Rhiannon's Entrepreneurship

The reviews are all well-deserved

Wow you are absolutely amazing thank you so much! You really did not disappoint :)

I guess there is a reason why you are rated 5 stars on google! I'll make sure to leave a review as well!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars]

The best service ever! I finally got a left handed violin!

Very hard to find because most luthiers say left handed players get used to playing on the right side. But not Fiddleheads!!!

They are so nice and the experience was amazing even though it was fully online :)

Highly recommend!

August 7, 2023

Admirable business

I congratulate you on the many awards you have received for business excellence, and especially appreciate the environmental one.

I'm a strong believer in respecting nature, and I try my best to help, even if it is as small as just caring about things I use in everyday life.

July 29, 2022

A master in her craft and her thoughtfulness, kindness and honesty makes Rhiannon stand apart from other violin shops

My town, Windsor Ontario, does not have a reputable seller or luthier that I could find. I had access to other cities nearby and I visited at least 4 luthiers and tried at least 20 instruments and took home 4 for trials. The sound quality of [other shops'] violins did not match sticker prices at all. It was frustrating and I worried I would have to spend a lot more money than was reasonable.

So understandably I convinced myself to try online sellers and started getting quotes and tried to consider the risks involved with each one. I quickly realized how retailers were using (manipulative) selling tactics to lure customers in.

Then I found Fiddleheads and all my worries disappeared.

I now believe I made the best decision in the process going with Fiddleheads and Rhiannon Nachbaur.

In my humble opinion, customer service, trust, and loyalty are what makes a business successful. Do yourself a favor and before you pull the trigger, try Rhiannon and you will be surprised.

Rhiannon is knowledgeable and a master in her craft and what makes her so successful, is her thoughtfulness, kindness and honesty which is hard to find these days. No wonder she has been able to maintain a reputable and successful business recognized by many institutions and professionals.

With Fiddleheads and Rhiannon there are no games and tricks and once you add up the numbers, you will be surprised to see you will also save tons of money, while enjoying the peace of mind that you will be getting a certified instrument, and will be supported along the way until you are satisfied with your purchase.

Rhiannon played my instrument for me, sent numerous high-quality pictures from all angles and so I knew exactly what I was getting. She was responsive and prompt in responding to my questions and concerns, even after my purchase and that's something!

There are no middlemen or whole sellers involved, as she deals straight with the makers and also introduces them in detail in the website.

I am so glad I reached out to Rhiannon and Fiddleheads. People are getting smarter. It doesn't matter what marketing these others have to make sales, people will figure out they are being cheated.

Rhiannon, however, is very transparent and clear with her information. She gives us what we want. There are no gimmicks and no selling tactics. She doesn't charge too much for violins or shipping.

Thank you, Rhiannon, for all your support and for helping me make the right choice. I am very happy with my purchase and I am glad I know you and that I can count on your support.

I recommend all players try Fiddleheads before all other shops. You will be dealt like someone special, and very soon you will feel you have known Rhiannon for many years!

July 6, 2022

Special product selection is much better than a superstore with too many duds

I really appreciate and respect that you keep your selection curated and small.

As a business owner myself, I feel that when you can stand behind the products that you love, it's so much better than being at a superstore where nobody knows anything about anything.

It makes your business so much more personable, and I trust it more than if you had 3000 different types of shoulder rests. lol.

July 4, 2022

Would have loved a matching cello

We purchased a violin from you almost ten years ago, a Zhu vn909. My eldest is no longer in music school, already now in university, but still loves that violin.

You might remember the mom who asked you to write that the violin's name was Bella. My kid was so impressed. That was so sweet of you.

I really appreciate that you would have ordered a Zhu cello for me. No one seems to sell them in Canada and they really sound amazing even at that price.

I saw that you received awards on your website since we got the violin, congrats.

Reading up about makers online, I also saw your name come up a few times in blogs, discussions, etc., in a positive manner, almost like a reference.

You really are doing great!

July 4, 2022

Hand-picked instruments here are superior to 'mass marketed' junk at other shops

I am so glad that your business, Fiddleheads, is thriving. I have followed it for years.

You demonstrate such wonderful ethics and values.

I am embarrassed that I haven't written sooner about my appreciation… of your great work encouraging string playing.

I was a double-bass player for many decades and know the value of quality string instruments. (Your article on Blair Borden touched me deeply.)

Your hand-picked instruments are obviously so much better than the 'mass marketed' junk found all over the internet.

December 24, 2021

Inspiring business and owner

Congratulations on being awarded the Chamber of Commerce Environmental Leadership Award!

I have so much respect for you and all aspects of your business. The decision for Small Business of the Year was extremely close and truly a difficult decision, however somehow I knew you would win one award or another.

Listening and learning about your story, and how your business has grown was truly inspiring.

You reminded me of the quote, "settle for more." This is based off the fact that you have worked who hard that you have come to a point where you are truly content with where your business is.

That is really the goal that everyone tries for, and it is rare to see someone accomplish this.

Keep up the amazing work — and thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

November 5, 2021

I'm impressed by my students' violins from this shop

What a great business you've got going! I have a couple students that are very happy with their instruments [from Fiddleheads], and I'm impressed by them as well!

July 11, 2021

Quite the reputable musician and business owner

Thanks very much for your service. I have researched you and your company [Rhiannon] and you are obviously quite reputable as a musician and business owner!

I am also a performing musician, music teacher and during the day, I work at the local Long and McQuade music store here in London. Nice to have recognition from someone as accomplished as yourself.

If anyone I know needs this type of product, I will be sure to recommend you! Thanks for everything.

February 5, 2021

Check out Fiddleheads before all the other shops!

[REVIEW: Google, 5 stars] This violin purchase is the biggest purchase I ever have online. Although I have not been to Fiddleheads Violin studio physically, Rhiannon went above and beyond to recommend the best violin and bow for my taste and level according to my experience described to her.

Rhiannon is not alike others who are merely typical violin collectors or sellers. With her expertise and experiences - being a violin teacher for many years and also being actively involved in orchestra; with her professional services and extensive communication throughout the whole process; and with the impressive and extensive feedback from various customers, she gradually gained my trust and made me comfortable and confident for this purchase.

She professionally packaged and shipped the Topa violin to me to the best she can.

The quality of this Topa violin totally goes beyond my expectation and my love with her grows everyday! If you ever consider getting a violin in the future, please check out Fiddleheads first!

March 7, 2017

I was treated like a person and not an order number makes me a lifelong customer

Rhiannon, you took the time for me so I want to personally thank you.

If I had to rate your business on just a number scale I wouldn't even bother. To be treated like a person rather than an order confirmation cannot be rated with a simple number.

I am so grateful you took the time to keep me informed. I wish there were more businesses out there that operate like yours, there would be a lot less complaining. :)

You have gained yet another loyal customer and I sincerely look forward to purchasing from you in (hopefully) the very near future.

[UPDATE: 18 months later] Playing is coming along nicely and I have absolutely no complaints.

You've taken such good care of me; everything is falling together nicely. (of course for those days my fingers want to lag and I want to pull my hair out... but!! I digress!)

I appreciate you touching base with me more than you know and please be assured you got a lifelong customer.

I thank you for everything and again CONGRATULATIONS on your successes and new exciting milestones both professionally and personally.

January 3, 2017

Venture Kamloops supports the Fiddleheads' relocation

Venture Kamloops has been working with Rhiannon, owner of Fiddleheads, since May of this year and supports her intentions of bringing her business to Kamloops. To this point I have assisted Rhiannon in Fiddleheads' Business Relocation plan. The plan outlines numerous facets of the business' past successes and limitations, future projects, goals and benefits of relocating the business.

Fiddleheads' comprehensive relocation plan outlines past sales analysis and quarterly comparisons, sales projections based on remaining in the current location versus relocating to Kamloops. The projections speak for themselves and strongly support the move to Kamloops. Rhiannon has put an impressive amount of time and energy into her relocation plan and her efforts are commended by Venture Kamloops.

The relocation will help Fiddleheads access and invest in necessary resources to ensure the sustainability and growth of the business. This includes programs offered by local organizations such as Venture Kamloops and Kamloops Innovation. Rhiannon has emphasized the sustainability of moving her business to Kamloops as it will meet the best needs of everyone involved, including her family.

Venture Kamloops supports Fiddleheads' relocation as it will help grow an already successful business and further support the economic development of our city and region. We have discussed future projects and ideas for Fiddleheads' expansion, but moving forward Venture Kamloops can only provide this and ongoing free service to Fiddleheads if it operates from Kamloops.

I have seen the tremendous effort Rhiannon has put into ensuring this move is for the best.

August 23, 2015

Moving to Kamloops is beneficial for Fiddleheads and Rhiannon

I have known Rhiannon Nachbaur since 2009 when I was engaged to provide accounting services to Fiddleheads Violin School ("Fiddleheads").

Fiddleheads is a thriving and expanding business that will benefit from moving to a larger centre (Kamloops) where Fiddleheads can draw upon a larger population base to provide violin lessons and sales.

A Kamloops would also allow for decreased shipping costs and easier access to an airport for international travel that is key to Fiddleheads operations. Also, relocating will provided access to violin repair services and a business arrangement with such a service has already been established in Kamloops.

Rhiannon is an established member of two orchestras (Kamloops Symphony and Brandenburg Orchestra)in Kamloops with options to play in other groups and study to further her career as an orchestral musician. Maintaining her orchestration skills is a key element to Fiddleheads success in current operations and future growth.

Rhiannon is writing a business relocation plan with the assistance of Venture Kamloops to ensure a smooth transition in relocating Fiddleheads. Having Fiddleheads relocated to Kamloops will give local violin students an opportunity to learn from an accomplished musician and to purchase top quality instruments.

My professional opinion as an accountant for many years is that relocating to Kamloops will result in the continual growth and viability of Fiddleheads which supports Rhiannon and her two children.

June 15, 2015

In support of Rhiannon's achievements and future goals

I had the pleasure of meeting Rhiannon Nachbaur more than twelve years ago while serving as Okanagan University College Regional Dean for the Shuswap-Revelstoke Region.

The University College was exploring the possibility of the creation of a music program at the Salmon Arm Campus and I sought Rhiannon's opinion as I knew that she was a very talented musician with a great involvement in the artistic community. In addition to our consultations, Rhiannon has delivered courses through our Continuing Studies Department.

From a career perspective, Rhiannon has demonstrated a great deal of creativity, perseverance, and fortitude while seeking ways in which to support her family in this small town setting. I admire and applaud her endeavors and success.

It is no easy feat to establish a non-profit violin society, host countless concerts and educational experiences, fundraise for music, win multiple young entrepreneur and business awards, and build a successful online violin shop within the constraints imposed by a small rural community with a population of 17,000. All of this was accomplished while working from home and caring for her two children.

Rhiannon's efforts have continued in Salmon Arm over a sixteen year period. However, the limitations placed on her career as a highly skilled violinist have been significant. The opportunity for growth and development of her expertise has required her to seek options further afield than Salmon Arm. Rhiannon plays with two orchestras: in the Kamloops Symphony, one as a section leader; she has also been invited to join others upon relocation to Kamloops.

Rhiannon's talents have been recognized and she has established a reputation as a talented musician in Kamloops. Further opportunities are bound to emerge. In all instances, being away from home to pursue existing and emerging opportunities for income generation in the world of music causes stress due to the demands of travel and the complexities of child minding arrangements.

A move to Kamloops facilitates Rhiannon's career development, employment opportunities and income generation.

In summary, I support Rhiannon's desire to relocate to a larger centre such as Kamloops. For the reasons cited in this letter, such a move would be beneficial for her sons, their needs and aspirations, and for Rhiannon, who wishes to provide her children with a happy home life and a rewarding future. A relocation would definitely increase and enhance the opportunities available for the entire family.

June 12, 2015

Rhiannon's talents and business are coming to Kamloops

I am delighted Rhiannon Nachbaur is moving to Kamloops to pursue her musical goals and to provide a richer life for herself and her children.

I met Rhiannon in Salmon Arm in 1999 when she moved from Nelson, BC. I was impressed by her warm musical personality and her entrepreneurial spirit. A dynamic and energetic self-taught musician, she quickly became involved in the same artistic endeavours as I.

During my time in Salmon Arm I served many years as President of the Shuswap District Arts Council, Chair of the Performing Arts Committee on the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and BC Choral Federation boards, etc. In a few short years Rhiannon established her successful violin school, served on music and education societies, founded the Shuswap Violin Society, hosted concerts and violin/fiddle workshops, and, working within the limitations of a small town, started her violin shop.

Rhiannon had indicated a strong desire to move to Kamloops to further her performance career since returning to the Kamloops Symphony in 2011. (She had played with the symphony from 1999-2000 but had to quit upon starting a family). I completely understand this need for change as, in 2007, I moved to Kamloops to seek a renewed career and fresh challenges and opportunities as provided by the larger centre. My move was transformative and I'm currently a board member and musician with groups promoting high-level musicianship.

Kamloops is obviously a much richer and more varied city than Salmon Arm, boasting a university campus, the professional symphony orchestra in which Rhiannon plays, a theatre company, large modern art gallery and library, as well as excellent sports and recreational facilities, and a top-performing school system including French immersion and an arts school.

I found it very stimulating and refreshing to experience such a multi-cultural environment, and I feel Rhiannon and her young family will enjoy it too. Musically-speaking, Rhiannon is already established here as a season member of the Kamloops Symphony and as a Section Leader of the Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra since 2012 [update, she became Concertmaster in 2016]. Opportunities for her to play with other groups such as the Thompson Valley Orchestra [update, Rhiannon became their concertmaster in 2017] and the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops will arise.

Her violin shop will surely flourish here, creating another essential service to violin students, of which there are many here and potential for many more new players with another teacher in town. This will surely improve her ability to provide for her family financially. I am sure she will find other ways to utilize her deep talent, experience, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit in this broader and richer artistic environment.

Living in Kamloops will also allow her less time away from the children and home responsibilities on weekends, elimination of much winter driving, and the ability to make an income and teach lessons between rehearsals on extended symphony weekend stints, whereas currently she cannot ship orders or teach students during symphony weekends.

I'm glad to have been able to offer my wholehearted support of and confidence in Rhiannon's career and life choices. I'm sure that, in the end, this decision will result in a positive and happy future for Rhiannon and her young family.

April 29, 2015