We were lucky to catch up with Carlean McWright recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carlean, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I do not have remorse about starting my business in August of 2017. I was only 23years old when I made a pivotal decisions My expectations of entering the “real world” (to jumpstart my career) quickly turned into a harsh reality. Many interviews, but just as many rejection emails. It became exhausting to read, “Thank you for applying, but we have selected a more qualified candidate for the position.”.

Therefore, I did what I had to do, believe in myself. Most importantly, I would always say, “I will start my business and ride this train until GOD says no more.” I felt it worked because that is the path HE chose for me.

Had I started my business later, I would not have the business senses I have now! At only 28, I have learned a lot! There are several roles a business owner must-have. There is the product/service, the marketing, and sales.

Starting earlier than typical gave me an advantage over many of my peers. I disliked being alone in the beginning, because work is none stop. If an entrepreneur tells you that they “do not have work,” that is false. It is ALWAYS something to do. I gained knowledge and experience in my field. The only issue is that my stress levels were continuously above average. I would be highly stressed because I had picked up business, while trying to balance being a full-time student in my Masters Program. Not to mention if personal issues arose.

I sometimes regret going full throttle with both at once. It did not allow room to socialize; I was frequently referenced as “uptight,” but I had plans that only God and I could see.

If I could share any advice to an up-and-coming entrepreneur, start when God says start! However, work smarter, not harder!
Ultimately, whether you start at 15 or 50, you’ll be fine if it’s God’s timing!

Carlean, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My brand is KapShaun LLC. It started as a family business, so I kept that momentum with clientele. It is known as a Videography, photography, and editing company. We are now focused on enhancing our videography projects to tell new and exciting non-fictional stories locally and hopefully internationally! I am the lead producer and editor of KapShaun LLC. , however I wear multiple hats behind the camera.

Many people come into this field of work with only money in mind. I come with the intent to give my heart. I am exposing a vulnerable side of me through my artistry. Whether it is a still or moving image, I am trying to convey what my heart is saying to the client and a larger audience. Many think it’s a big secret. It’s honestly the same concept, “Trust God Over Self .”Now, there are times in which I allow myself to take center stage, and it presents itself in my work. It does not turn out like when I listen to my maker (laughs). Yet, I take it with a grain of salt. Not all my work has been the “best work,” but it has taught me  to perfect my craft.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In January of 2020, I had to make a pivot due to clientele demand. Clients were demanding more photography, yet I wanted to be known for my videography skills. Therefore, I realized that I needed to refocus my brand. Of course, I did not want to lose my clientele; however I discovered that I would lose my passion for what I do if I keep focusing on what the clients are demanding just to pay bills. Many might argue, “what is the issue? Is that not what you want?” Yes, but no. If you are centered solely on the clientele and money increase, then eventually you fade away. Your passion becomes none existent, therefore your desire to do it lessens overtime. The desire decrease leads to producing work that is not up to par. Eventually, you lose across the board. How? Who wants to spend money on terrible work?

So, I took time off. When I prepared to return to work, the pandemic hit us all.  This was a time in which I had to discover new ways to make a living while reinventing my brand. I would ask myself all sorts of questions, have continuous meetings, learn new skills, shadowing people on video / film sets, and teaming up with other creators. The entire time I am working as a food delivery person to make a living. It felt humiliating, but I did as much as possible before getting here.

Honestly, I am just now getting back into the swing of things. It took that 2year hiatus to get to this point. Yet, this time around it not solely about reinventing my brand, but I discovering who I  am at this stage of life.

The pivot cost me a lot of time, money, & tears but I think it was the only way for longevity.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

“Resilient” is often a term I use to identify myself. I have been through the storm and still managed to have my business grow.

I am referring to the time in which the phone calls turned into bill collectors, the “booking” button on my website was no longer being pressed, phrases like, “you still doing that ‘lil’ business” was heard more than often, bills started piling, all my equipment (but my camera) was water damaged, and the wait was prolonged for more than a year. I felt compelled to quit. It was too much! Needless to say, I am dealing with graduate school and personal stresses.

It felt as if l I was stuck. The only option I had was to take a break and reassess life. It allowed me to gain a new vision for my business.

Now, I run KapShaun LLC .  in the direction I am being led. I use a new method of marketing, have a documentary that will be released soon., a follow-up project that will be just as exciting, and I am gaining experience in live television. However, it does not mean I do not accept clientele. I will continue to provide services, but it is more focused on my passion this time around. This will be the 5th year of business for KapShaun LLC. We opened in August 2017.  Yes, we got hit with many obstacles, but still here! I am truly grateful and looking ahead to the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.KapShaun.com
• Instagram: @kapshaun
• Facebook: Kapshaun
• Linkedin: KapShaun
• Twitter: Shaun_kap
• Youtube: KapShaun Edits
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
KapShaun LLC.