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Name: JoAnna “The Soul Stringer” Johnson

Business: Pluck A String Music, a violinist musical act

Industry: Arts & Entertainment

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

Reason for starting: According to my family, I begged to play the violin since I could talk. I don’t know why I chose that instrument, and nobody else seems to know either. It is such a beautiful instrument and apparently it wasn’t a bad choice either. The violin and I were connected for the greater good and I remind myself of that daily.

Related: Read about another arts & entertainment entrepreneur here. 

How do you define success? I define success by the number of souls that I am able to reach. By having the ability to speak to people and encourage them through my gift of music is of great importance to me. Success depends on my ability to reach the masses, not by the amount of money that I could make doing it. While money is certainly important, encouraging and inspiring others through music is more than money can ever buy.

Biggest Success: I don’t think I have accomplished my biggest success yet and while I cherish each day, I am still looking to bigger and greater things this world has to offer.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My greatest challenge is pushing through pain. I deal with so many physical health issues, which it is often very difficult. I often have little to no energy and intense pain, often combined with limited range of motion. The mental stress of wanting to touch so many in spite of what’s going on with me, is often overwhelming. But I dare not complain! I just continue to push, because the pain is worth it if I can help just one person.

Related: Read about another woman who faced health issues while starting a business 

Who is your most important role model? Seeing other people with problems that are far more severe than mine and seeing them thrive flawlessly is my motivation. We are all going through challenges in life. To see someone with far greater challenges than myself, continuing with their day with a smile, lets me know that I can do anything I put my mind too. Those are the people that motivate me. “They are my most important role models”.

[box_light]Website   www.pluckastring.com
Twitter   @Soul_Stringer 
Facebook   www.facebook.com/TheSoulStringer
Pinterest   www.pinterest.com/soulstringer[/box_light]

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Edited by The Story Exchange