Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christianna Carmine, Owner of Beaux Dawg Productions, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a filmmaker and an acting coach. While I work with actors of all ages, I've found that I have a knack for working with teens and tweens... at least, I think I do! On the directing side of things, my clientele would be producers/production companies and the like.
Tell us about yourself
I started out as an actor and slowly realized I actually preferred being behind the camera - even if it took me some time to admit that to myself. I love few things more than being on set and the excitement of working with other creatives each day. That's quite a motivator for me!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It feels strange being called a business owner - but it is true since I do run a business coaching actors day to day. I would say my biggest accomplishment as a coach would be getting a call or email saying that someone on such - and - such production has referred me. I'm coaching on a very big-budget film at the moment, and that was a referral which feels quite validating.
As a director, my biggest accomplishment was landing a job directing a campaign ad for a popular online brand. Somehow I managed to beat out several other contenders for the job and had an incredible time shooting it!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You have no one hustling for you but you. You are responsible for your own hustle, your marketing, your brand, your overhead, your boundaries - all of it. Still - it's extremely rewarding when your hard work pays off!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
• KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY inside and out. Who's your target market? Who are your competitors? What sets you apart from those offering the same or similar products?
• KNOW YOUR BRAND - as well as you know yourself. I'm not suggesting to pigeonhole yourself into a tiny little corner, but if you're in the beauty industry, for example, you don't want to muddle your side hustle as a dog groomer with your beauty brand.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://christiannacarminedirector.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccarminedirects/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CCarmineDirects
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannacarminedirector/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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