Cynthia (Thea) Braren is proof that rock stars can also be entrepreneurs, and we’re only half kidding. Thea is a Hula member, marketing specialist, artist, teacher, and entrepreneur. When she’s not at Hula or consulting, she’s teaching people to sing, or she’s the one on stage, performing as Thea Wren.

Thea is a great example of someone who might not fit the traditional “entrepreneur” mold. She’s a creative, and too often, creatives get left out of the conversation about entrepreneurship. But running a business, whether you’re launching a product or, in Thea’s case, teaching others to sing, is entrepreneurship.

We love connecting with members like Thea, who live at the intersection of art and business and have spent time thinking deeply about that space. Artists challenge the boxes we’re put into, and talking with Thea makes you think about what it really means to build something of your own.

Q: What do you do?

A: Vocal and Performance Coach | Creative Consultant

Q: Do you own your own business? If so, what is it?

A: Yes, Thea Wren Music and Cynthia Braren Creative

Q: What’s a piece of advice you give to other people?

A: Stay connected in whatever way feels manageable to you.

Try new things, add novelty into your routine whenever possible.

If you're looking for advice, don't underestimate the wisdom inside your self and make sure it balances with any outward guidance.

Your heart, mind, and nervous system will thank you later.

Q: What’s something a mentor or important person has shared that made an impact on your business or career?

A: Start before you feel ready. Just start. The rest will follow.

Q: What role does community play in your career or business?

A: As a self-employed creative, part of my work is to find and/or create community, in that I am not part of a traditional workplace. The creative and musical communities that I am a part of locally and internationally inspire and motivate me, and give me a sense of belonging and continued nurturing in my projects. Realizing that I am not alone, we are all doing the best we can, which can sometimes feel very challenging, and that I am doing my art/work just the same.

Q: What was a pivotal moment while you were building your business or during your career that made you realize you were on the right track? Are there signs people should look out for?

A: A pivotal moment for me was when a project scope for one area grew into a much larger set of projects and highlighted the array of capacities and skill sets I can offer others, launching me into a more grounded position to work for myself.

Questions I ask myself to check in on my tracks in life:

  • Am I inspired and creatively motivated in what I do?

  • Does the work feel edgy, challenging in a new way? This is a good thing.

  • Is there a natural flow of ideas or an inclination to find the flow?

  • Do I sense a positive, win-win connection with clients and students?

  • Does my work inspire and add positive outcomes for my clients and students?

Q: How do you handle setbacks or failures without losing motivation?

A: When I face setbacks, I remind myself that nothing is permanent. Outdoor time/exercise, and reading something grounding, like Pema Chödrön’s “When Things Fall Apart,” can help me gain perspective and see that detours and failures often lead to better outcomes. It’s a reminder to trust the process and view setbacks as part of meaningful growth.

Q: What’s a personal habit or mindset shift that significantly improved your business or work life?

A: If a project or opportunity that presents itself initially feels scary or over my head, ask myself if my skill sets and passions align, and if fear of going to the next level is sabotaging my growth. Could the edginess actually be a positive next step for me? If that is the case, then move forward full steam and go with it!

Q: Is there a transformative book, speech, or presentation that you’d recommend to other aspiring business professionals?

A: 

  • Rick Rubin's 'The Creative Act’:  Creativity as a Way of Being. 

  • Dr. Jim Doty's 'Mind Magic’: The Neuroscience of Manifestation, Neuroplasticity, and Self-Agency