Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wayne Anthony, owner of Scene1Weddings, located in Durham, NC, USA.

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

My business is Scene1Weddings, specializing in international wedding videography. My customers are adventurous and fun-loving couples who are deeply in love and value the importance of preserving their special memories through videography. Customers who are typically planning destination weddings, either in Jamaica or other Caribbean locations around the world, are excited to incorporate the unique beauty and culture of their chosen destination into their wedding videography. Customers who understand the importance of having a skilled and experienced videographer to capture their special day in a creative and meaningful way are willing to invest in a high-quality videography service. Customers who are also willing to travel to different destinations to get the perfect wedding videography. Overall, they are a couple who values the art of videography and are excited to have a lasting record of their special day.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Jamaica, and I have a unique perspective and understanding of the local cultures and customs, which allows me to create beautiful and authentic videography for my clients. My wife and I got married in Jamaica via a very popular cruise line, and I wasn't happy with the wedding film they produced. After we arrived home, I re-edited our wedding video and launched my wedding videography business. I believe that every bride and groom deserves a stunning wedding film that they can treasure forever. What motivates me is the phone call I receive from my couples laughing, crying, and wows from my clients viewing their wedding film for the 1st time.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment to date is the decision to leave my successful sales executive position at a major wireless provider to pursue my passion for videography full-time. It was a challenging decision, but ultimately, the reward of doing what I love every day and being able to provide unique and authentic videography services to my clients is incredibly fulfilling. It takes courage and determination to take a leap of faith and make a change, but I am proud of my decision and the success I have achieved as a destination wedding videographer.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the constant need to adapt and evolve. Business owners are often responsible for making critical decisions that will impact the direction and success of their company. They are also responsible for staying current with industry trends and changes, which can be challenging. Additionally, the financial pressure of being responsible for the success of the business and the livelihoods of employees can be a significant burden. There's also the need to balance the day-to-day operations and the long-term vision. This can be difficult to do. All of these factors can make it challenging to keep up with the constant demands of being a business owner.

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

  1. Conduct thorough market research - Before starting a business, it is important to have a clear understanding of the industry, target market, and competition. Conducting thorough market research will help identify potential opportunities and challenges and inform the development of a solid business plan.
  2. Develop a strong online presence - In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. This includes having a professional website, active social media accounts, and a solid SEO strategy. Building an online presence will help attract new customers, increase brand awareness, and establish trust with existing customers.
  3. Build a network of support - Starting and growing a business can be a challenging and lonely journey. Building a network of support, including mentors, advisors, and peers, can provide valuable guidance, advice, and a sounding board for ideas. This can help you stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and achieve your business goals.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.scene1weddings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SceneOneWeddings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scene1weddings/

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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