We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Starks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

The idea for my creative services business, Courtney’s Corner LLC, emerged from my life’s journey of overcoming adversity and loss. Raised by my grandmother in Brooklyn after my mother’s untimely passing, I faced numerous challenges, including a severe health diagnosis. However, my unyielding spirit and determination led to a life-saving kidney transplant in 2017. With a degree in Business Administration and a deep-seated belief in the power of resilience, I launched Courtney’s Corner in 2010 and relaunched it in 2018, creating a platform to share stories of hope and inspiration. Through my show, “One on One with Courtney Starks,” and a bestselling memoir, I aim to empower others to rise above adversity and thrive. My creative services business is a reflection of this mission: to turn adversity into advantage and inspire positive change.

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?

Certainly, I’d be delighted to introduce myself and share more about my journey, my business, and what sets me apart.

I’m Courtney Starks, and my path into the creative services industry was a deeply personal one. Raised in Brooklyn by my loving grandmother after the loss of my mother, I learned the value of resilience and faith at a young age. My entry into the industry began with my own life experiences, particularly a challenging health diagnosis in 2008, which ultimately led to a life-saving kidney transplant in 2017. These trials shaped me into who I am today, and they were the driving force behind my decision to enter the creative services arena.

At Courtney’s Corner LLC, I offer a range of products and services designed to inspire, empower, and connect with people from all walks of life. My flagship offering is “One on One with Courtney Starks,” a show available on prominent platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, where I delve deep into the lives and stories of my guests, providing insights, inspiration, and a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. I’ve also authored a New York Times bestselling memoir titled “My Kidneys Failed Me But Didn’t,” which not only chronicles my personal battles but serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity.

What sets me apart in this industry is the authenticity of my journey. I’ve faced and triumphed over adversity, and my work is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. I bring a unique perspective to storytelling, one that resonates with those who have faced challenges and who seek inspiration. Through The Courtney’s Corner Community Foundation, I’m actively involved in fostering change within underserved communities, promoting empowerment, engagement, and positive transformation.

I’m most proud of my ability to turn adversity into advantage and provide a platform where others can do the same. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand and work are rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Whether through my show, my memoir, or my foundation, my goal is to inspire others to rise above their challenges and thrive. I believe that, no matter the trials one faces, with determination and faith, we can all shine and make a difference in the world.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely, in my creative journey, there were certainly resources I wish I had known about earlier. These resources could have accelerated my growth and helped me navigate the challenges of building my brand and business more effectively.

Mentorship: Having access to experienced mentors who have been through similar challenges would have been immensely beneficial. Their guidance and insights could have helped me avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions.

Networking Groups: Joining industry-specific networking groups and communities can provide valuable connections, collaboration opportunities, and a support system. These networks can be a source of inspiration, advice, and potential partnerships.

Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on entrepreneurship, branding, and creative skills. These resources could have helped me acquire new skills and knowledge more efficiently.

Financial and Legal Resources: Understanding the financial and legal aspects of running a creative business is crucial. Access to resources such as small business financial management tools and legal templates for contracts could have saved me time and money.

Marketing Tools: Early on, I may not have fully grasped the power of digital marketing and analytics tools. Learning about these tools earlier could have helped me reach a larger audience and measure the impact of my efforts more accurately.

Funding and Grants: Knowing about available grants, funding opportunities, and investor networks could have eased the financial burden of starting and growing my creative services business.

Self-Care and Wellness Resources: Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and maintaining personal well-being is essential. Discovering resources related to stress management, mental health, and work-life balance earlier would have been beneficial.

In hindsight, these resources could have been instrumental in my creative journey, potentially saving time, reducing stress, and enhancing my overall effectiveness. However, I also recognize that the journey itself, with its challenges and discoveries, has been invaluable in shaping who I am today.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Certainly, building an audience on social media is a journey that requires dedication and strategy. My story of audience building on social media began with a few key steps, and I’d be happy to share them along with some advice for those just starting:

My Story:

Identifying My Niche: The first step was to identify my niche or area of expertise. I focused on the unique aspects of my personal journey and experiences, which included overcoming adversity and finding inspiration in the face of challenges. This niche helped me stand out in the crowded social media landscape.

Content Strategy: I developed a content strategy that revolved around storytelling. I shared my personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned, aiming to inspire and connect with my audience on a deeper level. Consistency in posting was key, and I established a regular schedule to maintain engagement.

Visual Branding: Visual branding is essential on social media. I created a consistent and visually appealing aesthetic for my profile, including a cohesive color scheme and graphics. This helped my content stand out and appear more professional.

Engagement and Interaction: I actively engaged with my audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and starting conversations. Building a sense of community and two-way communication is crucial in fostering a loyal following.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers, organizations, or individuals in related niches can expand your reach. These partnerships can introduce your content to a new audience interested in your topic.

Utilizing Hashtags: Proper use of hashtags can significantly increase the discoverability of your content. I researched relevant and trending hashtags within my niche and incorporated them into my posts.

Data and Analytics: I regularly reviewed social media analytics to understand what content resonated most with my audience. This allowed me to refine my content strategy and focus on producing what my followers wanted to see.

Advice for Beginners:

Find Your Niche: Identify your unique area of expertise or passion. What sets you apart from others in your field? Your niche will be the foundation of your content.

Quality Over Quantity: While consistency is important, prioritize quality content. Create content that provides value, educates, entertains, or inspires your audience. High-quality content is more likely to be shared and engaged with.

Engage Authentically: Engage with your audience authentically. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and show appreciation for your followers. Building a genuine connection is key to long-term success.

Experiment and Adapt: Social media platforms and algorithms evolve. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content, posting times, and strategies. Adapt to changes and trends in the social media landscape.

Patience and Persistence: Building a substantial social media following takes time. Be patient and persistent. It may take a while to see significant growth, but consistent effort will pay off.

Learn from Analytics: Use social media analytics to understand what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust your strategy based on data to maximize your impact.

Network and Collaborate: Collaborate with others in your niche or related fields. Networking and partnerships can introduce your profile to a wider audience.

Remember, building a social media presence is a journey, not a sprint. Stay true to your unique voice and vision, and don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. Over time, you’ll build a loyal and engaged audience that values your content and perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.courtneyscornerllc.com
• Instagram: @Courtneystarksofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Courtneystarksofficial