Many musicians have faced tremendous challenges and financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With concert halls closed and live performances put on hold, the music industry took a significant hit. However, amidst the adversity, there are exceptional individuals who not only managed to weather the storm but also thrived in unexpected ways, and one such musician is Hanna Oblikov, Luxe Strings founder who defied the odds by consistently making six figures in the cut throat entertainment business while raising two young children. According to Oblikov, there are secrets to building a thriving million-dollar business in music, but mostly, it comes down to her exceptional ability to balance the demands of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and focus on the goals. A visionary entrepreneur, our writers interviewed the cellist to find out more.
Hanna Oblikov’s musical journey started in Sydney, Australia, within a household immersed in melodies and artistic expression. Her parents, both accomplished musicians who crossed paths on an orchestral tour in Bulgaria, fostered her deep love for music from an early age. With a family background steeped in melodic traditions, it was no surprise that Hanna found her calling as a cellist. Hanna’s dedication and talent led her to obtain a Bachelor of Music Performance degree with a specialization in cello from Sydney University. However, what truly sets Hanna apart is her unwavering spirit of exploration. Embracing new and innovative ideas, she fearlessly pushes the boundaries of her craft, carving her own unique path in the realm of music.
Hanna’s career took a pivotal turn when she joined forces with Aston, a band signed to Warner that achieved widespread recognition as a YouTube sensation with millions of views, launched with their cover of ‘Telephone’ by Lady Gaga. The band also performed for the star herself when she was in Sydney for Perez Hilton’s reality show. This experience served as a launching pad for Hanna’s career and provided invaluable lessons about the inner workings of the ever changing music industry. Also touring with instrumental artists like violinist Sophie Armstrong, and recording and performing with artists including Ed Sheeran, Josh Groban, Chet Faker and dozens more.
In an ever-changing music industry that increasingly gravitates toward popular genres and digital production, classical music has found a remarkable space for evolution and adaptation. Hanna Oblikov, with her exceptional cello skills and a keen sense of musicality, stands as a transformative figure at the intersection of classical and popular music. She has become a sought-after collaborator, infusing enchanting strings into the works of renowned artists, both in the studio and on stage. From collaborating with chart-topping sensations and an extensive list of other celebrated musicians, Hanna’s creative prowess has breathed new life into classical music by seamlessly blending it with contemporary elements. Her ability to merge diverse musical styles not only expands her own artistic horizons but also contributes to the revitalization of classical music in the modern era.
So how did Oblikov achieve this whilst raising two young children? While the struggles of being a mompreneur as women with children are often called in business, Hanna Oblikov has shattered the notion that having two young children should hinder her professional pursuits. She has seamlessly integrated the roles of a devoted mother and an ambitious entrepreneur, thinking outside the box to create a balanced schedule that allows for her to be both present with her young children and run her business. How does she keep her finger on the pulse? According to the cellist, belief in oneself is key- “I have always trusted myself and my gut feelings over anyone else’s opinions, but I am very lucky to have a few close friends in the industry who I can go to for advice and emotional support”.
When many moms are struggling to get through the day, the young mum’s secret in scheduling is her unconventional approach to scheduling and timing has been instrumental in her ability to juggle her various responsibilities. Rather than conforming to traditional expectations, she has charted her own path, strategically fitting her work commitments into the framework of her family life. According to Oblikov, “it was really important to me to keep my business alive. It would’ve been so easy to let it slip during the last 3 years of covid and pregnancies and babies, but I really enjoy the mental stimulation that comes with working and even if I am running around after two toddlers at the park while on a work call, I still enjoy it so much. I am also lucky with my job as I have a great support system to help me and most of my performance work is at night time so I get to see my kids a lot more than if I worked in a regular 9-5 job”.
At the heart of Hanna Oblikov’s entrepreneurial endeavors lies Luxe Strings, her million-dollar company that offers elegant, stylish, and talented string players for high-end events and TV productions. Luxe Strings has become synonymous with excellence, providing a premium high end music product for luxury events and weddings. With a roster of Australia’s top string players, Luxe Strings has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry. From sharing the stage with global sensations like Rita Ora, Josh Groban and many more. The success of Luxe Strings has been recognized on a grand scale, as they have been featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, further solidifying their status as trendsetters in the industry. Currently, Luxe Strings continues to captivate audiences with their exceptional performances, setting the stage for unforgettable moments at exclusive events and leaving a lasting impression on all who experience their musical magic.
As Luxe Strings celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Hanna Oblikov reflects on the incredible journey she has embarked upon. This significant milestone marks a decade of delivering extraordinary musical experiences and establishing Luxe Strings as a renowned brand in the industry. “I think it’s important to create your own identity as an artist so I wouldn’t say I have too many influences in that way but I definitely admire any musicians who are at the top of their game in any genre” says the cellist, who, looking toward the future, envisions expanding her artistic horizons even further. Among her dreams is the desire to record her own solo album, a personal project that will showcase her exceptional talent as a cellist and allow her to explore her unique artistic expression. Beyond her own aspirations, Hanna is committed to passing on her deep love for music to her children. She believes in nurturing their innate musical abilities and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through her dedication as a mother and her unwavering passion as a musician, Hanna Oblikov continues to inspire others and shape the future of both her family and the music industry.
Hanna Oblikov, a source of inspiration for aspiring young musicians, shares her invaluable tips for success in the industry. Her top tips:
1. Identify your own goals and values, emphasizing the importance of not comparing yourself to others. Each musical journey is unique, and by staying focused on your own path, you can cultivate your talents and aspirations with authenticity.
2. Be flexible and open to change.
3. Be receptive to new solutions and creative ideas, even those that may initially seem unfamiliar, can lead to breakthroughs and unexpected opportunities.
4. Take your challenges and find the lesson behind them- Hanna attributes her growth and evolution as a musician and entrepreneur to the invaluable lessons she learned through motherhood including patience and flexibility.
5. Treat your passion as a business- learn how to run a business, and don’t believe in the “broke musician” mentality.
Your passion must be your business if it’s going to succeed according to Oblikov- “I love what I do and I know that my industry ebbs and flows, never more so than the last few years! I think it’s the nature of my work that inspires me when things get tough, being a musician is so much more than a job, it is who you are and it’s not something you choose to do, it chooses you”.
Follow Hanna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannaoblikov/
Luxe Strings http://luxestrings.com/
Hanna Oblikov: http://www.celloxhanna.com/
