We had the good fortune of connecting with Meg Parsighian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meg, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Ability to take risks has been the biggest factor of my success and overall greatest experiences in my life. I played safe for a long time… I started several small businesses, calculating the possible losses and expenses. I always started with a strategic plan to make sure I wouldn’t lose more than what I would have invested. But it was not long until I realized that I would regret not taking the risk of putting all I’ve got both financially and physically into my business. I knew if I had everything to lose, there would not be a way for me to back out or not give it my 100% Around Summer of 2015, I was on a search for yet another business idea to try. After all, starting and testing out different businesses had become a hobby for me. But this time I was searching for something bigger, hoping to find something that I would actually enjoy and get excited about. As I was telling my plan to a great friend of mine, who is a professional musician, he told me about his long-time dream of opening and operating a music rehearsal studio. Instantly this lit up my eyes and questions started filling up my head.. Could it be the most exciting business I have yet to create? Can a non-musician be successful in this business? Do I just like the sound of it or is it actually worth trying?

There I was, standing in front of an idea for the perfect business opportunity, which soon became PA Rehearsal Studios. Starting from the ground up, I began to face some of the biggest business challenges of my life.. Leading me to drain my bank account and every single strain left in my body, I could not let that stop me from turning this dream into a reality. I wouldn’t stop thinking about the “what if”s. What if I do succeed? What if I CAN actually turn it into an amazing business? And what if not only I won’t lose it all, but gain a successful business that thrives! I had to make a decision. Either fully pursuing the idea, or thinking “what if “ and possibly regret not doing it for the rest of my life. I decided fear of regret was way more significant for me than fear of taking the risk. After all, regardless of the outcome I would never be disappointed in myself if I gave it my all, but would surely regret not trying.

An exciting life worth-living is never made by playing safe.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Every business has its unique way of operating. Every business tries to be a little different to stand out or to better serve their clients, and it’s these small unique differences that sets each business apart. A few qualities that set us apart from any other rehearsal space is maintaining equipment control, customizable air-conditioning settings in each room, fully soundproof walls, hotel-like clean and fresh scented, and super friendly and helpful staff. But the truth is, what really sets us apart is our clients. There is an undeniable, exciting, and positive energy coming through every day. Each client walking in presents an incredible vibe, it feels like magic and it’s contagious. We have been blessed with the most amazing and vibrant clients. I would never imagine that I’d get phone calls from clients during hard times like the pandemic, just to check to see how we are holding up & if there’s anything they could help with- as they would hate to see the studio shut down. Luckily, we only stayed closed temporarily during the first few months of the pandemic, but these amazing people showed so much love and support that it truly made me feel loved. I do not know of another business where the clients call to check on us during difficult times. I am forever grateful for that.

What are you most proud of?
I feel like I was able to make a little positive change to the stigma of the music business. Everyone looks at music business as a male-dominated business and it sure is, but I feel like I was able to prove that anyone can make a dream come true regardless of their gender. Most men are shocked to hear that a woman owns and runs such a business, and almost all women musicians get very happy and excited to hear it. We are also working with a music school that brings different groups of kids to learn music! I am proud that there are a handful of young girls who can recognize that they in fact DO belong, and have the ability to make a career for themselves as a musician or in the music business in general!

How did you get to where you are?
By never giving up! – Once I decide to do something I become unstoppable, find ways to overcome every obstacle, and won’t stop until I make it happen. If the outcome is not something I hoped for, I learn from it and approach it with a new perspective. Make it happen or die trying.

Was it easy?
“Nothing worth having comes easy.” ― Theodore Roosevelt
How did you overcome the challenges?
By anticipating the hardships – Assuming there will be challenges and problems on the way, and with this perspective I wouldn’t get caught off-guard when challenges occurred. I simply look at challenges as problems and every problem has a solution. Find the solution and act on it immediately. If it doesn’t fix the problem, learn from it and find another solution. Keep trying until you find the correct solution. It’s really simple, you just need to think proactively.
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

To remain kind, but to not let anyone take your kindness for weakness. Stand your ground and know that there will be extremely difficult decisions to make, so when it’s time, you must put personal feelings aside and always vote for the success of the business. As the business grows, my decisions no longer only affect me, but it directly affects everyone that works at the studio.
What do you want the world to know about your brand story?
PA Rehearsal Studios started from the dream of a musician; it was originally built to accommodate musicians’ needs for a rehearsal space. And in just a few years into running the business, we added a recording studio to make it convenient for our clients for their recording needs. As of this year, we have expanded our services and we are also offering a new home for music videos, band photo shoots, live streaming and even podcast services. Our goal is to be able to cover every angle of what a musician goes through, in order to make it to the top. It is our plan to be the one place every musician can come for all their needs. From finding a band or a band member of any performance levels to connect with, to receiving professional career advice, and even social media publicity. We pledge to work toward these plans and make it happen one by one in the near future. We are in the process of turning PA Rehearsal Studio into a social club accommodated for musicians to meet all their needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I definitely won’t be able to tag along for a whole week. But I can sure show an amazing time over a couple days or so. I would start the day by taking a drive down the PCH to enjoy the breeze and the perfect views of the ocean stop at Malibu Beach to soak up some sun while sipping on a drink. Next, we are driving back to Hollywood to check into Petit Ermitage Hotel – This hotel is just perfect! Amazing vibes, relaxed yet exciting atmosphere, amazing cocktails, beautiful rooftop with heated pool and occasional live music! This unique hotel is in a perfect location walking distance from everything worth doing in the Hollywood area. The evening starts with walking just down the street to Santa Monica Blvd. where, in my opinion, the liveliest people in LA spend time at. There are many amazing restaurants to have dinner at, but I’d choose the Pump restaurant for an amazing cocktail before the last stop which must be the Abbey. It’s a perfect place to socialize, have drinks or even dance the night off. Waking up the next day at the hotel, it’s time to relax by the pool, enjoy the sun in style and people-watch! This hotel always has the most unique guests enjoying the facility, it can never be boring. In the evening we are heading out with a quick walk down the street towards Sunset Blvd. I can never get to this location and not have a smile on my face. Starting the evening with dinner, restaurant options are endless within the block alone! Up next, we are going to catch as many live shows as possible. Starting with Whiskey A Go-Go to hopefully seeing a few good bands, then across the street to Viper Room, to catch some more super loud and amazing bands, and also chat with the locals. Last stop is Rainbow Room, this historic bar is one my most favorite places to be, it’s almost like taking a step back to the 60’s. This was the place where most legends hung out after their shows. Very interesting characters usually show up and depending on the mood of night can have dinner inside, or at the outside patio, choose from the 3 bars to drink at or head to the second level to see some more live music! Los Angeles has some incredible places to check out and enjoy yourself at. Grab a friend or two and let the night take you wherever it may!y yourself at. Grab a friend or two and let the night take you wherever it may!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Creating something big always takes more than just one mind, one soul and one idea. It takes dedication and calling in every favor anyone might offer. It involves looking into other people’s perspectives and ideas, in this case visualizing someone’s dreams, enhancing it with my vision and knowledge and turning it into a reality of my own.

Biggest shout out to my longtime friend, Mr. Andre Aidian. A professional musician that is living the musician’s dream life. He had a beautiful dream.. a dream of a small, affordable & upscale boutique-like music rehearsal studio with musicians’ needs in mind. A place that is made for musicians to not only practice as needed, but to have a vibe that makes them feel creative with an atmosphere that can help musicians create their best work of art.

His dream spoke to me and I just had to make it happen, but I was done with opening a small business. I was ready for the big challenge. I took the dream, kept the upscale boutique creative vibe, but I went big. Building 6 large rehearsal rooms, I added the latest high-end equipment, included a full back line, and soundproof treatment to each room.

It would be impossible to turn my vision into reality if it wasn’t with the support of family and friends. Yet, Andre played the biggest role and was next to me every step of the way.

Website: www.parehearsalstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parehearsalstudios

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pa-rehearsal-studios-reseda-3

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.