Mylène Besançon is the co-founder of Tunedly, a well-established online music recording studio, and publishing solution. She has been named a “Limit-breaking female founder,” and landed features in Billboard, Style Magazine, and Yahoo Finance, among others. Mylène is also a brand mentor, a fulfilled woman, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master of Business Administration.
What is Tunedly all about?
Tunedly is an interactive online recording studio connecting music creators with the most qualified network of vetted session musicians.
Our team, mainly based in North America, is driven by an undying love of music. The creativity behind the music production process motivates us to keep doing what we do. We are further gratified when users finally get the exposure they deserve for musical projects we helped them accomplish.
Tunedly has already been embraced by some of the biggest names in the music industry. Mathew Knowles (executive producer for more than 100 award-winning albums, and father of Grammy winners Beyoncé and Solange) and Harvey Mason jr. (record producer and Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy) serve as company advisors.
We also operate a “music as a gift” solution under the Bring My Song To Life brand.
Why did you choose your present industry at this time?
We chose the present industry because Chris and I, both founders of Tunedly, noticed an opportunity to fix a common problem in the music industry. I had to learn about the music business at a rapid pace while finishing up my MBA. I brought my fresh knowledge in marketing and working with touring artists, as well as my reliability, support, and curiosity to the table.
What were the most challenging areas in the early stages of the company’s growth?
Trying to meet the ideal expectations of advisors and being clear about our offerings as quickly as possible. On top of that, being a woman in a male-dominated industry led to much pressure and having to work extremely hard trying to ensure our proposition remained attractive and viable.
Knowing that data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of operation and 45% within the first five years, I am proud of every single member of our team because we are growing more than ever after about 5 years in business, having increased revenue by over 30% in 2020 compared to the year before.
Do you use any specific method or system to run daily operations?
Google Calendar is definitely my favorite app right now, it helps me to keep on top of all the things that need to get done. Also, getting in 8 hours of sleep each night when possible helps for daily decision-making.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
I received feedback that giving away goodie bags to songwriters was a remarkable idea. This generous attention was probably the simplest marketing strategy I came up with that actually worked. The right move at the right time.
What is the best/worst moment you can remember in your career?
In terms of worst, I got really anxious a few years ago due to a chain of events.
There are many best moments, but I will quote 3:
- When one of our employees wrote to us explaining how Tunedly changed his life for the better. I gave an interview a few years back about employees wanting to know that their efforts are making a difference, and how knowing that a campaign helped to bring in new business is a motivating factor for staff members to do even better next time. Well, in the opposite way…receiving such an affectionate piece was a huge motivational boost for us as owners of the company.
- When we finally hit our target of becoming profitable, it was such an amazing month! While growth is key to long-term success, making an actual profit is key to basic financial survival.
- When I learned to celebrate, articulate, and share my career accomplishments and actually feel good about it. I always had difficulties accepting compliments and I am often unforgiving of my own mistakes. In brief, being myself and showing the steadily evolving woman I am becoming, even if it means not everybody will be fond of my choices, has had a tremendous impact on business – it contributed to a better ROI and stronger relationships. And, you know, seeing the glass half-full instead of half-empty!
Who is your role model or hero?
I have many role models that appeal to different areas of my life, like my mother and my grand-mother. However, in the general scheme of things, I think Oprah is an inspiration to me because she became this strong-minded and generous woman who turned her passion into an empire. In my opinion, her ascension is impressive on many levels. And the fact that she remains active in the latter part of her career is a shining example, not just to me but numerous other women around the world.
Looking back – if you could advise a younger version of yourself to do something different – what would it be?
I want to believe that if you see your mistakes for the positive change they inspire, you are bound to find success down the road. It is reassuring to think everything happens for a reason. So, even if it’s uncomfortable to accept certain passages in my life, especially words I’d have preferred to use differently, I wouldn’t necessarily tell my younger self to do something different, because it may cancel out the amazing moments too, and the ones ahead.
I am lucky to be able to use all of my degrees in languages, business, and marketing, in my career. I have been working on setting up excellent habits for myself and my family since 2020. I am doing the best to progress professionally and personally, to eat healthily, to nurture relationships across three main countries I have ties with, to let loose from time to time, and to remain interesting creatively. I love every aspect of my life at that very moment, so I wouldn’t change a bit. Life is short.
What is one of your favorite quotes that you think validates you as a successful entrepreneur?
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
~ Albert Einstein
How can we get in touch with you?
Music creators can visit tunedly.com if they would like to connect. For those in search of very unique gift ideas for their loved ones, please visit bringmysongtolife.com. If you’re looking to get to know me, visit mylenebesancon.com.
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