Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Terrence Sani. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Terrence thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How has Covid changed your business model?

Prior to covid, I was pretty much the one-stop shop for web and graphic design. Whatever you needed visually, I aimed to provide almost at whatever price you’d be willing to pay me. I’d take discounts with the promise to have more work in the future if things go well. Or, I’d take a lower payment so that my prospects would come to me in the future instead of Canva and Fiverr. As a speaker and author, I thought I had the game locked and a huge advantage because everything I needed to market myself.. I could basically design. At the time this wasn’t the main source of income as I had a 9 to 5.

But towards the last year of employment, my lunch breaks were dedicated to client calls, YouTube University, or designing. I’d respond to text messages and emails when the office wasn’t busy or step out to the restroom to submit an invoice.

I knew how serious Covid was because I was working in a physical therapy practice, where clients were either canceling appointments or even dying. Two months into Covid coming into the US I was fired. Companies were letting people go instead of hiring. 4 days into looking for jobs I decided to just try things on my own. Here I am years later. Still working on my own.

Covid has turned many people into entrepreneurs and many are working from home with the desire to work as such permanently. My business model has changed from accepting just anyone to filtering them through an actual application form. As great as a business owner and designer as I am. I can’t fix a limiting mindset. Prior to Covid I was trying to sell caviar to McDonald’s clients and only making enough to cover an occasional bill or two but mostly gas.

Employees at home are now aware of their worth and are willing to invest in what they believe, granted the right track record and testimonials.

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

I’m Terrence Sani, a Congressional award-winning speaker, author, and web developer.

I designed my first website in 8th grade (mid to late 90’s), it was super ugly but I remembered some of the basic html coding just naturally it never left. I was a fan of anything that allowed me to transform an image from my mind, onto something I could visually see. Fast forward to 2003 and I found myself playing guitar in a metal/punk band… just a few high school kids with absolutely no budget for branding let alone a website and graphic designer at our disposal. So I became the default designer for my band amongst others. Later I found myself in the same situation with public speaking, I needed someone to design my first book cover. So I paid $5 for a Fiverr designer and I sorely learned the value of “a penny’s worth” because the design wasn’t worth a penny more than I paid. It was horrible. I knew then that it was not at all how I wanted to represent myself so I took the time and designed it myself. People saw it and a former bandmate suggested the name and Sani Creative was born, providing respectively high-end design for authors, speakers, coaches, and small business owners.

I solve brand identity and website problems. I tell my clients that how you present yourself is how you pay yourself. Presentation is key. What sets me apart is the fact that I was my first customer. My business was essentially born out of customer demand. I’m the bridge to get an idea out of your head and visually into your brand to get the results you desire. I provide walk-through videos once the website is complete so that users know how to navigate and make changes once the project is complete.

I’m most proud of the fact that I have freedom. I took on a 9 to 5 that took me away from the most precious thing in my entire life, my family. Before I’d only see the kids (father of 3) at night to tuck them in during the week. Now I take them to school, pick them up, cook, play. I’m now present.

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

The most rewarding aspect is simply freedom. I set my tone, vibe, and overall environment. I dress how I desire, listen to what helps with my flow state and my dreadlocks aren’t an issue. Prospects are filtered. In my experience when you’re forced to work with everyone, you receive a gumbo of problems. Not being micromanaged. I’m more of a one-track mind kind of guy, once I’m focused and/or locked in I don’t need to be distracted. Rarely do I multitask because I believe in being efficient instead of mediocre.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The E Myth Revisited.

If there is no other book you read about business.. ever, this is the holy grail of business books to me. There’s no complicated jargon, theories, or loads of statistical information you can’t use. This book address what most people have.. and entrepreneurial seizure. This book is for everyone is is struggling to handle things on their own. It was recommended to me ironically by the same person that suggested my business name. This book will let you know how a business should work from beginning to end. People remember stories before they remember facts, stats, theories, etc. Stories linger and so should your success.

I read this book at least once a year. Its hands down the only book I’ve ever had a hard time putting down. There isn’t one single point I don’t agree with.

This is equivalent to a much more experienced entrepreneur sitting you down and telling you word for word what you’re doing wrong in your business and addressing your problems before you even ask.

Contact Info:

• Website: SaniCreative.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/SaniCreative
• Facebook: Facebook.com/SaniCreative