Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in media production but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristy Ramsey, Founder of Content Maven Media, LLC., located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

We are Content Maven Media, LLC. We help your business tell its story through various forms of media. This includes video production, live stream production, podcast production, and photography. Our customers are businesses that have a need for high-quality media to assist in their business storytelling. We have certifications, including WMBE, DBE, ACDBE, BEP, and LGBTBE. This helps us to service government agencies with their media needs as well.

Tell us about yourself

I've been dabbling in the media field for quite some time. Years ago, I enrolled in Columbia College and majored in graphic design. Within that major, there are darkroom photography requirements. Once I took darkroom, I was hooked on photography. That grew into a curiosity about videos. I helped people here and there with their video and photography needs. During the pandemic, I lost my job. This pushed me to go ahead and get certified and start my business. I haven't looked back since. I stay motivated by the clients I serve. I don't want to fail them or let them down. I want to produce high-quality work that is reflective of their business and mine.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is finding clients. Currently, I am working with RM CHIN, Res Publica, and the Safer Foundation. 2 out of 3 of these clients I work with because I am certified. Being certified has helped me tremendously.

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

Staying organized and doing it all on your own (for the most part) is the hardest thing about being a business owner. You are the finance department, the marketing department, the HR department, the creative director, and the CEO, amongst other things.

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

  1. Get certified with your local government agency. This puts your information in a database that companies are always looking through.
  2. NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. Join a chamber, join small business groups, and attend information sessions. Get to know everyone you can.
  3. Start now. Don't wait. Find an NFP organization that can help you secure cheap capital and have at it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://contentmavenmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/content_maven_media/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyramsey7/

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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