We recently connected with Raven Watkins and have shared our conversation below.
Raven , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
It all started around age 6 . I was a busy body! I’ve always loved creative things my entire life . I love to draw, write scripts , film and photography .
When starting my company I wanted to put all of these things in one pot and make it onto something of my own.I had my intentions set on being this popular creative when I moved back to Memphis in 2019 but then covid happened which set me back just a bit. It gave me so much time to create things I didn’t have time for before.
In doing so, I had to really think about my why and what my company can do to be an impact to my community. I began to organize little house parties at my home with friends who are also creatives and business owners and that really help me with the thought process of my annual network dinner I have to support others in my field . There was a time when I didn’t have anything but YouTube to teach me outside of my college studies . I think that so many people here in Memphis are so talented yet lack resources or support from others to succeed in their careers or projects . I want to help with that.
Raven , 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?
Im very proud of myself. As Snoop Dog would say “ I wanna thank me for believing in me !” But seriously I’m so happy I didn’t go the traditional way and get a 9-5 that didn’t work for me . This company has made me so believable in my dreams . I don’t have to walk on eggshells and go to a job I’m not happy with . It’s just my ideas , clients ,and a laptop ! I’m most proud that my son,he’s creating ideas and projects that can inspire other kids his age. He has it honestly.
When working with clients I tend to ask them what they want. It’s important to see someone’s vision first before you come to them with your suggestions . It’s like marketing 101 , let the prospect know you’re on their side and then proceed with an idea and make it come to life.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
As mentioned I own a clothing company SERENE X RW . I design custom pieces and sell seasonal wear . I choose to design pieces myself because running a small business is very expensive . I tried the vendor route but it can be very time consuming when you’re not physically there to see the pieces made. Thats one of the biggest cons. Making designs yourself buy hand is one thing but doing them in bulk yourself can be overwhelming . The biggest pro of it all it that when you decide to put the time in on something you love , your focus is quality and how you took an idea and brung it to life.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been to TALK. Very traditional but I do well by actually going up to a person with all this bravery and pitching myself. I know the world is so digital but sometimes people need to actually see you in person and get to know who you really are . That for me has been the best option . Especially over the last few months .
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ravenswatkins.com
- Instagram: @ravenscreativemedia_
Image Credits
All photos were shot & edit by Raven Watkins