We recently connected with Creators Unplugged and have shared our conversation below.
Creators , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The journey of Creators Unplugged has been one of challenges and triumphs—but mostly triumphs! Early on, we faced the task of spreading the word and earning the trust of those attending our events. There was also the lingering uncertainty of whether enough people would show up for our first event. To our surprise, not only did we sell out, but we even had to turn people away. From that moment, it was all about growth.
One of our biggest challenges and blessings was outgrowing our original venue and needing to find a larger space to accommodate the increasing demand. Despite these obstacles, our passion for empowering creators through meaningful connections and collaborations has kept us moving forward. Each challenge has brought valuable lessons, making us stronger and more committed to our mission.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Our journey began as friends who became business partners, united by a shared vision. Caleb Monestime, a business enthusiast with a passion for networking, is deeply connected within the Tampa Bay area. Josh Febles, an emerging comedian from New Jersey, moved to Tampa a few years ago, where we met and instantly clicked. One day, while discussing how exciting it would be to host events in the city, the idea for Creators Unplugged was born—a platform where business meets creativity. We envisioned not just a talent showcase, but a space where artists and professionals could connect, collaborate, and grow.
After careful planning, we officially launched our first event on January 5th, 2024, marking the start of an incredible journey. At Creators Unplugged, our mission is to elevate passionate artists by providing a platform, a live audience, and complimentary photography and videography services. More than just entertainment, our events are designed to foster meaningful connections and create unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.
What truly sets us apart is our vibrant energy, our dedication to celebrating all forms of art, and our genuine passion for giving without expecting anything in return. By bringing together a diverse community of creatives under one roof, we’ve created a space where people can support and uplift one another, fostering a sense of unity. This concept grew from our combined strengths and passions, and we take pride in building a community where talents and business professionals come together to inspire and empower.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Our journey to building an audience on social media began after the success of our first event. We realized the need for a platform where we could not only connect with our growing community but also discover and showcase more talent. That’s when we launched our Instagram page. From the beginning, we focused on creating content that reflected our mission and engaged our audience.
One key to our growth was consistency. We made it a priority to post regularly, interact with our followers, and stay authentic in how we communicated. Over time, this consistency helped us build trust and stay visible, even in a crowded digital space.
For anyone starting out, our biggest piece of advice is to stay consistent. Don’t worry about being perfect right away—focus on showing up, experimenting, and refining your approach as you go. Also, engage meaningfully with your audience and create content that resonates with them. Social media growth is a journey, and it’s all about building genuine connections over time.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Several books, essays, and resources have deeply influenced our management and entrepreneurial philosophy. One of the most impactful is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. This book emphasizes principles like proactivity, prioritization, and synergy, which have helped me approach leadership and teamwork with a more structured and people-centric mindset. Covey’s focus on character development and win-win thinking has been pivotal in shaping how I lead and collaborate.
Another essential resource is Atomic Habits by James Clear. Its emphasis on the compounding power of small changes and the science of habit formation has greatly influenced how I set goals, develop routines, and approach personal and team productivity. This has been particularly valuable in scaling projects and driving consistent performance.
Finally, Million Dollar Habits by Brian Tracy has provided actionable strategies for aligning daily habits with long-term success. The book’s insights into time management, decision-making, and financial discipline have been instrumental in navigating entrepreneurial challenges and seizing growth opportunities.
Each of these works has contributed to a holistic approach to management, combining clarity, discipline, and a focus on building sustainable success through intentional habits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecreatorsunplugged.com/
- Instagram: @creatorsunplugged
Image Credits
Andy Hargrove (@stranger_lens)
Jedida Monestime (@jemstudioss)