Meet Lauren Ogle of Peek-A-Boo Music

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ogle.

Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always wanted to work with kids for as long as I can remember. I went to school to study Early Childhood Education and always dreamed of being a teacher. Life shifted drastically when I decided to leave school in Illinois and move to Los Angeles, but the dream never changed. It just started to look different!

I found a program called Kindermusik that is used all over the world to bring young children an introduction to music and aid in their development. In 2014 I began the certification program which consisted of several exams and practice teaching around the city. Once completed I was able to start my business in 2015 with a partner and friend of mine named Courtney.

Peek-A-Boo Music is not just Kindermusik. We provide entertainment at events, birthday parties, schools, etc. We are an all-encompassing education program that uses music to play and learn. Our main day to day operation is mommy and me classes because they are the absolute best. New moms who are looking for something to get them out of the house and jump start their child’s education can find a home in Peek-A-Boo. I have met so many young moms just feeling lost and looking for community. Through our program, they are able to find friends for themselves and their child while also gaining tools to help their little one’s mind grow! It’s really an amazing thing to watch and it’s probably my favorite part of the job. A couple of playgroups have formed because of these classes and it absolutely melts my heart. Some moms even named themselves the “Peekaboo Crew” and they get together for monthly outings after starting the class 3 years ago.

Our four year anniversary as a business is coming up and I can’t believe how far we have come. Our first year consisted of teaching a couple of classes a week out of a yoga studio in Silverlake and has now become a mobile classroom that goes all over the city. I no longer have a partner as Courtney decided to move to Nashville and explore a music career (which is amazing and we are still good friends!) and I have been having so much fun watching it grow. I’ve hired a few part-time teachers that help me out when there is a need and even my husband has come to a few birthday parties with me to help shake a tambourine. I love to pick up my instruments, sound equipment, and toys and come to where ever there is a need for group music with kiddos! We have taught classes in the South Bay all the way to South Pasadena.

Another fun difference in the business is we have a tiny new assistant – my son Wilder. He was born in March of this year (2019) and is now able to come along with me to the classes and join in the fun. It was always part of the dream to become a mother and incorporate my children into these mommy and me style classes.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have encountered many struggles along the way. I poured so much of my own money into this business and didn’t start making a profit for a little over a year. I felt like giving up so many times and I had convinced myself I was a failure. I am so thankful that I have amazing friends and family behind me who tell me to keep going. Deciding not give up was the best decision I ever made! I never would have met all of my amazing clients and their sweet children.

Another issue is that teaching was always the passion for me, not necessarily being a businesswoman. Learning how to handle spreadsheets and do basic accounting was not very fun but I somehow learned to manage. Promoting myself? It makes me so uncomfortable! It feels so strange to constantly post photos and ads for music events and classes because I assume I’m annoying everyone in my social media feed. I really need to hire someone to manage my marketing so I can just focus on the lesson plans.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Peek-A-Boo Music – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Peek-A-Boo Music is so much more than just mommy and me classes. We are a place where you can be vulnerable and comfortable about any struggles you’re having in motherhood. I have created a space where you can come and talk freely to other mamas. We all share stories, advice, hardships and more. As much as we love watching the kids learn and grow, this class is just as much for the families! We have to take care of ourselves AND our little love bugs. I think based on all of the friendships that have sprouted from these classes, it’s safe to say we’ve succeeded in the safe space we set out to create.

I think our classes are different from other music studios in that we can be anywhere you want us to be! We are a mobile classroom that goes all over the city of Los Angeles. We have played in yoga/dance studios, parks, schools, toy stores, living rooms, church rec rooms and more! Where ever there is a space and people who want music – we will be there with bells on! (Literally).

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I want to do more special collaboration events. I have some wonderful mama friends who are photographers and sensory artists who also work specifically with young children. I want us to work together more to create musical, colorful events for families. The goal is always to create something parents have never seen before! Sensory play mixed with sing a longs followed by a baby photo shoot. Who wouldn’t want to come to a party like that with their kiddo?

Community is so important for our clients but also for me. I love to find people in the mommy and me community that want to create beautiful family friendly art classes together. I hope to do so much more of that in 2019/2020. Keep an eye out Los Angeles!

Pricing:

• Our pop up events that are currently happening monthly on weekends in Silverlake are $20 per child.
• Our weekly Friday music class at Miracle Mile Toy Hall is $25 per class.
• To host us in your school, at your event or at your birthday party – pricing starts at $150. Contact us for more details.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.peekaboomusic.la
• Phone: 3092643016
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/peekaboomusicla
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/peekaboomusicla
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/peekaboomusicla

Image Credit:
Kari Dirksen

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