We were lucky to catch up with Chantel Richardson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chantel , thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In the midst of being more active in my digital marketing consultancy NINETYDEGREE Digital, beginning the platform Tizzy Tlks, and recording for The Chantizzy Podcast, I was evicted from my home and had to quit my job due to not being able to find a stable living situation. Within this I relocated to another state, and decided to dedicate my last form of income into my craft. This afforded me the ability to work on the things I loved full-time. What I lost however, seemed far greater. Although I didn’t receive the message initially, I learned that the risk was indeed greater than the reward, however positively. Within this risk, I was afforded the ability to work on my businesses full-time and also gain a higher clientele. I was also able to learn new skills within my field. Within this relocation, I was also able to learn about a new market and reach an entire different demographic within my industry. I could say I finally began to step into entrepreneurship, and understand the true meaning of what it is to “be your own boss.” Although, it seemed bleak at the beginning, taking a risk afforded me the ability to really work towards what I am passionate about and love to do. Now, I am afforded the opportunity to work in a position that doesn’t take me away from my passion while making a steady income. I am in the process of moving into a new home soon. Through my trials and tribulations, I am able to share my story to motivate my peers to do the same, to immense themselves in what they love to do and to chase after their dreams! Through it all, I’ve learned, TAKE THE RISK…because what you’re about to gain is far greater than what you’re losing!

Chantel , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Chantel Richardson aka “Tizzy Tlks” aka the voice behind “The Chantizzy Podcast” aka “NINETYDEGREE” founder aka “Miss. Social” aka “MISS 3 DEGREES” is a melting pot of many creative “avenues”. I started off my creative tenure in the Broadcasting field, aspiring one day to be a Radio Host or have my own television network with a Late Night Show (which I still hope to accomplish). Although switching gears, the shift into the Communications field, has allowed me to learn more about the marketing world, how we communicate as people (other than that of interpersonal or intrapersonal communication) and what that looks like for various demographics on multiple platforms. Within my background of both communications and broadcasting, it has allowed me to delve into other areas and be creatively expressive. My daily routine consists of aiding small businesses in social media, marketing and branding deliverables. I am also the creator of platforms such as TizzyTlks, a platform for creatives to discuss faces, places and spaces, The Chantizzy Podcast, a podcast that focus on trending events, motivational quotes and informal chats amongst various guests in various industries, and lastly NINETYDEGREE Digital where the focus is aiding small business owners or brands and companies who need social media deliverables or other digital marketing services. This includes content creation, website maintenance and generation, SEO And SEM, graphic design, data analysis, branding consultation, and MORE. What sets me apart from other various entities, is using theories and methods within communication and its prompts, to highlight and detail what occurs within the communication scope on social media platforms. I also feel like a strength within my business is being able to be as passionate about the client’s ideals just as the client would. No project is too big or small!

What I am most proud of through this all, is to be able to take my educational background and apply it to what I am most passionate about: being creative. I also am proud to be the First African American woman to achieve my Master of Arts within my alma mater’s Strategic Communications program.

For more information please follow me on any social platform @tizzytlks, @ninetydegreedigital or @chantizzypodcast.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I feel like the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, is always making sure your individual personality and voice stands out from others. What I love about being a creative is just that, BEING CREATIVE. Being creative allows an audience to get the most authentic, informal, look at who I really am, no judgement, just support. It allows me the space to create multiple different entities under different scopes, and maintain my own voice within them. It allows a lack of interruption from formality or “closeted-ness” (which is a “creative word I just made up!) I also love how creativity inspires others to be just as creative. Creativity is…for lack of better term a disease. Once it spreads, its hard to stop!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

A particular goal that is driving my creative journey right now is “Staying Patient/Patience.” I feel through aspects of creativity and entrepreneurship you have to learn what patience is and what taking things “step-by-step” mean. Within “building” or “growing” a business it may be hard to be patient within waiting for things like payment, client feedback, learning a new skill, growth in your company or industry and lastly of course getting that reach and engagement from your audience. I feel like through the goal of “being patient” and understanding that “working hard and continuing your journey” will allow everything to flow. I see so many creatives getting frustrated and ready to give up when they aren’t reaching certain goals or benchmarks within their business. Always remember “Pressure causes one of two things, a collapse or a diamond. Which product will you be?”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tizzytlks, @ninetydegreedigital, @chantizzypodcast
• Facebook: Tizzy Tlks, The Chantizzy Podcast
• Linkedin: Chantel Richardson
• Twitter: @tizzytlks @thetizzypod, @90degreedigital
• Youtube: Tizzy Tlks, The Chantizzy Podcast
• Other: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Image Credits
CBS 46 – Chantel Richardson and Fredia “The Cheetah” Gibbs” Cabrini University – Emily Rowan, Fredia “The Cheetah” Gibbs Official Statue Unveiling