Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey McManus.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelsey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Springfield, Illinois and studied in Chicago, where I then entered the working world as a Math teacher. After five years of teaching, I was hungry to travel the world, and I set out on a year of adventures. Shortly after choosing to stay in Los Angeles, I was determining what was next and had an idea to create a karaoke lounge, inside a van. On a late-night hike, I heard a voice that said, “do it, make the karaoke van” …it felt right, so I did it.
I find singing songs to be a great cathartic release, and I usually feel much better afterwards. For many years I carried my own gold microphone and would use it at karaoke establishments whenever I could. I’ve found that belting out a great song in my car, on a stage or even in the comfort of my own room, it always leaves me feeling more positive and full of joy. It’s this joyfulness that inspired the creation of The Gold Karaoke Room. The Gold Karaoke Room is a mobile karaoke room that can be brought to any location, event or celebration. Through the experience in The Gold Karaoke Room, I want to remind people that joy is accessible at any moment by being fully present. The intention behind The Gold Karaoke Room is to provide a beautiful place to encourage people to be present and experience the release of endorphins that comes along with singing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Early in the process of creating this Gold Karaoke Room, I was doing research about music in LA, and I read a parable quoted by Crosby, he said “The road to paradise, is paradise”. I try to constantly remind myself that it doesn’t matter if the road is smooth, winding, or full of bumps that make your chin jiggle— it’s the journey(or road) that is full of joy.
This journey has been full of the normal struggles of starting a business unforeseen costs, unexpected marketing needs, the fear of success, etc.- but it’s also been a personal journey for me, as I came out the same weekend The Gold Karaoke Room opened.
The best part of this road is being constantly reminded that the experience of The Gold Karaoke Room is incredible — it brings people together and promotes wellness. It’s a great adventure, and I’m doing my best to enjoy this road to paradise when it’s smooth, bumpy and full of twists and turns.
The Gold Karaoke Room – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Gold Karaoke Room specializes in bringing joy to you through singing and community. You will discover a playlist of over 20,000 songs, two gold microphones and a beautiful, luxurious space for ten adults inside the van. The Gold Karaoke Room brings joy anywhere, anytime for anyone — a break during work, with coffee to start the day, or perhaps at 3pm on Tuesday. We can sit in your driveway with baby monitors, we can meet you after a great dinner, we can come to your large event.
We are known for converting karaoke skeptics into lovers of The Gold Karaoke Room experience. Noted in this quote from a guest-turned-friend, “I’ve never liked karaoke, but I LOVE The Gold Karaoke Room”.-Anne
As the creator of The Gold Karaoke Room, I’m most proud of bringing to life the idea that karaoke should be accessible anywhere!
As a company, we are most proud of our ability to bring people an experience that allows them to be present and share music in a way that encourages a communal feeling of joy.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is enjoying the process. The current success is that I created a new business that people love and it has been in operation for two years! The next markers are having consistent bookings and partnering with brands and businesses for creative and fun events.
Pricing:
- Nights and Weekends $250/hour (Transportation fee depending on location)
- Weekday daytime Karaoke (M-Thurs until 5pm) $175/hour
- Happy Hour Karaoke (M-Thurs 5- 8pm) $200/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegoldkaraokeroom.com
- Phone: 747-333-6745
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldkaraokeroom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoldKaraokeRoom/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gold-karaoke-van-los-angeles
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