Some people are just born knowing their place in this world! At an early age, they begin using their God given talents and never have any doubts that what they're doing with their life is exactly what they were put here on this earth to do. Ann Hartmann is NOT one of those people!
Ann wasn't born into the music business. Her father was a chemist and her mother was a homemaker. She grew up as the youngest of three girls, on a nonworking farm in the small rural community of Eagleville, Tennessee. When she was a child, her dad played piano and her sisters sang, but no one in the family saw music as a career choice -- it was just something to do occasionally at church.
Ann, however, knew she had an unusual passion for music. As a teen, she spent any money she had buying records. She loved to sing along and listen to the words. She taught herself to play guitar and began writing her own songs. But inspite of all her passion, she didn't try to get into the music business. She kept her musical talents and dreams to herself, and pursued a "normal" career.
Ann started in the banking field, working her way from janitor to accounting assistant. From there, she moved into the real estate business -- buying, selling, and designing houses. Later, she went back to school to become an elementary school teacher. While waiting for a teaching position, Ann worked as a bookkeeper, an administrative assistant, and she even operated a home daycare center. Since beginning her teaching career, Ann has taught grades K-6, and also worked as the school media specialist.
Despite all the career success Ann has experienced, she has always felt a little bit like a square peg in a round hole. In her heart, she has always known her place is in music.
Thankfully, time is never wasted with God. Ann's work history is exactly what has helped her understand that living is more than making a living. It's following your own heart -- even when you can't see how to make it work. It's walking on faith, allowing God to use the talents He has given you to make a positive difference in the lives of other people. She regrets not sharing her music sooner, but after hearing the heartfelt emotion that comes from Ann's experience, perhaps it really is "better" late than never.
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