We were lucky to catch up with Jini Thornton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jini thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

I would have been planning my exit (retirement) within my first 3-5 years of business.

I would have intentionally created a passive source of income from the beginning.

I would have identified and begun training our next leader within the first 5-7 years of business.

I would have involved my kids in the business more

Jini, 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?

I’m a CPA/Business Manager exclusively in the entertainment industry – primarily music. This is my 28th year in business.
I got into the music industry by volunteering at a radio station (doing a radio show for free) and I just started helping people at the radio station. One of the people I was helping was a college intern who later became Ludacris. We’ve worked together for 26 years now.

Volunteering changed my life.

I didnt know anything about the music industry, but I was a CPA and was able to apply my skills and learn the industry.

“There are riches in niches.” Being in a niche was a key to our success.

Working in media (radio primarily) helped to build my brand and give me credibility. I’ve been able to help a lot of people and market at the same time.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I worked in the basement of my house for years to save money before getting an office.

I used my credit cards to start my business.

I waited over 7 years before I started to upgrade my life and lifestyle. I kept things real simple and it gave me freedom.

Any advice for managing a team?

I make sure we work hard and play hard. We have a lot of fun. I also make sure I know what my team members goals are – even if it means leaving us, and help them reach their goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jinithornton.com
• Instagram: @jinithornton
• Facebook: Jini Thornton
• Linkedin: Jini Thornton
• Youtube: Jini Thornton

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