What began as a handful of online music lessons during the uncertainty of 2020 has grown into a thriving community music studio in the heart of Old Town La Verne.

Creative Cultivation Studio was founded after owner Shannon Saravia decided to turn a long-time side job into a full-time business at the height of the pandemic. Teaching from home and entirely online, the Saravia's business grew quickly, expanding from three students to 45 in just three months.

The rapid growth marked a turning point. What started as a solo operation soon required a larger vision, especially as personal milestones intersected with professional ones.

“I operated as a solopreneur until early 2022, when I found out I was expecting my first baby,” the owner Shannon Saravia said. “I wanted to take a maternity leave, but didn’t want everything I had worked so hard for to crumble while I was away.”

Rather than scaling back, Saravia expanded. She hired a small team to maintain continuity during her leave and rebranded the business, choosing a name that reflected both her teaching philosophy and her connection to the community.

“I considered other names, but the idea of cultivating creativity in others’ lives just felt so perfectly placed within my passion for music and the local community,” Saravia said. “So my studio was reborn.”

That rebirth now includes a staff of 10 — five music teachers, three administrative staff and two substitute teachers — and a studio located in Old Town Square, above Nambah Coffee. The move into a brick-and-mortar space reinforced the studio’s emphasis on local connection and accessibility.

“What I love most about Southern California is the sense of community, especially in the historic Old Town areas,” Saravia said. “There’s something really special about being surrounded by small, locally owned businesses, familiar faces, and spaces where people genuinely connect.”

Family has remained central to the studio’s mission. Rather than stepping away from her career after becoming a parent, Saravia said she felt motivated to keep building.

“Many women pause their careers to start a family, and I decided to do the opposite,” she said. “I felt a greater sense of purpose in motherhood, and I wanted to continue to build something that my children — and the local community of families — could enjoy for years to come.”

While many assume the studio focuses solely on private lessons, its offerings extend well beyond one-on-one instruction. Programs include parent-and-child music classes, foundational music education for preschoolers, group lessons and songwriting sessions, with additional programs planned.

Growth, however, has come with challenges.

“My biggest challenge has been growing from a solo teacher into a multi-teacher studio while still maintaining the quality, culture, and personal connection that made the studio special in the first place,” Saravia said.

What keeps her motivated, she added, is seeing the broader impact of that growth. “What keeps me motivated is seeing our teachers thrive, watching students gain confidence through music, and knowing we’re creating a space that truly serves families and the community in a meaningful way.”

Looking ahead, Saravia plans to deepen its role as a neighborhood gathering place through new programming, including Piano & Wine Nights, acting classes and summer camps.

“I see my business growing alongside the community by being a welcoming, consistent space where families connect through music,” Saravia said. “As the community grows, our goal is to continue showing up as a place that feels accessible, supportive, and rooted in the neighborhood.”

Thank you to our newsletter sponsor, Creative Cultivation Studio! You can reach them by phone at (909) 486-3667 or send them an email using their online form.

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