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

Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my business, I was trying to make ends meet while also searching for something fulfilling that went beyond a side gig. I was a preschool teacher by day, a music teacher after-school and a brunch waitress at a hipster restaurant on the weekends. At some point, I knew, even without children of my own and with the boundless energy of a 20 something new-ish to NYC, something would have to give. The most exciting, fulfilling part of my day was teaching songwriting to kids. From there, I left my job at the preschool and eventually called it quits on waitressing and fully committed to what is now, Blue Balloon Songwriting for Small People.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I first moved to NYC, I was a young songwriter, playing open mics and gigs locally and then internationally as time went on. I had so many friends who loved the touring lifestyle. I loved playing music, being around other musicians, and sharing my songs with an audience, but at the end of the day I found the touring lifestyle to be really difficult. Sleeping on couches, driving all day every day, pulling into a city just in time for sound check and not having a chance to explore the city. It’s an exciting life but it’s not for everyone. I knew in those early days that it was an amazing opportunity I had to be on tour, but that it wasn’t my long time plan. Now, I have the best of both worlds! I have my beautiful home and family and am sharing songs and music with even more people than I ever thought possible by giving the gift of songwriting to the next generation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a NYC based company, from time to time, I travel to Miami and absolutely love it. The last time I visited, I had the most wonderful 36 hour whirlwind stay at the Loews Miami Beach with my oldest son. There are few hotels that really get what it’s like to travel with kids, and this hotel is definitely one of them! At dinner, my son got a personalized stuffy and the waiter didn’t complain when he brought ice cream from the on-site market to the table after dinner. We spent almost the whole day poolside and at the beach. It’s truly a miracle we ever left!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to the organization, Moms Demand Action, for all the work they do to prevent gun violence, the leading cause of death for children in America.

Website: www.blueballoonschool.com

Instagram: @blueballoonschool

Linkedin: /rlipson

Other: My consulting site: www.blueballoonbusinessconsulting.com

Image Credits
Isabelle Selby Photography Sam Maher Anna Schori

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