Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimi Tortuga.
Hi Kimi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Kimi and I’m a singer-songwriter from Tampa. I perform live music, singing and accompanying myself on piano and guitar. I also teach music a few days a week. I started my musical journey with piano at home at 5 years old, and then began taking classes at school like chorus and band. I only did chorus for one year in elementary or middle school because I’m more of a hands-on, tactile person (hence the instruments!). It was band that I stuck with long-term, through my senior year of high school; concert and marching band really helped me understand music in a disciplinary fashion that helps me with my guitar playing to this day!
I’ve always been a musician, but I haven’t always been a business person. It wasn’t until I worked at a payroll processing company that I realized that I could build a business as a musician without the typical expenses that a more traditional business incurs (i.e., payroll taxes, rent on a building, etc.). It’s just a matter of having a clear vision and seeking the relevant information and resources necessary to be successful. Now I am living my dream: I play and teach music for a living, I make my own rules, and the person that I am today is exactly who I want to be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. My relationship with my family has set me back more times than I can count. In the end, these personal struggles have only made me more determined and resilient. While failure is a great way to learn things, I try my best not to let it happen because I don’t have that familial security that most people are fortunate enough to have in case of an emergency or crisis. I’ve always got a plan B, C, D… just in case.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My client-facing work entails live musical performance and teaching music. I sing at restaurants, hotels, and private events like weddings, birthday parties, etc., and I teach piano, guitar, voice, ukulele, and bass. Performing is fulfilling because it helps me to socialize and connect with other people, and teaching music is wonderful because there is no end to what one can learn! I myself learn as I teach; sometimes I have to do research to make sure I get it right, and that’s one of the best parts!
The administrative, or behind-the-scenes work, involves a lot more paperwork, negotiating, and just general organizing than performing and teaching. You should see my calendar, it’s extremely organized! But that’s only because I want to be sure that I can fulfill all of my commitments and not let anyone down. Reliability is so hard to find these days, so I’m trying my best to be the change.
I do believe that the public is aware of how much I care about my work and how I’m always trying to be a better person and artist. I would say that I am known for a clean aesthetic and being a hard worker. That makes me happy because it’s very easy to think that no one really cares about or notices your efforts. Knowing that there are actually people that are interested in my business is a form of validation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing with my life! My gratitude for those people is so great, it cannot be quantified.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Gratitude is a big part of my success. It keeps me from getting too greedy or arrogant, and it also keeps my head clear of the extremities that come with those negative characteristics. That is what is going to make it easy to work with others. I do wish that I would have allowed myself to fail more instead of being so concerned about how others will see me if they were to witness my failure. Putting yourself out there and making connections is one of the most important things you can do because you can find people who have had success in something you’re trying to do yourself and seek their counsel. It also exposes you to new ideas and markets that would benefit your endeavors! Just get out there and keep working on yourself and your craft, doing the best you can every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kimitortuga.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimitortuga
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimitortugamusic
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC4iFTwabthZ0iXQ-bANOYnA
Image Credits
Mallory Moyer Don Scott
