We recently connected with Courtney Cole and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

During the spring and summer of 2023, I participated in a leadership development program. One of the themes we explored was limiting belief. It was something I was very familiar with and not pleased with either. I found myself sitting on untapped potential as I had been doing video projects for small businesses and a political candidate while participating in the program.
After producing a promotional video for a local barbershop, I realized that it wasn’t enough for me to produce videos; also needed to help businesses strategically market themselves online. In this case, the barbershop staff needed more time to post their video, but I knew with the proper education and skills, I could help businesses like theirs; produce and share quality content to help them reach their target audience and generate leads. As a small business owner, I understand that we all wear multiple hats. The reason I launched my business was to support other small business owners with their multimedia needs. I met so many business owners who either needed more skillset, time, or understanding of how important multimedia and digital marketing is for their business growth.

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.

I remember the first moment I realized the power of storytelling. It was a Saturday morning at The University of Mary Washington in my hometown Fredericksburg, Virginia.
I along with dozens of other students were part of the James Farmer Scholars Program, a program created in honor of civil rights activist James Farmer, with the mission to enrich the lives of students of color in the Central Virginia counties and cities by providing learning opportunities that we weren’t receiving in our school system. That particular morning in 2013, I was sitting in my media class, a class that wasn’t offered at my highschool. My teacher and later mentor Vanessa Russell asked our class “What is your story?”
Her question swirled and danced in my mind. I asked myself “What did she mean? What story?” One by one, each of the students, including myself, shared our stories. Some of us wrote about present circumstances, others wrote about hobbies, and some our life stories. I quickly realized I wanted to not only share my story but help others do the same. From the age of 18-22 I was a career intern at different tv stations across the country; I shadowed reporters, producers, photographers, and digital producers. I fell in love with the camera and seeing news packages come to life from start to finish. I loved filming, writing, and connecting with each person on the other side of the lens. I was hungry and determined to continue my storytelling year round, and took my talents to my college campus at UNC Charlotte. In 2017, I started a brand named after myself, “Courtney J. Cole.” In between classes, student organizations, and my social life I was a freelance videographer. I shot and edited public service announcements, promotional videos for student organizations, documentaries, videos for my university’s Office of New Student and Family Services, as well as special events and blog videos for a Charlotte software technology company. I even dabbled in photography, and while I appreciated the artform, it wasn’t for me. My heart was with videography. After graduation, I then pursued a professional career in broadcast journalism as a multimedia journalist or “one-man band.” I produced, wrote, shot, and edited my own stories, sometimes multiple in one day. It was fulfilling but exhausting, and I knew it was only a pitstop in my career journey. Three and a half years and hundreds of stories later, I was ready for something new where I could have more work-life balance but still tell stories behind the camera. After a few months in the corporate world, I realized it was time to stop letting limiting beliefs and doubt get in my way. I rebuilt my portfolio and launched my business, C Squared Media, LLC. From 2017 to now, I’ve carried the same motto with me, “capturing life’s moments and telling your stories.”

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Presently, my most effective strategy is word of mouth and networking. I make an effort to visit in-person networking events every quarter to not only share my business and its purpose but also to learn about other businesses, their lessons, success, and things they wish they had known earlier. I never leave the house without business cards, either.

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

I am a business owner, a full-time employee, an executive board member in the Xi Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated, and a full-time graduate school student. I will admit it is a heavy lift, but all of my roles are intertwined. I take life day by day between my 9-5 work, sorority meetings and events, lectures and assignments, and business obligations. The biggest thing that helped me recently was hiring an accounting firm that also acts as C Squared Media LLC’ registered agent. These are two tasks that I need to be more educated on and need more time to dedicate to learning. Outsourcing these roles and establishing personal boundaries to help me maintain some balance, peace of mind, and quality work ethic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://c-squared-media.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csquaredmediallc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552730758294
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-j-cole-4b088ab9/

Image Credits

Koda Designs Branding