Welcome to the Land and Launch series, where Invest in Hamilton shines a spotlight on international entrepreneurs who’ve found a home for their businesses in this vibrant city.
Today’s story takes us on a musical journey with Kelly Ng. Leaving Hong Kong to study at McMaster University, Kelly briefly explored Toronto but ultimately found herself drawn back to the welcoming embrace of Hamilton.
Now, Kelly is a driving force behind Main Stage Rehearsal Studios, a 35,000-square-foot haven at 747 King St. East for musicians and artists—one of the largest in Ontario. Main Stage offers a comprehensive suite of services, including hourly and monthly studio rentals, equipment rentals, a DIY recording space, and a showcase room with a professional sound stage.
Hamilton’s creative scene is a vibrant tapestry, and its music scene is a true highlight. This city is teeming with talented songwriters, instrumentalists, and producers who are constantly pushing musical boundaries. Hamilton’s musicians are more than just creators; they are community builders working together to shape the Canadian music landscape.
Here is our Q&A with Kelly Ng of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios:
How did this business idea come about?
This venture started in 2020 during a major shift in my family life. Rehearsal Factory in Toronto, where my husband worked, closed. Rehearsal Factory was the largest rehearsal company in North America, with eight spaces in the GTA; my husband worked there for 17 years. We decided to take over the owner’s only building in Hamilton, move back to the city where I did my schooling, and embark on this thrilling new journey in music.
Hamilton has a strong music scene but lacks rehearsal space, so we saw an opportunity for a professionally operated rehearsal space for musicians to practice and network. Starting a place that’s all our own has been quite the ride. Since opening in 2022, we’ve expanded Hamilton’s commercially available rehearsal space by at least two to three times, serving thousands of musicians monthly.
How many groups have used the studio space, and for what type of activities?
There are so many diverse groups using the space. It ranges from new Hamilton talent coming in for hourly practice sessions to covering bands running through their performance routines, orchestras preparing their programs, and famous bands travelling to Hamilton looking for a place to rehearse.
I’m all about boosting musicians’ skills and providing knowledge on “making it” in the industry. I also host “Open Jam” nights, where I connect artists who’ve never met to create something new on stage and give advice on how to sell out a first concert.
I’m here to spotlight our local talent and lend a helping hand. Part of that is keeping the studios affordable, so our rental fees start at $22 an hour.
I want to create a supportive, accessible haven for musicians.
Can you tell me about your journey to Hamilton? Why Canada, and why Hamilton?
Canada was my top choice because of its reputation for safety, high-quality education, and cultural diversity. As someone from Hong Kong, I intentionally sought a place brimming with diversity, allowing me to dive into various cultures. Hamilton’s proximity to Toronto and the U.S. and its mid-sized city feel really appealed to me. It’s big enough that I can find a slice of home in a Chinese restaurant when homesickness hits, yet it’s small enough to feel familiar and easy to get around.
Was it challenging to move here? How did you integrate into the community as an international student?
There were some barriers to moving here because my schooling wasn’t recognized. This forced me to re-do two years of high school in Hamilton. However, I felt very welcome, and I made lifelong friends from the local community.
When did you realize Hamilton is the place for you?
Hamilton has been a big part of my Canadian journey. From high school to my education at McMaster University to my first job working in a steel factory, I received a lot of support and opportunities here. I moved to Toronto for subsequent opportunities, but once I had a child, I realized I wanted to be in Hamilton.
I felt like Hamilton was home. It’s where I wanted to raise my family and grow this business.
Are there local resources and programs you used to launch your business?
I made the most of every resource available to me! The Hamilton Business Centre came knocking on my door a few years ago, and since then, I have tapped into their wisdom and have taken advantage of their wide array of services, from marketing to workshops. I have leveraged My Main Street’s Local Business Accelerator Program* and am enrolled in the current cohort of the Starter Company program.
I also leaned on the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce as a member. They opened numerous networking opportunities for me, and I was honoured to accept the 2024 Outstanding Business Achievement – Young Entrepreneur & Professional Award in April.
What has been your biggest accomplishment at Main Stage?
“Best Use of Music in Real Estate” was a pretty big trophy, but honestly, our influence in the music community here in Hamilton is our biggest accomplishment. Many musicians come to us and give us a hug and say, “Thank you for doing this.” It’s become a second home for many, including us, and we want to strengthen the community and connect musicians through collaborations.
What advice would you give to an international student considering Hamilton?
Hamilton might be smaller than Toronto, but it has all the essentials. When settling into a new country, finding a spot to ease into the local scene and get the lay of the land is nice. Hamilton provides a good snapshot of Canada—it’s a cultural mosaic. It’s got that industrial backbone in steel, which gives it stability, but there is also an appetite for new ideas.
What advice would you give to a recent immigrant looking to launch a business in Hamilton?
As a new entrepreneur, I would connect with Hamilton Business Center. There are many free resources that a new entrepreneur can leverage. They have access to data and can run a report for you so you can understand the local market.
I also think the Hamilton community is open to new ideas, and if you bring in a new concept, people will want to support you.
*In 2024, My Main Street’s Local Business Accelerator Program underwent a revision, becoming the My Main Street Business Sustainability stream