partner, Brock Burford, and it has been an organic and steady journey ever since. We've been so fortunate to have performed in a variety of inspiring settings, including local hospitals, schools, carnivals and festivals.
WHAT WERE THE FIRST FEW STEPS YOU TOOK TO GET YOUR BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING?Initially, I hesitated about starting my business. I was lucky enough to have a friend and client named Debbie Zinman, co-founder of ECHOage, who called me one night as I was driving home. She asked me to facilitate a mom and baby music group, and it started from there. I couldn't tell her I had never done it before, so I put my nerves aside and jumped right in. I'm pleased to say the feedback was fantastic, and from there on, word-of-mouth has played an instrumental role in where we are today.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF RAISING AWARENESS OF YOUR BUSINESS AND GETTING NEW CUSTOMERS?From our experience, once people see us perform, they're hooked! We like to think our positive energy is contagious, but in order to keep our fans excited, keeping our content fresh is paramount. Social media is a huge tool for us to showcase what we're doing and where people can find us performing.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SO FAR WITH RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS?Keeping track of the business side of things. When you're a creative brain, your mind works that way. The administrative side of things can be a bit of chore, but it's an important part.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?I just had to dive right in and learn how to do them. I have an amazing circle of friends who helped me out when I got stuck on certain aspects, but once I started getting a grasp on things, it became easier.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?The freedom! My time is my time. I am a huge believer of work-life balance. I love what I do, so most days doesn't feel like work at all. I can book shows from anywhere (thank you, smart phone!), so I definitely take advantage of that.
When people ask how I started my business, the first thing I always say is that Sonshine and Broccoli started very organically and has continued to grow that way for over a decade. You just have to start. Trust in your idea, your products/services and, above all, your vision. My advice is to keep growing, keep allowing those doors to open, and network, network, network! It only takes one person to believe in you - that's you!
HOW DO YOU KEEP MOTIVATED THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES?Trust! I have really learned to let go and trust. I've also realized that sometimes you have to close certain doors in order for others to open, hopefully making way for bigger opportunities to find their way in.
DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?Listen to our fans! We need to keep growing, keep it fresh, so we're always watching out for what's trending. It's important for us to stay in the loop and create music and shows that our fans want to hear and see.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR SONSHINE AND BROCCOLI?Our new album, It's A Beautiful Day, can be purchased on iTunes, CD Baby and Spotify. This new milestone is a true testament to our hard work and dedication. I'm really excited about the next chapter!
QUICK FIRE ROUND! When I face a big challenge I... At first, want to hide, then dive right in My greatest fear is... Not finding "the one" The most courageous thing I've ever done is... Zip lining in Costa Rica If I could go back in time to when I was 20 I would tell myself...Bob Marley said it perfectly: "Everything is going to be alright."
I believe... You said it... I believe The biggest lesson I have ever learned is... Not to get caught up in the small stuff. Everything works out the way it's supposed to. My favourite business tool or resource is... Social media, specifically Instagram and Facebook My favourite quote... "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde