Village Business Profile: Giggle Kids Music

Giggle Kids Music A drop-in music studio for young children 6 months to 3 years 22 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands (in the yoga studio upstairs at Green Planet Kids) Linda Emmanuel, Newton Highlands resident, established Giggle Kids Music in 2004.

What is the biggest kick you get out of doing business in Newton?
I love seeing my students and their families out and about in the community. At least once a week I bump into a parent and child from one of my classes at the library, the grocery store or somewhere else in town.   You can’t beat the commute either.

What motivated you to get into business?
I had a music degree but was earning a living doing admin and retail work. It was extremely unfulfilling. After subbing for a colleague as a preschool music specialist I knew I had found my calling. Eventually I made my way back to school and got my Master’s in a wonderful music teaching method called Dalcroze Eurhythmics.

Who inspires you?
My teachers from the Longy School in Cambridge are my inspiration. They aren’t just teachers, they are artists.

Who is your business hero?
My husband.

What is your biggest business challenge?
As an extremely small operation I have almost no advertising budget. I depend a lot on word of mouth and my relationship with Green Planet Kids to attract new students.

What do you know for sure?
That life is too short and we need to embrace every moment of it.

What do you do when you need to recharge your batteries?
I find some alone time either at the gym or with a cup of herbal tea and a good book.

What one piece of advice would you offer a new/prospective Newton business owner?
Find effective and cheap ways for people to find out about you. No one will come if they don’t know you are there.

What do you want your customers to know about you?
I love what I do.

Your favorite stops in Newton:
The YMCA, Cold Spring Dog Park, the bar at 51 Lincoln