Client Success Stories
Entrepreneurial Journey of Kelly Scott Studios

In the heart of Bellefonte, PA, Kelly Scott has transformed her passion for music and the preforming arts into a successful venture with Kelly Scott Studios. With a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from The Steinhardt School at New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre from Wilkes University, Kelly has extensive experience from music teacher and director to head of a performing arts department. Her entrepreneurial journey was driven by a desire for creative freedom, allowing her to craft and share her unique artistic vision. At Kelly Scott Studios, she offers a diverse range of services, from individual voice lessons to directing musicals, all while nurturing the next generation of performers and creating a vibrant artistic community.

Launching Kelly Scott Studios came with its own set of challenges, primarily centered around self-doubt and establishing her brand in a new community, having relocated to Bellefonte in 2021. Initially, Kelly grappled with identifying her ideal clients and ensuring that her services met the local demand. Further complicating matters, the pandemic necessitated a flexible approach to teaching through both in-person and virtual lessons. By gaining clarity on her goals and understanding the needs of her new community, she was able to establish boundaries and confidently build her business.

Kelly’s journey took a significant turn when she connected with Elizabeth Fegert, a business consultant with the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Elizabeth guidance and feedback and also nominated Kelly for the Centre Foundation Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant. This connection proved invaluable and highlighted the importance of networking and mentorship in entrepreneurship. While Kelly initially discovered the SBDC through Elizabeth’s outreach on social media, their collaboration ultimately helped her transition from teaching parttime to running Kelly Scott Studios full-time within a year.

Since launching Kelly Scott Studios, Kelly has experienced remarkable growth. Initially working with just ten students, she now serves fifty and has brought on an associate teacher to accommodate her expanding client base. This growth reflects her dedication to quality instruction and the trust she has built within her community. Additionally, Kelly has introduced innovative offerings, including group masterclasses and an app-based resource library, further enriching the local arts scene. Her achievements have been recognized through grants, enabling her to invest in her business and foster a vibrant community of aspiring performers.

Kelly’s business has made a profound impact not just on her life but on the Bellefonte community. By providing high-level voice training and performance opportunities, Kelly Scott Studios fills a critical gap for adult performers in the region. Her initiative, “State College Sings,” offers a platform for local singers to showcase their talents in front of an audience. As she reflects on her journey, Kelly acknowledges that while she could have found success independently, the guidance from the SBDC, particularly from Elizabeth, has propelled her business to new heights. “The support provided by the SBDC has helped to propel my business to what it has now become,” she says, underscoring the transformative power of support and community in the entrepreneurial landscape.

"The support provided by the SBDC has helped to propel my business to what it has now become.”
- Kelly Scott, Owner of Kelly Scott Studios

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