For a long time now I've been wanting to start a recording studio business for singer-songwriters or duos.
I believe I have all the tools I need to do this, but I'm still feeling unsure as to my abilities.
Even though I've improved my techniques greatly over the years, I question whether I'm at the professional level of charging for my services.

So I dipped my toe into the waters and worked with a few local singer-songwriters to see if I could get decent results from what they bring me.  This song was written and performed by a young woman, who came to my home studio and recorded one lead vocal track and a piano part.  I added in harmony vocals (using Melodyne from her lead vox), drums, bass, lead guitar, additional piano, and strings.

Perhaps this isn't the best example to give, I think I could've spent more time on it, but I feel it's in the ballpark.
If you listen to other songs on my SoundClick page (one's I wrote and performed myself), you can ignore my own less-that-perfect vocal abilities and just listen to the song construction and production.

I'm preparing to launch a local advertising campaign and want to get my small studio into full swing.  But as I do, there still remains some self doubt. So I come here to people I trust to give me honest, helpful comments, to either tell me I'm ready or that I need more time to learn the craft. 
So anyway here is "Feel Like Crying" written by Jeanne Malinosky.  It's a slow, alt-indie type of song...maybe a ballad.

https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=13587269

Oh and btw, the client said she was very happy with the results.

Any independent businessperson should be prepared to be an occasional huge hit or a massive miss. 98% will fall somewhere in between.
 
All in all this was a very good "first effort" IMO. Since the client was happy consider it a hit.

Thanks for your response bapu.  Are there any constructive comments you can give me for improvement?
By you saying that it was good for a "first effort" tells me that things can be done better.

Nice tune!!
The drums to me sound too distant (not enough up front).
I know this is a mellow tune but the drums sounding so far away makes them
sound weak and artificial.
I'd try to get the kick (along the rest of the drums) to where it's closer in volume
to the bass guitar, so they kinda gel better.
Also upon listening again the kick sounds a little bit too clicky for this song,
it needs more body to it IMO.
Other than that the mix sounds excellent to me. Nice work!

Couch - thanks for the feedback and suggestions, I appreciate it.
I agree with what you said about the drums in the mix, especially having them mix better with the bass guitar.

Not an excuse, but an explanation.  Most times I tend to overdo it with the drums.   I often have them too loud in the mix because that is my personal preference.  And when I listen to a song (any song) my brain tends to focus on the beat and the bass guitar.   So this is probably a case of overcompensating my natural tendencies, and bringing down the drums too much.  

But anyway, thanks for your comments, I'll try to get a more balanced level for the drums.

Leee
Thanks for your response bapu.  Are there any constructive comments you can give me for improvement?
By you saying that it was good for a "first effort" tells me that things can be done better.

I meant first effort at working with a client. 
 
Again, if the client was happy that is about all that really matters. And so if you learned how to please this client just try to do the same with all clients. It's not your art (or mine for that matter), it's theirs.

I think the distance couch is hearing is more the vocal sounds slightly detach and to forward to my furry ears.  Is the piano supposed to be the primary instrument, meaning did she play the piano?

As noted by Bapu part of the battle is if the client is happy, it is not as if you are going to be promoting her?

Play to your audience: singer-songwriters want to hear their own voices up front, reverbed-up and pitch-perfect. Aside from a bit of sibilance here and there, I think you nailed that part of it!