Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shenteria Childs, a professional voiceover artist and explainer video producer based in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

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

I am a professional voiceover artist and explainer video producer. I create impactful explainer videos for businesses and individuals to explain their businesses or what they do and the services they provide. My customers include anyone looking to get the word out about what they do in an interesting, entertaining, and powerful way.

Tell us about yourself

Initially, I hated my voice when I was younger, but one day I decided to try doing voiceovers in 2015. I started on the freelance platform called Fiverr, I muscled up the courage to go towards a fear I had, and it has become my full-time income, along with creating explainer videos. By packaging the two together, I was able to scale much further, as I now offer two in-demand services to my clients. I recently created a number of educational videos for Harvard University and have provided audio for a wide range of well-known American companies. Amazing what you can do if you punch fear in the face and try. What motivates me every day is my curiosity. I am always excited at the thought of a new project; with what I do, there is always a new project to create, a new character to bring to life, and something new to tackle; I truly enjoy what I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been buying my mom a home. After a few short years of getting better at the skills I acquired, in 2020, I had earned and saved enough to buy my mom a home. My husband knew it would be a beautiful gift to give her, so he decided to split the price with me, and by him doing that, the same year, I invested the other half into a duplex rental property with my husband. The thought of buying my mom a home always seemed like such a dream until the day it finally came true. I also never thought I would have the ability to own any part of a rental property, but I do now. I continue to learn and grow as a business owner, and I am thankful that I took a chance on myself by choosing to challenge myself. Here's a good quote, "Chase your dreams until you wake up in them."

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 effective marketing. Marketing is a whole other animal; it requires a lot to be able to get in front of people that are interested in the products or services you provide. Marketing takes a lot of learning and expanding, as often times in certain places where you may have seen success previously, something may change on that platform or avenue. So it takes continuously learning new ways to put yourself and your business out there to reach new clients while also maintaining a relationship with the ones you have.

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

My top 3 tips for anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today would be:

  1. Find your passion; choose something you would love doing for other people. Find out if it is monetizable or find a way to monetize it. Doing what you love will bring you lasting fulfillment and joy.
  2. Don't focus on the money. Focus on creating or delivering high-quality products and services to your clients/customers. The money will eventually come as you continue to deliver the best quality possible while finding ways to market yourself effectively.
  3. Start a side hustle first. Don't quit your regular stable day job; work on building a side hustle while you continue to pay your bills and survive. As you continue to build and grow the side hustle, it can eventually become your full-time income/business, and then you can quit your regular job if you want.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.shenteria.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShenteriaC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenteriac/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shenteriac
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shenteriac/

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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