We recently connected with Vernisa Washington and have shared our conversation below.
Vernisa , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?
In today’s world we see different influencers and businesses share the positive moments about their story and not much about the reality of what shaped the journey. SpeakUpJV Podcast/Media has definitely had plenty of twists and turns that brought it to where it is today. This podcast was originally created by my best friend and I. We both didn’t have a background in media or podcasting, but we both knew that this was something that we wanted to do. The first significant tactic that was used to create this platform was us starting with what we had. We purchased $20 microphones and created social media handles and found a reliable podcast network website. Even though the mics were low quality we still put ourselves out there and ended up being able to grow a community of listeners since people wanted to hear our message. Another tactic that was used was effective networking. This useful action isn’t emphasized enough. I was responsible for the networking component of this platform and I must say that meeting new people and expanding SpeakUpJV was a challenge in the beginning due to the rejection that comes with it. Marketing the platform required a lot of foot work like passing out flyers and reaching out to different businesses and influencers via social media. Once there was consistency with networking I saw effective results. Seeing the platform go from no listeners to many listeners and having the opportunity to interview different successful entrepreneurs and influencers, has showed me how much hard work can pay off. This has also brought sponsorship opportunities and event invitations. Lastly, another tactic has been to simply believe in myself. Just recently my best friend had to depart SpeakUpJV to prioritize her mental and physical health and even though this was a turn to the platform I have allowed myself to keep SpeakUpJv going on my own. In any business virtue there will be unexpected events however, you learn to adjust. The journey is still going, but I am grateful to see the growth and impact that SpeakUpJV has had over the years
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.
SpeakUpJV Media/Podcast was originally created by my best friend Jen and I. with the mission statement “We will use our voices to overcome life’s challenges through self love and respect.” The platform focuses on self love and inner peace. I now run SpeakUpJV solo. Besides a podcast this brand also is actively making a impact by putting out content that relates to self love and inner peace. Through this platform I have also had the chance to co-host events, have live audience shows, speak on panels, collaborate with businesses . and conduct interviews from different influencers and business owners within the community. The factor that sets SpeakUpJV from other similar platforms is the rawness of the brand. I am most proud of the impact that SpeakUpJV has made in the community. I have received many messages from listeners explaining how this platform has made a positive impact in their lives, which has made me happy to know that SpeakUpJV has a purpose.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Earlier in my creative journey I wish I was more involved with media/community events in LA. There are a lot of thriving brands that have created platforms/events that aim towards networking and collaboration. Knowing more about these resources earlier in my journey would have been very helpful.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
In my opinion, I think what helped me build my reputation within my market is being the same person on and off of the microphone. This is a platform that focuses on self improvement, so I use it to hold me accountable. Genuine and authentic networking has also helped build my reputation. A lot of networking today is only transactional, however, I love to create meaningful relationships with the individuals/businesses that I cross paths with on this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/speakupjv
- Instagram: @speakupjv
- Twitter: @speakupjv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@speakupjv
- Other: Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speakupjv/id1448576263
Image Credits
Peresauma Luafau @SignedLoveSauma