Storytelling, Strategy & Social Change

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anahita Champion, a media storyteller, strategist, and social change maker, based in Eagan, MN, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am an independent media storyteller where I cast a spotlight on BIPOC communities through video and podcast platforms. I bring underrepresented stories to center stage across a range of communities to share lived experiences and impactful narratives.

Tell us about yourself

I am an Iranian-American, first-generation immigrant evolving in Minnesota, now raising my own sweet multicultural family in the Twin Cities. I’m a proud wifey & mommy to our fierce and spirited daughter. I spent my college education immersing myself in cultural student organizations and collaborating with community partners. I studied Strategic Communications, earning my Master's of Art in 2015 from the U of MN School of Journalism and Mass Comm.

As a multi-passionate leader, I have spent my time previously operating my boutique PR agency for Arts & Entertainment, to storytelling as a media personality, to engaging with event goers as a correspondent, to consulting business owners on their strategic messaging and philanthropic efforts, and sharing insight and encouragement on DEI.

My goal is to share change-making stories of diverse experiences, amplify their work and support great causes. As a social change agent, it is my absolute joy to help share stories to help others understand and unify. I love contributing my skills and talent to a project & I do so with transparency, collaboration, and compassion.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of events, speaking engagements, and media projects that I've participated in over the past nine years, but the icing on the cake from all of it has been the outpour of support from partners, sponsors, and collaborators. To see people show up and contribute financially to help me manifest my show was humbling and energizing all at once.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

It's a lot. I wear many hats, and they aren't all cute :) I look forward to the season of my business where I can outsource more roles, but until then, I'm managing communication, marketing, tackling client-facing needs, playing accountant, continuously educating myself + seeking mentorship, managing operations, pitching and closing sales...the list goes on and doing so within healthy boundaries and a feel-good schedule where I'm not constantly on my phone or email. The multiple roles and elements of running my show (literally and metaphorically) can sometimes feel taxing and heavy.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

For anyone looking to start, run and grow a business, I say just START. The moment we add on more ideas, concerns, and "what ifs," the longer it will take to move forward, AND the easier it is to talk ourselves out of it. There will never be an optimal time, the right budget, the best location, and possibly others doing something similar - but I would say, "if it excites you and it scares you a tad, then do it!"

An additional thought I'd like to pass along is that you are the only one who does what you do, the way you do it. If there is a moment of doubt or sense of imposter syndrome, give yourself permission to acknowledge it and then keep plugging away!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.itsanahita.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnahitaChampion/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anahitachampion/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anahitachampion
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahitachampion/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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