Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Ready, owner of Forever Ready Productions, located in Memphis, TN, USA.

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

I am the owner of Forever Ready Productions, an Emmy award-winning video production company based in Memphis, TN, and Chicago, IL. Our team works together to tell mission-driven stories for nonprofits and businesses so that we can realize and harness our collective purpose and impact. Our core values of service, collaboration, creativity, and efficiency drive everything we do.

It's my personal mission to inspire impact through video. I challenge people and organizations to dig deep and tell their untold stories.

Tell us about yourself

I began my career at 17 years old as a production assistant at a local TV station. I ran cameras during the evening newscasts after school. Eventually, I worked my way up to a job in front of the camera and spent time as a reporter in Iowa, Nebraska, and Memphis. I thrive on a deadline, and the 24-hour news cycle was a thrill until it wasn't.

After a decade of working in newsrooms, I transitioned from a life in front of the camera to a life behind the camera telling stories for nonprofits. I was tired of standing in front of crime tape, hearing breaking news open, and telling viewers sensational information that didn't actually help them have a better life. It was wearing on me, and I felt like there was a better way to tell the truth and inspire people to make a change.

My background in reporting — where production happens fast and complex human stories are at the center — is exactly what drives me, Lauren, to dig deeper than the headline telling untold stories. My specialty is taking moments of human experience and turning them into dynamic and compelling short videos and talks.

As my business grows and my team expands, I am reminded that we have the power to make a change in ourselves and each other through video stories. When I'm not telling stories, you can still find a camera in my hand. And I'm a Part 107 FAA certified drone pilot, so you can catch my drone in the air all the time. I love to capture unique perspectives. I love going on adventures with my husband and our son, Max. Rock climbing, hiking, and camping always bring me joy. And yes, there will probably be a video/photo recap of the adventure!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It'd be easy to say that my biggest accomplishment has been winning four Regional Emmys. But that isn't true. While the golden statues are a great accomplishment, they wouldn't have been possible without a talented team. My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been developing my team and helping them reach their goals. Sometimes that's growing in our organization, and sometimes that's growing out of it and into something new. Either way, it's become more about doing fulfilling work and helping others find that too.

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

I think being responsible for so many things all at once is the hardest part. Yes, I have a team. Yes, I'm learning to delegate, but I am still responsible for the vision and direction we are headed. I have to focus on the project in front of me and think about what's ahead. I started this business because I love telling stories with my camera. As it's grown, my focus has to shift to sustaining the work we do and making sure there is even work in the first place!

I also think it takes a tremendous amount of courage and humility to keep going. I've experienced all kinds of ups and downs. At one time, I almost thought about quitting. But the courage to get up and keep going has brought me here.

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

  1. Tell your story. Make sure it's true to you and not like someone else.
  2. Determine your core values and use them to guide you through everything. They will help you hire, build clients and make tough decisions. This will also help you plan for the future.
  3. Hire a coach! No joke, this has been a game-changer for me. Someone with an outside perspective who can see your flaws and tap into what's holding you back.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you think video is too expensive for you, think again! My goal is to make videos accessible to everyone. And I'm always willing to work with a budget and get creative. Let's talk!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.foreverreadyllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForeverReadyProductions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readyshedrones/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenSquires
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmready/

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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