As a businesswoman and educator, Magi Kapllani understands the importance of dreaming big. Kapllani, CEO and founder of DEA Music & Art, started out by offering performing arts lessons in her living room. Once her roster expanded, she knew she could have an even greater impact on children in her community. By Brianna Bohn
As a businesswoman and educator, Magi Kapllani understands the importance of dreaming big. Kapllani, CEO and founder of DEA Music & Art, started out by offering performing arts lessons in her living room. Once her roster expanded, she knew she could have an even greater impact on children in her community.
“I wanted to be able to allow my students to truly dream big. So I started the studio and left my living room to give my students more opportunities,” Kapllani said.
And dream big she did. From eight students in her living room to six corporate locations (the United Kingdom, North Carolina, South Carolina, and three in New York), Kapllani has grown her business and is actively looking for potential franchisees.
“The right candidate is someone who is passionate about the performing arts and loves working with kids,” Kapllani said. “You do not have to be a performer or musician, but you should be interested in setting up events and being excited about putting on a show.”
As a result of Kapllani’s dedication to and passion for the performing arts, DEA Music & Art students continue to have countless opportunities, performing everywhere from local supermarkets and public libraries to Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. But it isn’t just the experience students gain, Kapllani said. She hopes that all people – students, parents, and franchisees – grasp the importance of the performing arts.
“It is a unique way of boosting confidence and the belief that you can do anything,” Kapllani said. “This has a big impact on the way the children of today will be the adults of tomorrow.” Her business has impacted so many people that graduates of her program still email her from college, thanking her for the confidence she has instilled in them.
Born into a family of musicians and composers, the performer-turned-educator literally dreams of new plans at night and then puts them into practice the next morning. Kapllani’s positive outlook has resulted in opportunities that students in other music schools do not get.
About five years ago, Kapllani envisioned a plan to have a concert in London with her students. Within three days, 12 students enrolled to go on the trip. Since then, students have traveled to the United Kingdom and Paris to perform in competitions.
Then, at the start of the pandemic, Kapllani knew she had to pivot and find a way to continue working with her students who were stuck at home without socialization. She created an engaging online program that features musical theory, lessons, and game nights, and she organized two virtual performances. The program helped DEA keep most of its students, and Kapllani plans to continue using and expanding it for further growth.
Although slow at the beginning of the pandemic, the New York-based DEA Music & Art has seen more growth than in the years prior to COVID.
“Comparing this July and August to the years before pre-COVID times, business is stronger than it has ever been, which is substantial,” Kapllani said. “Now is a great time to get into a franchise like this. It is a part of our nature to desire the performing arts. The pandemic has created this urge and desire to get out, and many families and their kids want to get into singing and playing an instrument.”
Currently, franchising opportunities are available in markets including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, and Texas.
Entrepreneurs interested in making a difference in the lives of young people in their communities and educating and encouraging them through the performing arts, can visit franchise.deamusicandart.com for more information about franchising opportunities.
– Brianna Bohn