Young Opera Singer Turns Musical Talent into a Business
Sandra Paz García, owner of Sandy Sings Studios, and her mom Brenda Paz at Drake University.
Photo by Wezz De La Rosa / JEFAS Magazine
Entrepreneurial Spirit Runs in Sandra Paz García’s Family
When your godmother is a trailblazing Latina entrepreneur who opened the first Mexican bakery in Des Moines, your parents own and manage rental properties, your father runs a heating and cooling shop, and your younger cousin launched a successful Mexican candy business, catching the entrepreneurial bug seems inevitable.
That’s exactly what happened to Sandra Paz García, who used her skills as an Opera vocalist to launch Sandy Sings Studios.
How Sandra Paz García Turned Her Passion for Music into a Business
Paz García, a student at Drake University set to graduate in May with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance, had plenty of business ideas. “I really wanted to create something of my own.” From selling sushi to offering eyelash extensions, nothing quite fit—until she realized her talent had been in front of her all along: music.
Paz García has been a standout singer since childhood. She has ranked among the top vocalists in state-level NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competitions, performed in opera productions, and participated in international programs in Italy and Ireland. Her love for singing led her to offer private lessons, but she soon noticed a unique gap in the market. “Every voice teacher in Des Moines was white. It’s impossible that the Latino community doesn’t want to learn to sing or play piano. That’s where I come in—I’m bilingual.”
The Impact of Sandy Sings Studios on the Latino Community
With excitement, Paz García created a promotional flyer, making sure to include the phrase “Hablo español” (I speak Spanish). At first, she was nervous to post it, but a friend encouraged her to take the leap. “I thought I was afraid of rejection, but in reality, I was more afraid of regret.”
Within 24 hours, she had four student inquiries, and by the end of the week, six students had signed up. Today, Paz García teaches thirteen students of all ages—only two of whom are non-Latino. Many of her students want to learn how to sing and perform songs in both English and Spanish.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles Paz García faced was securing the right space for her lessons. After exploring churches and schools, her voice teacher offered her studio—an inspiring space with a grand piano and walls covered in photos from past performances. “It was perfect because it’s a sacred space for me.”
Sandra Paz García’s Future as an Entrepreneur and Vocalist
Even with an impressive singing career, Sandra Paz García has even bigger dreams. She’s currently auditioning for graduate programs to continue her vocal training but has no plans to abandon her business. “I’d love to grow it and take on more students. One day, I want to have a building where I can teach, host concerts, solo performances, and recitals in both English and Spanish.”
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Paz García understands the dedication it takes to build a successful business. “The only limits on what I can do are the ones I set for myself. I have to trust myself to pursue what I’m good at.”
