Helping Singers Find Their Voice with Mayona Smith

Mayona Smith is the founder of Great Victory Music, a Norfolk-based music education studio offering private voice lessons, songwriting workshops, and live performance opportunities. She helps singers of all backgrounds, from complete beginners to advanced performers, develop their skills and confidence. Stage fright is a common challenge for many singers, but Mayona's approach combines vocal technique with real-world practice through open mic nights and other events. This supportive environment allows artists to overcome their fears and shine on stage. In this episode, Mayona discusses her journey from NYU Vocal Performance major to a vocal coach, how GVM builds a welcoming musical community, and why anyone—regardless of experience—can find their voice and thrive as a performer. Chapters: (0:00) Opening discussion on New Year's resolutions and continuous improvement (5:39) Introduction of guest Mayona Smith and her approach to resolutions (6:17) Vision boards, goal setting, and fitness tracking with Mayona (10:10) The challenges and benefits of tracking food intake (11:40) Emanuel's voice training experience with Mayona (16:01) Mayona's journey into music and vocal coaching (26:47) Expanding a vocal coaching business and its broader impact (28:18) Starting a vocal coaching business and its challenges (30:20) Insights into high-profile musicians' vocal training routines (32:29) Identifying ideal clients and genres for vocal coaching (34:13) Tips for preventing vocal damage and maintaining vocal health (36:50) How a performing background benefits business practices (38:20) Growth and opportunities in the Hampton Roads music scene (47:32) Addressing the challenges and financial struggles of local artists (50:42) Engaging audiences and the frequency of local performances (53:35) The potential for a dedicated music venue in Hampton Roads (57:54) The costs and process of producing an album (1:00:17) Conceptualizing a song about Hampton Roads food (1:02:24) Supporting local artists through food spots and festivals (1:03:14) Best practices for supporting local musicians (1:04:49) Closing remarks on future plans and artist support Guest linksgreatvictorymusic.com mayona.hearnow.com ABOUT THE SHOW: Did you know that only 4% of businesses hit $1M in revenue? Tim Ryan and Zack Miller are the creators of The Fervent Four Show, designed to help you get there. ABOUT THE HOSTS: Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of Anomaly, a guide on differentiating yourself and your business from the crowd. Tim Ryan is an angel investor and the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads, an organization dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with resources in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Tim also serves as the Director of REaKTOR, a space for technology-based startups to start and grow. Check them out Live every Thursday at 11 AM: https://www.innovate757.org/live/