Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jesse Szymanski, Founder and CEO of Modern Muse Media, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Modern Muse Media is an Alberta-based company that offers a one-of-a-kind Social Media Video Training Program to businesses, organizations, and individuals. Our trainers deliver one-on-one training to produce an in-house video with the ongoing support of a community of professional video producers. Modern Muse Media has empowered hundreds of clients all across Alberta to produce their own video content, build their brand and promote their business on social media.
For more information on our video training programs, please see our website.
Tell us about yourself
I am the founder and CEO of Modern Muse Media, an Alberta-based business promoting powerful brand-building and storytelling through video and content creation. Six years ago, I launched Modern Muse Media to share the experience and knowledge I had gained as a television producer with businesses in Alberta to train professionals on how to produce their own content for social media. There was a need for Alberta businesses to transition from traditional marketing to learning how to produce their own video content for social media. I am motivated by seeing the immediate results our training program provides for our clients on social media. When our clients rock social media with awesome videos, we celebrate with our clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am incredibly proud of our team for achieving the goals I first envisioned when launching Modern Muse Media. We successfully designed and implemented a unique educational video training program to empower businesses across Alberta. With the support of NAIT, we implemented an internship and training program to support graduates with mentoring opportunities to gain experience in media production. Finally, I am proud of our team for overcoming challenges like COVID, which could have shut our business down, but instead inspired us to deliver our training program virtually as well as in person.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I often say that “Modern Muse Media is a company forged from an ugly cry on the kitchen floor” because that is literally how it started. For the past six years of building this business, there were moments when quitting seemed so much easier than overcoming what felt like impossible challenges. Overcoming challenges required a change in strategy, often with the support of a mentor to help me figure out what needed to be done. As a business owner, I had to decide what worked for my company and learn to trust in my own decisions, even after seeking advice from others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Based on my own experience, I recommend finding business mentors, hiring a business coach, and joining local business organizations to support your journey as an entrepreneur. Volunteering with local business organizations provides opportunities to network and find clients for your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Alberta businesses and organizations may be eligible for government funding to help recover two-thirds of the costs of the video training program. Contact us on our website to find out if your business meets the requirements for this grant.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.modernmusemedia.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernmusemedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern_muse_media/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/modernmusemedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-muse-media/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.