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

Nefertiti, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think initially, a person would need to start with the depth surrounding their ‘why.’ If you don’t have a strong, purposeful reason for why you want to be successful – then you are going to be more willing to give up when things get tough. In order to be successful, you have to have a very strong anchor for your motivation to succeed.

Nefertiti, 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?

Chiao,

My name is Nefertiti. I am the co-owner and marketing manager of an independent film production company; Bradley Cinema. We got into the film industry in 2015, shortly after I encouraged my (now husband) then boyfriend Bradley to drop out of college and pursue his career in the film industry. Back then, everyone besides my parents thought I was crazy for encouraging him to take such a leap of faith. But it all worked out when in 2017, he broke away from the traditional industry work with GPB and ventured out on his own – naming the business after himself. We started filming weddings and took off in less than three months. It was at that point, that I knew I was proud of the decision I made early on to support his dreams. I believed he could, and he did.

In 2018, we got our first break into the market of producing commercials for businesses in Atlanta. Through those connections, we were able to produce some content for Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and Jackie Walters from Married to Medicine on TV. Those were some exciting names to add to our expertise. Feedback from personnel via Atlanta United said: “This is one of the most impressive videos I’ve ever seen.”

Currently, we produce social media commercials for businesses in the food and restaurant industry. We fill the gap for companies by helping them turn their viewers into consumers. Our videos tell the brand’s story so they can establish connections, build brand awareness and increase relevancy on social platforms.

For weddings, we capture our couple’s forever moments on film. This is so essential because after the cake is eaten, the band stops playing, the vendors pack up to leave and the guests go home; a video is practically all they’ll have to remember the fullness of that special day.” Memories fade and you can’t hear the sound in a photo.

What set’s us apart in our industry, is that money isn’t our number 1 driving factor. for being in business We are Christians first, and many people in the film industry have money-hungry hearts. They simply don’t take out the time to connect on a personal level. We practically build a tribe wherever we go and have gained many friendships along the way. We treat people like people, not dollar signs or checkbooks! We want to show people we care.

I am most proud of our endurance. Owning, running, and maintaining a business comes with major challenges. Yet, we have not given up no matter how hard things became. We are in this for the long haul.

Cheers,
Nefertiti

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Yes! The main thing that I think has always been hard to explain to non-creative business owners is the time and effort it takes for a successful business to thrive. We have had a lot of people over the years question our ‘busyness.’ As if, a business is to run on it’s own without anyone pulling the strings. We have also had people question our businesses worth. For example, one comment was – are you sure there’s money in that, maybe you should get a degree.

Some weeks are non-stop, while other weeks in business are more relaxed. But explaining the diversity of it all has always been a challenge. When you are an independent business owner and/or full time creative, and or entrepreneur; it is very hard to maintain every day relationships with everyday people who do not understand the dynamic.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Even with all of the hard work, dedication, and stress that owning the business onsets; nothing beats living life on your own terms. I mean nothing, and that is so rewarding for me. It is absolutely not the money that drives my dedication – it’s the time! I remember when I worked as a preschool teacher years ago and there was a memorial for my grandparents overseas. I submitted a request for the time off, and my manager said no. It was then that I knew one day I had to do something to get away from the traditional 9to5. I went out of town anyway and put in my two-week notice after that big fat NO.

I never looked back and I didn’t regret it. Now, I can raise my son at home on my own terms, hang out with friends and family, build my business and do what I want, when I want without asking someone else for permission to live my own life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bradleycinema.com and www.bradleycinemaweddings.com
• Instagram: @bradleycinematography @bradleycinemaweddings

Image Credits
Bradley Cinema