We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aneesah Skinner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aneesah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

As a multi-media company, I started my business in the middle of the pandemic when I was also a new mother. I had always been artistic and was eager to put my skills to use, so I made the big decision to move to a new city and start my own business.

I was determined to make it work, and with a lot of hard work and dedication, I managed to build a successful company and make a name for myself. However, there were times when the challenges of being a new mother and a business owner at the same time were overwhelming.

One day, as I was working late into the night on a project, I found myself wondering what it would be like to have a regular 9-to-5 job. The stress of meeting deadlines and managing the finances of my business was weighing on me, and I couldn’t help but think about how much easier it would be to have a predictable schedule and a steady paycheck.

I took a break from my work and sat down to think about my priorities and what I really wanted out of life. I realized that while being a business owner was tough, it was also incredibly rewarding. I loved the creative freedom that came with running my own company and the satisfaction of seeing my hard work pay off.

In the end, I decided that being a business owner was the right choice for me, and I was happy with my decision. I learned that it was important to take time for self-reflection and to remember why I started my business in the first place. I also made a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and to delegate tasks when necessary, so that I could better manage the demands of being a business owner and a new mother.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Black woman multimedia business owner, and I founded my company with the goal of helping small, minority-owned businesses have access to affordable media and advertising services. My background in graphic design, photography, and videography, combined with my passion for supporting underrepresented communities, led me to create a business that serves as a one-stop-shop for all of their branding and marketing needs.

I understand the challenges that small businesses face, and I believe that having a strong brand and marketing presence is crucial for their success. That’s why I offer a variety of services, including brand photography and videography, graphic design, and business resources like business credit basics.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my commitment to empowering minority-owned businesses and my deep understanding of their unique challenges. I’m proud to offer affordable and accessible services that help these businesses succeed and grow.

My clients can expect high-quality, professional work that effectively communicates their brand’s message and helps them stand out in their industry. I work closely with each client to ensure their complete satisfaction and to help them reach their marketing and branding goals.

In short, I’m a creative and dedicated professional who is passionate about using my skills to make a positive impact in the world. I’m proud to be a Black woman in business and I’m committed to helping small, minority-owned businesses succeed.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up in poverty, I was taught to believe that success and wealth were unattainable for someone like me. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and believed that my services weren’t worth much. However, as I started my own business and began to see success, I realized that this mindset was holding me back from truly reaching my full potential.

One day, a mentor pulled me aside and told me that success was not about luck or circumstances, but about the value I put in myself and my services. They taught me that if I didn’t believe in my own worth, no one else would. This was a difficult lesson to unlearn, but it was a turning point for me.

From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to change my mindset and embrace my worth as a successful business owner. I started to see my services in a new light, and began to charge what they were truly worth. This shift in mindset allowed me to attract more clients and grow my business to new heights.

I realized that the feeling of lack was a limiting belief that I had unconsciously internalized growing up in poverty, but it was a belief I could unlearn and replace with a new and empowering mindset. Now, I am grateful for the lesson and am able to help others in similar situations break free from their own limiting beliefs.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As the proud owner of a black women-owned multimedia company, I’ve had to get creative in my approach to growing my clientele. Growing up in a community where resources were scarce and access to opportunities limited, I learned to be resourceful and innovative in order to succeed.

When I first started my company, I was filled with a sense of excitement and determination, but also a hint of uncertainty. I was confident in my abilities and the value I could bring to my clients, but I also knew that I would have to work hard to establish myself in a competitive industry.

One of the most effective strategies I’ve found for growing my clientele is to focus on building relationships. I attend networking events, collaborate with other small business owners, and always make sure to follow up with potential clients. By consistently building and nurturing these relationships, I’ve been able to steadily expand my client base and grow my business.

Another key strategy has been to invest in my personal brand. I’ve taken the time to develop my social media presence, website, and other marketing materials to showcase my skills and services. This has helped me to stand out in a crowded market and attract new clients who are looking for a multimedia company they can trust.

Overall, I’ve learned that success in business is all about persistence, hard work, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. By consistently focusing on growth and building relationships, I’ve been able to establish myself as a leader in my industry and continue to grow my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mediaink.site
• Instagram: @mediainkbiz
• Facebook: @mediainkbiz

Image Credits
Aneesah Skinner