Meet Erika James | Professional Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business has evolved over the past year. Initially I was a hobbyist turned freelancer looking to add income from my skills. After becoming official by obtaining an LLC, I became a solopreneur ready to help people with my skills. I am shifting into the mindset of a CEO and not just a business owner. My thought process of starting my own business is now rooted in solving problems for other businesses with my skills and adding value to their lives,

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Creative Source Media provides an all-inclusive solution to help businesses, brands, and organizations create high quality social media marketing content. We plan, film, and edit all visuals needed for the month in one shoot.

Our relationship building is what sets us apart. We do offer one-time photography and videography services, however we focus on monthly content shoots in order to maximize marketing efforts. We get to know our client’s heart behind their business in order to collaboratively create organic, authentic, passion-filled content.

I got to where I am today business-wise by helping small business owners and brands in my church and family. I fell in love with helping them promote their products and services in a professional and meaningful way.

Some aspects were easy and some were challenging, I have a knack for pulling out the story behind the business and executing it visually. The challenges were in knowing how to build a business that facilitates the need and not just providing the service. It was so frustrating.

I overcame those challenges by finding a gap in the marketplace and by investing in a business mentor. I was able to add strategy and systems to my skills and find a way to increase the value that I bring to the table.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that business doesn’t have to be stuffy. It should be casual, fun, and personable. I pride myself on relationships and always prioritizing the person over the project.

I’m a born storyteller and my brand lives to tell the stories of other’s through the lens of a camera. Business owners did not get into business to become a content creator, but I did. The ever evolving need for social media content has forced many businesses to struggle in navigating the world of online marketing and I want to be that creative resource for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oklahoma City is a hidden jewel! I love how we have grown over the years. If I had my best friend visiting for a week we’d get our make up done by The Kennedy Collection. I’d take them to grab a bite at Eastside Pizza House, Plus 254 Foodtruck, and Tez Wingz. We’d definitely hang out at Scissortail Park and listen to some music at the UCO Jazz Lab. I wouldn’t let them miss a Thunder game if it was basketball season. We would conclude our time together by getting a massage at C Health and Wellness, grabbing a coctel de fruta from Croodulandia, and watching the sun set over Lake Hefner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
They say that no man is an island and it’s true. There are many individuals that have contributed to my story outside of my immediate family.

I’d like to shoutout The Church Triumphant Ministries family and Pastor Michael and Sheila Alexander. Their love, encouragement, and support is invaluable.

I’d also like to shoutout Shooter’s Camp International with Brandon Dixon and Pinique Singleton. Their mentorship has elevated the deployment of my talents and I am forever grateful.

Website: www.shootmycontent.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikasjames/