Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Freddie Kuguru. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Freddie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My business mentor is my hero because he taught me lessons that significantly transformed my life for the better.
More specifically, he showed me how to create a company that helps small businesses (like mom-and-pop shops and family-owned establishments) increase their revenue and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, thrive.
I’m very thankful for the lessons that my mentor taught me, and for the company that he helped me create because it has shown me that I am capable of building something that brings value to the marketplace and helps to improve people’s lives.
It warms my heart when my small business clients share their success stories with me: like how they were able to afford a better education for their kids or pay off their mortgage. Such stories put a smile on my face because it helps me feel like I am making a small difference in our community.
Freddie, 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?
I am an actor and an entrepreneur.
As a kid, I felt like an outcast because I didn’t fit in at school or at home. But when I put on a TV show or movie, it lifted my spirits because I saw other ‘weird’ characters that I could relate to. That is why I am an actor, to create art that other weird and eccentric people can connect to, and to remind them that they are not alone.
My first acting role was in grade school when I played a “cow” in a Christmas musical. Years later, as an adult, I started doing commercial work and eventually landed a role in an independent feature film. While shooting that indie feature, I was invited to audition for a role in a TV series. I booked the role, and that was my first network TV credit.
Since then, I’ve continued working on my craft and have met many wonderful and talented creatives along the way. I’m excited to see where this life journey takes me.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Yes. In 2020, many industries (including entertainment) were shut down and/or extremely restricted, due to global events.
At the time, I was only working as an actor, and did not have any other sources of income. The industry restrictions made me realize that I needed to pivot and create additional sources of income if I wanted to have financial stability.
Therefore, in 2020, I began my search to find new sources of income that would (1) provide financial stability, and (2) allow me the flexibility to continue pursuing acting full-time.
It was around that time that I met my business mentor, who helped me create my company, and taught me many lessons regarding entrepreneurship that have given me a greater level of financial confidence.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” is a book that has had a big impact on my life. It taught me the importance of financial literacy, and accumulating assets that produce monthly cash flow.
Why do I believe that this important? Because if we have assets that produce enough income to cover our expenses, then we are financially independent. This means that we won’t have to go into a job that we are not passionate about. Therefore, we are free to spend our time (and the only life that we have) doing the things that we love most.
The book inspired me to start a side business that (fortunately) pays the bills now. In turn, this has freed up my time to pursue the things in life that bring me joy and fulfilment (for example: the performing arts, enjoying more time with family & friends, travelling to new places, etc).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freddiekuguru.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddiekuguru/
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/freddiekuguru