Photo & Video Storyteller - Calvin Campos Media
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in multi-media but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cal Campos, founder of Calvin Campos Media, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Calvin Campos Media specializes in humanity-related storytelling. My mission is to support client goals through the lens of media - specifically photo and video. This can mean building relationships with the client's customers, polishing a social media presence, capturing someone's legacy, you name it! This process often entails social media marketing in conjunction with digital media production. I use a vulnerable, honest, and human take on this, considering how humans want to be heard, seen, respected, and connect with others!
My customers are predominantly businesses that are trying to portray human stories or stories that capture humanity. This also branches out to folks trying to capture honest stories about their lives. Because I work with humanities top of mind, I often strive to support marginalized communities such as 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPoC folks (such communities I'm a part of!).
Tell us about yourself
Hi! I'm Cal (they/them). I'm a queer, transmasculine nonbinary Digital Media Producer and 2SLGBTQ+ advocate. I've known that I wanted to work with people in a more impactful way (directly through solopreneurship) since 2015 but never took the leap of faith until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in me being laid off from my corporate job. I knew I was most inspired when building relationships, hearing people's interests, fears, goals... really, simply hearing who they were at the core. And that inspired me to do exactly that: start my business and support people in their journey.
The idea of making people feel less alone motivates me. This theme is predominant in my personal life but shines in all other aspects of my life. Sometimes that means being someone who can listen to your hopes and dreams (and helps you get there!) or someone who helps capture a story that inspires others. I hope to continue making online content to create spaces where people can feel less alone.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being profitable in my first full-time year (2021). Being someone who doesn't have a background in business, I knew it would be an uphill battle learning the business side of things and continuing to grow in creative aspects. I'm still learning - I hope to continue learning for the rest of my life!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Knowing where to put your energy. 2022 will be my 2nd full-time year as a business owner, and I'm really focusing on mentorship to ensure I'm efficiently using my time, energy, and resources. It's a fine dance around having unlimited possibilities of what you can do and making sure you're making choices that are really helping push you forward. Seeking help and asking questions will be a big part of this year for me!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It doesn't have to be perfect right off the bat. Just begin. With every move you make, be conscious of the data that it gives you and adapt to it. There's no shame in making multiple mistakes or finding out a million ways of how something doesn't work - you'll be ridiculously experienced by the end of it all!
- Make sure you block time out for yourself - for fun, to relax genuinely. It's very easy to get into the Overachiever's Paradox: the more an overachiever tries to slow down and free up space in their lives, the busier they become. You won't be at your best if you're in a constant state of burnout!
- Try to find opportunities wherever you go. They're usually not very obvious, but opportunities can be created. Don't be afraid to try, no matter where you find yourself landing!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The past year and a half of being a business owner have been ridiculously overwhelming, stressful, and anxiety-ridden. In the same breath, it has also been the most rewarding and deliberate years of my career life. I wouldn't change a thing. I feel so full of love, fulfillment, gratitude, and life because of the people I've been able to work with and this pathway. If you're reading this and are having a difficult time as a business owner, know you're not alone, this is not your end. Wonderful things are coming your way. Don't be afraid to ask for help, adapt, and find community with those who are going through the same thing. You've got this!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.calvincampos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calvincamposmedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calcamposmedia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/calvincamps
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvincampos/
Photo Credits to Kay Evans-Stocks & Acheiré Muhammad Almoguea
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.