Learn to Write, Direct, or Both - Story Masters Film Academy

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Stone, Co-Founder of Story Masters Film Academy, located in Monument, CO, USA.

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

Story Masters Film Academy offers online screenwriting and directing courses for high school students and adult learners.

Tell us about yourself

I did my undergrad studies in screenwriting and earned an MBA in film production. For several years, I worked as the writer and project manager for a video production company for dozens of educational and informational multimedia programs. In 2020, that company dissolved, leaving me to explore other options. I spent a good part of the year self-publishing some of my own writing, but in September 2020, I reconnected with two of my former film professors from college. We cooked up the idea for Story Masters and never looked back.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Learning. I have learned a million (or maybe more like twenty) new skills that I never dreamed I was capable of.

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

Marketing. Creating a great product is the easy part — getting that great product in front of the right eyeballs is a beast.

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

1. Be flexible. My mom always says, "Blessed are the flexible, for they will not break." She also says, "Make a plan; make God laugh." Things never go exactly according to plan when you're starting a business. Know when and how to adapt and adjust without becoming discouraged.
2. Set boundaries. It's easy to let your new business take over your whole life and leave little room for everything else, but I promise you will be a more effective and efficient entrepreneur if you take time for yourself and your loved ones.
3. Ask questions. Entrepreneurs have to wear all the hats, and no one who starts their own business knows everything about every hat. So ask. Find the experts (or at least really talented hobbyists) and pick their brains. Also, ask for feedback. It hurts sometimes, but you'll never improve the process or the product if you never ask for (and accept) honest feedback.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://courses.story-masters.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storymastersfilmacademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storymastersfilmacademy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Story_Masters
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/story-masters-film-academy-llc/

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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