We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaun Curry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shaun , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The biggest risk I have taken, personally and professionally, is deciding to become an entrepreneur, creating and running multiple businesses at the same time. I started out in my law career as an associate working for a small firm. I got assigned all the “dog” cases as we called it. Yes, I got a steady paycheck but considering the hours I worked (sometimes 60 billable hours in a week!) it just wasn’t worth it. I was exhausted. I watched the partners come in to the office dressed and ready to play golf while I was holed up in my office 12 hours a day. It was then I decided to “be a sponge”, i.e., learn all that I can then branch out on my own. I started my first law firm in my kitchen. It was a powerful time for me because even though I did not know all that I was doing, I did it anyway! At the time, I didn’t have a big savings, start-up capital, a mentor or even support from family or friends. I made it happen because I believed that I could. My thoughts really became things.

But as time passed, things started to change. There were several life changing events that started me on my journey of self-discovery. Career fatigue, an abusive marriage and a difficult divorce played major role in the restlessness I was feeling. I wasn’t motivated or inspired like I used to be. I felt out of alignment with my true self. I felt that my life had a deeper purpose and I just wasn’t living it.

I moved to Florida and for a period of time I did nothing but go to the beach every day and journal. I asked myself, “what is truly important?” “What is my purpose”. “What do I even like, what inspires me and makes me feel positive?” “How can I honor myself and my passions?”

And so I took a risk.

I started TWISPOD Media because I felt there was a need to create content and support creators in telling their stories authentically. I also felt like I had something to say and I needed an outlet to say it. I created a weekly podcast, “That’s What I’m Saying!” which is available on all major streaming platforms. I am also the executive producer of the live TV show version available on the Island TV network and the Island TV app. I co-host the podcast and TV show with my sister, Shatara Curry, an actress and stand-up comedian based in NY. The show include segments on entertainment, music, relationships and social issues effecting our communities.

Being a (reformed) shoe addict, I started Sansa Costa shoes, an online collection of “carefully curated style for your feet”. I am also excited to announce that we have partnered with a shoe manufacturer based in Italy to design a limited edition shoe line for both men and women that should be available this fall.

I discovered that I still had a passion for real estate (even after surviving the housing market crash in 2008!). And so I started an investment company where we specialize in wholesaling and tax sale foreclosures.

And because I am all about the healing, I started Aligning Soul to help others in their growth and healing work so that they can create more balance and well-being in their lives.

Although I have my hands in a lot of different ventures, balance is key. And I enjoy balancing! The risks that I took sometimes lead me down a road of challenges and unpredictable twists and turns, but also to a place of immense spiritual growth and personal development that makes the journey well worth it.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I think the best way to grow your clientele, whether it is in a service or product related industry, is to build a solid relationship. Ask yourself, If you were the client/customer how would you like to be treated? Make your client feel good and they will tell others about that experience. And that is more valuable than any other marketing or advertising campaign.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

I sold my first company over a decade ago. It was a real estate title company with just over $1 million per year of EBITDA, 2 partners and no outside investors. We spent a few years building the company from scratch and successfully weathered the 2008 market crash. We also took the responsibility of vetting buyers and conducting the negotiations. It was a lot of work on top of everything else going on and became a job of its own. My advice if you are in a similar situation: hire a business broker. Give them all the information they need to sell your company and let them be the point person during the due diligence stage.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/shaunc
• Instagram: twispod

Image Credits
Michael Maximilian