Young Female Entrepreneur

Piano Teacher

3/21/12

11 o’clock news

Princess Peoples

Anchor lead-in LIVE:  Peoples Standing in front of Greater Beulah Baptist  Church in Columbus, Georgia VO: Peoples Video of where she used to sing in the choir and play the piano for the choir  Video of Wiggins talking and showing where she used to play piano in sanctuary inside Greater Beulah Baptist Church CS of piano MS of area where she used to play piano LS of sanctuary VOT:  Sonya Wiggins CG:  “Sonya Wiggins” VO:  Peoples Video of Wiggins neighborhood in Columbus, Georgia where she was raised LS of sidewalk before arriving at Wiggins home in Columbus, Georgia MS of Wiggins home in Columbus, Georgia CS of Wiggins home in Columbus, Georgia Video of Wiggins home in Columbus, Georgia VOT:  Sonya Wiggins CG:  “Sonya Wiggins” VO:  Peoples Video of Eckerd’s Drug Store now CVS Video of downtown Atlanta from a rooftop location Video of Georgia State University VOT:  Sonya Wiggins CG:  “Sonya Wiggins” VOT:  Peoples Video of Wiggins apartment complex where she used to put flyers in neighbors mailboxes Video of local Guitar Center where she used to put flyers around Video of a computer with Craigslist open on screen VOT:  Donnel Blackman CG:  “Donnel Blackman” VOT:  Peoples VOT:  Donnel Blackman CG:  “Donnel Blackman” Reporter’s Conclusion Anchor wrap-up

Many people dream of one day owning their own business.  Sonya Wiggins is a rising young female entrepreneur in the Atlanta metro area.  Live with the story is Princess Peoples. Wiggin’s journey began in Columbus, Georgia where she was born and raised.  She started singing in The Angels choir at Greater Beulah Baptist Church when she was 3 years old. ### As she continued to sing in the choir, her mother asked her if she wanted to take piano lessons.  At 9 years old Wiggins started taking group piano lessons.  She started playing the piano for The Angels Choir when she was 11 years old.  As Wiggins continued to play the piano for the choir she vividly remembers an associate pastor who sat in his wheelchair by the piano she used to play.  He would always give her five dollars after she played the piano for the choir every Sunday.  “I realized, hey, I can get paid for this.” ### Wiggins continued to learn how to play the piano by taking private piano lessons starting at 13 years old.  As she continued to learn and strengthen her piano skills, she looked in a local newspaper and found a church that was hiring for a pianist one Sunday a month.  She interviewed with the pastor of the church and got the position.  At 13 years old she was working her first job and an entrepreneur in the making. “I always dreamed of moving to Atlanta.  Once I want to do something, once I get it in my head, then I’m gonna do it.” ### From 13 years old to 18 years old Wiggins worked as a pianist for three different churches and had a part-time job at Eckerd’s Drug Store.  She attended Troy University in Alabama.  But after having an epiphany she decided to transfer to Georgia State University spring 2007.  She wanted to pursue her dream of becoming a recording and performing artist in the Atlanta metro area.  She moved to Atlanta in January of 2007 and transferred to an Eckerd’s Drug Store in Atlanta.  She worked two jobs and was a full-time student.  Wiggins decided she wanted to start her own business.  ### From 19 years old to 20 years old, she worked a total of seven part-time jobs.  She was unhappy. “I’m tired of working; I’m tired of working two jobs and still not having any money.  I want to teach piano lessons.” Wiggins began asking customers at C-V-S Pharmacy if they knew anyone who wanted to take piano lessons.  She put flyers around her apartment complex and around the local Guitar Center.  After doing research online for teaching positions, she found a company in Suwanee and started teaching piano lessons there.  She had four students.  ### Wiggins decided to quit her current job and start her own business.  She created a business plan and started posting ads on Craigslist.  “I saw one of her ads on Craigslist, contacted her and we met at Starbucks.” Wiggins launched Lady Sonya Music Studio, L-L-C in March 2008.  She began hosting two music recitals yearly in 2009.  Donnel Blackman is a previous student of Wiggins who now sings with her. ### “We have known each other for three years now.  We are basically helping one another out.  We are getting together; doing events, weddings, parties and special occasions and trying to book people who are inquiring about a singer and pianist.” Wiggins continues to work hard by using social media to promote her business.  She is currently a senior at Georgia State University.  One of her many goals is to inspire others.  This is Princess Peoples of 11 o’clock news reporting live back to you Carolyn Carlson. ### Wiggins is a rising young female entrepreneur in the Atlanta metro area. She currently has more than 20 students and hosts two music recitals every year. ###