We recently connected with Emanuel Craig and have shared our conversation below.
Emanuel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
One of the biggest risks I took was starting my own business. I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs—nobody in my immediate circle had ever run a business on their own. So, it felt like I was diving into the unknown. But I knew I wanted to give it a shot, even though I had no clear roadmap.
I didn’t just jump in blindly though. I found a few mentors who had been through the ups and downs of business and could help me navigate the challenges. Their guidance made all the difference. I took things step by step, learning as I went, making mistakes, and adjusting along the way. It wasn’t an instant success, but over time, things started to click.
Looking back, it was a huge risk, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s been a slow and steady growth, but the journey has been worth it, and I’ve learned a ton about myself in the process.
Emanuel, 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?
Hey, I’m Emanuel Craig, a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, studying Business Administration. I’m all about sports, business, and media, and I’ve got big dreams of working in sports marketing—ideally in the NBA or NFL one day.
On top of school, I also run my own media production company called F.I.N.O Filmz (Failure Is No Option Filmz), which I started in August 2023. The name says it all—failure is never an option for me. Even though I’m still pretty new to the industry, I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing people like President Joe Biden, comedian Emmanuel Hudson, rapper Rob49, and singer Muni Long. It’s been crazy to see how quickly I’ve been able to build my brand, not just on campus but across the Carolinas.
Through F.I.N.O Filmz, I offer media production services like event coverage, music videos, promotional content—you name it. My goal is to create content that really speaks to people and helps my clients elevate their brands in a real, authentic way.
What really sets me apart is how I connect with my clients. To me, it’s not just about a business deal; it’s about building relationships. I don’t just work with clients—I call them my F.I.N.O Family. I truly take the time to get to know them, understand their story, and their vision. I think when you connect on that level, it shows in the work you create together. It’s all about building something real, not just getting a paycheck.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. When I first started, I never thought I’d be a business owner at my age, but now that I’ve made it this far, I’m all in. There’s no turning back!
I want everyone who follows my journey to know that I’m all about doing things the right way—putting in the work, building genuine connections, and always pushing for the next level. One of my big dreams is to work with Lil Baby someday, and I’m definitely going to make that happen.
At the end of the day, I’m here to create, grow, and support my F.I.N.O Family. I’m just getting started, but I’m excited to see where this journey takes me!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I built my audience by staying super consistent and real with my posts. I made it a point to post every day—whether that was on my Instagram story or my feed. I wanted to give people a behind-the-scenes look at what I was doing, both as a college student and a full-time business owner. I’d share everything from photoshoots, editing sessions, to client reviews, and even just the grind of my everyday life. I didn’t just post the polished final product—I showed the process, too.
What I learned over time is that people don’t just want to see the finished work—they want to see the effort and dedication that goes into it. When I started showing all the hustle behind the scenes, that’s when my audience started to connect more with me. They saw the work, the growth, and the passion, and that’s how the client base and relationships grew as well.
It’s all about being transparent and authentic. People appreciate the realness and the journey. And by being consistent and sharing the day-to-day, I was able to build trust with my audience, and that’s really what turned followers into clients and supporters into family.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The best strategy for growing clientele? Consistency and making sure you’re always delivering exactly what clients are looking for. First off, you’ve got to provide great customer service—treat people right, communicate clearly, and always be responsive. Secondly, quick turnarounds are key. Clients want their projects done on time, so being efficient is a must. But most importantly, you have to deliver a great product. If you consistently give clients top-notch work, they’ll keep coming back and refer you to others.
Another thing I’ve learned is to share your “why.” Let people know what made you start your business in the first place, and what motivates you to keep pushing. For me, it’s about proving that failure is never an option. I’m passionate about building something real, and that energy comes through in the work I do. When people understand your drive and your mission, they’re more likely to connect with you and trust you with their projects.
So, whether it’s creating amazing content, responding fast, or sharing your story, it’s all about staying consistent and delivering on what you promise. That’s how you build lasting relationships and grow your client base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://finofilmz.com/
- Instagram: @finofilmz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanuel-craig
Image Credits
Stanley Athey Jr. (Instagram @vividvisionstudios._) (Website, vividvisionstudio.mypixieset.com)