We were lucky to catch up with Antoine Bandele recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Antoine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

If I could go back, I would have started my business right out of high school in 2008, during the eBook revolution. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was always a creative kid, writing stories, drawing comics, and directing home movies. In college, I majored in Multimedia at California State University Northridge, which led me to YouTube and audiobook engineering.

Starting my business sooner would have allowed me to capitalize on my early passions and the burgeoning digital market. The timing of the eBook boom and the early days of YouTube were perfect opportunities to establish a presence and build a community. While my current path has been rewarding, starting earlier could have accelerated my growth and allowed me to create more impactful work in the creative industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! I’m Antoine Bandele, an Amazon bestselling author in various fantasy genres, including African literature. Growing up in Los Angeles, my passion for storytelling started early with writing, illustrating, and filmmaking. I studied Multimedia at California State University Northridge, which led me to YouTube and audiobook engineering.

I create immersive fantasy novels, engaging YouTube content, and high-quality audiobooks, often exploring rich, diverse worlds inspired by African culture. My mission is to address the lack of diversity in fantasy literature, offering stories where readers see themselves reflected.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authentic, culturally rich narratives and a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring a holistic and engaging experience. I’m proud of the community built around my work, where fans connect over their love for diverse fantasy stories. My brand is dedicated to quality, authenticity, and inclusivity, aiming to inspire and entertain through magical worlds for all to enjoy.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve constantly pivoted, leveraging my diverse skills to thrive in a dynamic industry. Starting as a Retail Specialist, I honed customer service and business management skills. Seeing the potential of digital media, I became a YouTube Content Creator, producing engaging videos for a growing audience.

My multimedia training from California State University Northridge has been crucial. It equipped me with technical and creative skills, enabling me to excel as an Influence Editor, crafting compelling narratives and visuals. The audiobook boom led me to become an Audiobook Engineer, combining storytelling passion with technical expertise to produce high-quality audiobooks.

Finally, as a Publisher, I oversee the entire book production process. Each role has interconnected, allowing me to utilize my multimedia skills fully. This adaptability keeps me at the industry’s center, always ready to seize new opportunities and drive my creative vision forward.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I’ve built my business capital through a combination of independent contract work and YouTube content creation. Over the years, my diverse skills have allowed me to take on various freelance projects, from video editing to audiobook engineering. These gigs provided a steady income stream, helping me invest in my creative ventures.

YouTube content creation has also been a significant part of my journey, generating revenue through ad partnerships and sponsorships. However, the entrepreneurial path isn’t always smooth. During tougher times, I’ve taken on rideshare jobs to make ends meet and keep my business afloat.

This flexibility and willingness to adapt have been crucial. By diversifying my income sources and staying resilient, I’ve managed to gather the capital needed to grow my business and continue pursuing my passion for storytelling and multimedia creation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.antoinebandele.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoine_bandele/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youtubeantoinebandele/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoine-bandele-b20a40281
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntoineBandele/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/antoinebandele