The light that influenced sound

When Steph fell off of her horse, Rangi, for the second time, she saw the light.

A head injury changed Steph’s direction in a way she never anticipated. But, she has come to love her new way of life.

Steph, who had aspirations to pursue a career as a professional equine rider, never thought that music was an option until a severe head injury changed everything.

After multiple injuries side lined Steph from horse riding for multiple years, she turned to music. In particular, Steph turned to guitar.

“I fell in love with music after my head injury.”

Wintec replaced horses and kindled her desire to learn. Steph first completed a Certificate in Media Arts (Music) and then a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts (Commercial Music).  She worked on music production, which turned into a passion to start her own business with husband Terry, who she met in the sound and lighting circuit.

“I had no idea how much I’d love working in the live sound industry, I went to Wintec thinking I’d get to learn more about music and I’d find my career hopefully through doing it.”

While studying, Steph found work experience in a live sound and lighting company and started volunteering for the Hamilton Operatic Society.

“All of the people were so much fun to be around, I met some really cool people, things just moved on from there.”

Wintec has always been a helpful and positive learning experience, and very beneficial in helping build the business, however, it has taken time away from making music and my time to expand on audio technology because studying my second degree (Business) takes up the majority of my time.

Steph thrives on being her own boss and having her own independence when working. The equestrian events that she covers with sound and lighting are also a highlight as they combine both of her passions; music and horses.

Her parting advice to anyone wanting to own their own business is to study first and get work experience and be open to any and all opportunities with working and studying, even if they don’t fit into your original plan.

“Don’t put work first, put study first, work will always be there, the study won’t.”

Although Steph didn’t plan on owning her own business, she’s proud of everything that she has accomplished and wouldn’t change a thing about her experience, no matter the number of obstacles she’s had to overcome.