A visionary's journey: Student entrepreneur turns passion for music and business into studio space for local musicians

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Trulaske Magazine. 

Kiley Grimes didn’t know the word “entrepreneur” when she was growing up in Springfield, Illinois, but she was one at heart. 

A true opportunist, Grimes saw potential in every situation. On hot summer days, she’d set up a lemonade stand. When her classmates craved more snack options at lunch, she became the go-to source for hot Cheetos on the playground. When girls swooned over Justin Bieber, she cut his picture out of magazines and peddled them for 25 cents. 

Grimes, a senior majoring in economics and business administration at the Trulaske College of Business, is a true visionary who isn’t afraid to think outside the box. She loves startups, venture capital, marketing and music

This fall, Grimes channeled her passions into opening her own business – Soundcheck, a dynamic practice studio for musicians located in the heart of the North Village Arts District in Columbia, Missouri. Musicians can rent the newly refurbished space for practice sessions or private lessons. The studio is outfitted with a mix of donated and purchased instruments and sound equipment, making it ideal for musicians of all levels. 

Grimes brought her idea to life earlier this year with $6,500 in seed funding from the Entrepreneurship Alliance, an intensive eight-week program offered by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Trulaske College of Business, designed for students looking to develop their startup or business ideas. She further secured an additional $6,000 after placing among the top three entrepreneurs at Missouri Startup Weekend, including $3,000 in prize money and a $3,000 match from Mizzou. 

“It’s been an incredible year for me,” Grimes said. “Being at Mizzou, meeting other student entrepreneurs and now, opening my own business. I have gained so much confidence.”

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Grimes serves as the president of Mizzou’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization and works as a venture analyst for the Allen Angel Capital Education (AACE) program, a hands-on, experiential course at the Trulaske College of Business where students invest in high-growth startups. She also interns with Redbud VC, an early-stage venture capital fund, and EquipmentShare, a leading construction equipment and tool rental company.

Marching to the beat of her own drum

A first-generation college student, Grimes was not familiar with the University of Missouri until someone suggested she consider the Trulaske College of Business, home to a vibrant community of student entrepreneurs. Grimes toured the campus, talked with faculty and students, and soon applied. 

“Mizzou was the biggest school I’d ever seen. I knew it was going to be a total change of pace, and I was craving something to get me out of my comfort zone,” she recalled. “My tour guide talked a lot about entrepreneurship, which was something I was interested in when I toured during my junior year of high school. I remember walking by the storefronts in the student center and thinking, ‘How freaking cool! That could be me.’”

Grimes was raised in a household filled with music, with her dad and brother playing together in a rock band. Although she can’t read music, she has a natural talent for playing the piano by ear. When she moved into Wolpers Hall her freshman year and discovered two upright pianos in the basement, she was thrilled to have a place to escape, unwind and play. 

However, after moving off campus, Grimes didn’t have access to a piano in her apartment, and didn’t own a keyboard. Her dilemma sparked the idea to create a dedicated studio for local musicians, no matter their level of expertise.  

“I can remember my dad and brother talking about the challenge of finding practice space,” she said. “It’s a universal problem for many musicians.”

If Soundcheck succeeds, Grimes envisions expanding its services and opening similar music studios in other locations. 

“Eventually, I’d like to fund another company and/or ramp up a venture capital fund so I can keep investing in the future of better music and technology,” she said. “I might even start a record label, produce music and make my own. All I know is I’m excited!”

Grimes is confident that she has found her true calling as an entrepreneur.

“Starting my own business feels invigorating, down right anxiety-inducing, magical – like this is what I’m meant to do for the rest of my life,” she said. “In one word, it feels good.”