Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deja Riley, Owner of The Branding Vision, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Branding Vision targets business owners and content creators that want to learn how to elevate their content to maximize revenue. We created a team called The Billion$Creators to build a community of creators that wants to connect and grow in our industry. Along with providing services to help increase your views, followers, and income, I also sell digital products. My clients really enjoy the flexibility of our digital planners and the organized layout of our content calendars.
Tell us about yourself
I first got started in my career as a content creator in high school. I started my first Youtube channel. In college, my content was centered around life as a college student. My videos consisted of GRWM's, daily life as a college student, trips, and more. Once I graduated college, I was offered an amazing opportunity to work with a sports team before Covid hit. During Covid, I became pregnant with my first son, and life looked a lot different as a mom. Once the pandemic happened, the world changed, and I was afraid I would not be able to utilize my degree, so I did what I knew best. I created content.
My social media platforms started to grow very fast at a rate where I wanted to help others. In 2021, a company reached out to me to be a part of a large commercial for the 2021 Nike "We Play Real" All-Star Commercial. Once the commercial aired during the All-Star Game, it was no doubt in my mind that this was where God ordained me to be. My two baby boys motivate me every day to be the very best at what I do and to build an amazing team.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, there are so many great accomplishments, such as my first sale, my first big brand deal, and even my first big paycheck. But, I would say my biggest accomplishment above them all is seeing my team excel - when they hit milestones such as reaching 5k, 10k, and 20k subscribers and or followers, getting their first brand deal, or being accepted into ambassador and affiliate programs. My business and brand are not about me, it's about helping other creators find their way in this industry. We all have something unique to bring to social media platforms in our own way, so showcasing that talent is my number one goal. Being an influencer/content creator does not have to be all glitter and gold; we are allowed to show our authentic selves, whatever that may look like.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, one of the hardest things is trusting yourself — believing in your business and yourself. You put everything on the line as a business owner, and sometimes it doesn't always work, but the important thing is that you tried it. How will you learn if you never try? Mistakes are our greatest teachers. Once we make a mistake, we know if that way doesn't work, then it must be the other way, and we become one step closer to achieving our goals and dreams. When you run a business, you don't have any supervisors or bosses telling you what to do; it's all on you. Once you go all in, and I mean 1000%, you'll start seeing why it had to be you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start. Don't wait until you have everything perfect or know everything because that day will never come. Start with what you have and become better along the way.
- Keep perfecting your skill no matter what, and dedicate an hour a day to becoming better in your business.
- Never play it safe or small. Know your worth and never forget it. The best business owners take risks but not just any risks, smart ones. Follow these simple steps, and there is no way you won't prosper.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thebrandingvision.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077971867949
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejaajanee/
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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