rBc Music Store

rBc Music Store - Ronnie & Christina Black

Ronnie Black grew up in Stanly County where music was a constant part of his life. After teaching himself to play guitar, he worked with a sibling and a few friends to form a country band in the 1990’s. Christina’s early years were spent in the panhandle of Florida balancing her time between teaching and co-ownership in two small businesses.

When Ronnie and Christina began their new family, they also considered the idea of opening a family-run business. Since music was the subject Ronnie knew best, music was the appropriate choice for this new enterprise. With inspiration from other entrepreneurs and based on examples from his youth, Ronnie’s desire was to have a shop where local musicians could meet, learn, collaborate, and teach new musicians the love of music.

Following a few family discussions and multiple prayer sessions, Ronnie and Christina went to work on their dream. Their search for a location drew them to Locust, where they found both a space from which to work and a community need to be filled. The grand opening and ribbon cutting for rBc Music Store was held on August 7, 2021.

In their shop, the Blacks sell a variety of musical instruments, sound equipment, and accessories. They have instruments for rent, and, through their own talents and those of other musicians, they offer lessons in piano, guitar, bass, and voice. A recent addition to their offering of activities includes Open Mic Nights, which provide musicians with opportunities to share their talents.

At the heart of the family business is Ronnie’s late daughter, Meagan, who died when she was 24 from a drug overdose. Together Ronnie and Christina have a desire to assist other people struggling with addiction while honoring Meagan and helping their community discuss addiction. In October 2022, they hosted the first MEG-Fest. With help from community leaders, bands, and organizations, they raised resources to support local substance abuse recovery programs.

Ronnie and Christina successfully started their business without assistance from the Small Business Center, because, as Christina noted, we were “…unaware of the SBC resources.” And “I also didn’t know it was FREE.” Shortly after opening, a connection was made between the business owners and the SBC.

Like other entrepreneurs at the time, Ronnie and Christina had COVID-related questions about finances, restrictions, and advertising. As with most new businesses, they sought ideas to boost online sales, suggestions regarding the potential of offering delivery services, and assistance with understanding online reporting statistics. Later discussions with the SBC also included hiring practices and scaling-up questions, among other issues.

In addition to staying in contact with the SBC through Rotary and Chamber of Commerce events, Christina has become a strong advocate on behalf of the SBC. She regularly informs other current or soon-to-be entrepreneurs about the counseling and seminars offered at the SBC. Christina added, “I wish I had known about the SBC before we opened. There is so much to glean there. Every chance I get…if I hear of someone even thinking about opening a business, I share about the SBC.”

Through standard start-up challenges, the effects of COVID on their business, and the effort to balance work with the responsibilities of life, Ronnie and Christina have grown rBc Music Store into a successful enterprise. With one thought, prayer, and step at a time, and with some assistance from the community and the SBC, they have turned a dream into their reality and provided a new, vibrant, and valuable resource in our community.