An Album a Day - Ashley Griffin
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Griffin, Creator of An Album a Day, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is digital content and consultancy focused on South Korean music commentary with the primary consumer base as native English speakers between the ages of 18 and 40 who enjoy Korean music. My podcast, "An Album a Day," provides discography reviews of every Korean idol group's albums.
Additionally, I established Kpop Social Night Podcast Fest, an annual online podcasting conference that centered Hallyu commentary creators within my niche as we collectively raised funds for Minority Mental Health Awareness Month each July.
My business was formerly under the name Multifacetedacg (that's the word "multifaceted" and my name's initials) from 2013 until the spring of 2022, as I've retired that name and content to shift my focus more earnestly on podcasting.
Tell us about yourself
I am currently an Instructional Designer for a tech firm focused on white-collar recruitment initiatives based out of New York. Outside of my daytime career, I got into music commentary after spending some time as an A&R with an independent urban music label in Los Angeles in the late 2000s. After that work, I gravitated towards commentary on K-pop videos and digital journalism. Sharing my knowledge about the music industry, alongside educator and public speaking skills, added up to extraordinary opportunities I could not have imagined when I first got into this area of business in 2013.
Today, I am considered an authority on the Hallyu phenomenon, with a marked interest in South Korean popular music (K-pop). I am a sought-after speaker and moderator who has collaborated on projects and events with various domestic and international companies and brands, such as KCON USA, Aewen.com, and GFN's "K-Popular," a former radio show based in Gwangju, South Korea. I am motivated each day to connect with others passionate about music and empower them with knowledge about ethical consumption, cultural engagement, and more, all through the power of music.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest public accomplishment was a recurring moment as a special guest for KCON, the world's largest fan celebration of Korean culture and music. Through that, I've consulted for private firms and professionals and provided my network of peers with contract work at times.
My biggest private accomplishment is continued relevance, honestly. I've been present long enough in this realm of content where I've been referred to as a (music video) reactor or YouTuber, journalist, online content creator, and influencer. I've established businesses, closed some, and continue to evolve, yet I stay focused on the same content. Add to the fact that I am not as young as some of the more popular content creators in my niche; I consider longevity a huge accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is securing gigs that are not compensated solely through "exposure." While introducing my content to as many as possible, reaching far and wide without direction doesn't prioritize my target audience. There has to be reciprocity in business in order for a transaction of any sort to be advantageous for all parties involved.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
When looking to start a business where you are the product and/or service, I strongly encourage finding a professional mentor, securing legal protection of your creative/intellectual property, and putting a plan on paper about what you hope to accomplish every 3-, 6-, 9- and 12 months.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
To learn more about my overall content, please visit the growing "HQ" at https://tinyurl.com/a3daypodcasthq
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.a3daypodcast.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a3daypodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a3daypodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/a3daypodcast
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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