Q: What/who inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
A: I never actually thought I would become an entrepreneur. I come from a family which includes scientists, doctors, professors etc. But it happened by default. My parents always encouraged me to find my purpose and go from there. In college I discovered a love for film and was fortunate to find internships and production assistant work while still in school. But I also had a love for marketing and landed several jobs in that capacity over the years. But the “ah ha” moment occurred when I realized that I wanted to take my unique talents as a producer and director in the film arena and combine it with my knowledge of marketing. That was when I found the “sweet spot” and it necessitated I find freelance avenues to combine these two loves of mine. And let’s just say then an entrepreneur was truly born.
Q: What drove you to focus on the film industry?
A: My hometown Atlanta inspired me. During one summer home from the University of Georgia I had a job at an Athletic Club and through networking one day I met an Art Director. I told him I had an interest in film and he invited me out to a music video set. Now these were the glory days of music videos and as soon as I stepped on set I was hooked. Subsequently, I was there for so many signature iconic Atlanta videos like TLC’s Baby Baby Baby and What About Your Friends. And I was even there when Xscape was “Just Kickin It”. These were fun times and the pulse in the city was electric. During that time, I knew I had found my second home.
Q: How have your past experiences influenced you?
A: Losing my Dad is one of my past experiences that to helped me become the person I am today. In 2006, I was caught in the whirlwind of the more negative side of the entertainment industry. I was unhealthy in every aspect of my life… mind, body and soul. But his death made me want to live up to the greatness of my family name. It made me want to carry on his legacy and make a bigger contribution to society. It is sad that it took that event for me to make some serious changes in my life. But now, I carry him in my heart everyday and never lose sight of my purpose for being here.
Q: What are your most influential habits and why?
A: At the end of 2016 I decided to make a real change in my life. I had relapsed from a health standpoint and was back to my old ways of eating processed foods and fast foods on a regular basis. Well in 3 months I restructured everything again, I began eating clean, about 80% vegan and truly I have never felt better. My mind is clearer and my steps are lighter. Oh and while I was at it, I happened to lose almost 40 pounds to date. And I will tell anyone who will listen… that food is not just calories, it is information, it talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. It can often be the cause and the cure for disease and this is why I am grateful that I am back on track.
Q: How do you set goals and manage time?
A: I try to make sure that I check off a daily and weekly goals list. However, I have learned to not to lead with guilt if something does not get done. We carry too much guilt in our daily life’s and it is totally counterproductive. And as far as managing my time goes I have a million reminders that go off on my phone LOL.
Q: If you were not in your current position, where and who would you be?
A: I would be working full time for one of my favorite charities like Each One Reach One or ReimagineATL
Q: What is the biggest mistake you see female entrepreneurs make?
A: Women must continue to join forces with one another instead of being jealous of each other. As my buddy Jotina Buck says, “The old model is competition the new model is collaboration. Living in Atlanta you see a lot of female entrepreneurs who understand this mantra and they are living out a Girl Power movement that keeps everyone winning!
Q: Can you describe your innovative thinking process?
A: I get inspired mostly at nights. I have visions that start off with a simple idea but I run with it. The key is not to suppress. Go far with your brainstorming you can always pull back later.
Q: How do you meet and connect with people?
A: I must say engagement was on my list of intentions for this year. I think in my age bracket we tend to stick with the people we know and have know for years. However, the millennials are just the opposite. They engage with new people on a regular basis. I believe having fresh engagements personally and professionally are food for the soul, so I have been expanding my network a bit more these days. Just last week I had dinner with 2 actresses that were introduced to me through social media and we had an awesome evening.
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If Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Napoleon Hill, 2-Pac, President Obama, and Gloria Steinman all had a love child, it would be thought leader, Dr. Courtney L. Teague. The award winning digital teacher, social media lover, blogger, and professional life liver (I made the word up) looks for people to celebrate in this thing called life. You can find Dr. Courtney, on www.CourtneyLTeague.com sharing insight & tips on how to design the life you love while earning your coins!