We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sami and Jay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with them below
Sami and Jay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
In The Middle Ent. was created to make space for black creatives in LA through events, networking and production. When we first started our business we hit the ground running. We had one meeting and decided to start a business together. All we really knew about each other was that our goals were aligned and we ran with it. Most of our business has been based on faith and us holding one another up. We learned each other’s strengths and leveraged that. As time went on we have had to learn both sides of the business.
Our first two years were the most fun and exhausting. Every event in LA county we were at, we consistently networked and always stayed on social media to keep ourselves updated. As our profile grew so did our network and it allowed us to create the spaces we wanted for artists and the community. Coming up with ideas has never been an issue for us. We consistently communicate with one another and even have shared notes on ideas. Our execution comes down to prioritizing and time management.
There are ideas we spoke on 5 years ago when we started our business that haven’t been executed. It doesn’t mean it never will be executed but we have to plant our roots fully before we move on to something else. That is how Middle House Media was created. It is our sister company to In The Middle Ent. During our first 3 years in business we did freelance social media management and creative directing but didn’t actually dive into it until a few years ago.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Sami, I always tell people I fell into the industry. I had one summer internship at Mitu, a digital media company in LA. That following fall I met Jay and knew that it was something I wanted to pursue. I never considered myself creative until I started creating. I fell in love with creating a network of like minded people. My goal is to have the key to all the gatekeeping with the white dominated industry. In my time with our business and in my own endeavors I have been able to work with names and brands such as Chloe Bailey, NBC, META, WME and much more. My path has been fuel to continue my entrepreneurship and inspire others. When we started our business I was in school to be a History teacher, I’m currently finishing my degree at Hampton University for communications and media.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Our journey is ever changing. We didn’t think we would be in the space we are in now and I can only imagine what the future holds. Our mission is to create access for black creatives of all assets to be valued and have the freedom to show their art.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy in our business is our name. People know who we are and value us. We are blessed enough to have a network of people that speak our names into rooms of greatness without us asking. Our name has allowed us to be in rooms with Executives and top people simply from having a good rep-our with people.
Our advice is to always do good business even if the client is terrible, maintain your professionalism. Double check your work and get advice from others and always keep messy personal things away from business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/inthemiddle_ent/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middlehousemedia_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialmiddle_
Image Credits
LJae Butler @jae.production.llc