We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Jovahn and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, I had no idea that I would be a business owner. When I quit my job, I had no plans but to seek podcasting full time. I knew I was making a little bit of money, but I figured since I had more time on my hands, I could invest in my podcast on a consistent level now. Unfortunately, that did not work for me. I knew it was the right time to leave my job at the moment after seeking God for answers, but I questioned myself at the same rate. I quit my job in November 2019, the pandemic hit March 2020, and the podcast was not making enough to pay the bills. At this point, I decided to apply for other jobs to make ends meet.
Every job application I was submitting came back with a negative response. I took this as a sign to create my own pathway versus going back to Corporate America. At this point, my thought process switched over to survival mode because nothing else was working out. I immediately started watching videos on YouTube to see how other entrepreneurs were making a living. That’s when I learned how to take my experience and turn it into profit. That’s how I learned how to be a coach/consultant today.
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?
As mentioned before, I had to create my own path. I had no idea what I wanted to do, nor would anyone hire me when I doubted myself as an entrepreneur. After doing research, I decided to purchase an online course by Danielle Leslie. She taught others how to create their own course within their specific niche. I also watched YouTube videos created by Marissa Romero, which made me create an account with Upwork.
When I first purchased the course from Danielle Leslie, my funds were running low. I was able to create my first course, Journey to Becoming a Podcaster, and 1 person signed up. This was exciting because I was wondering how in the heck I was going to get my money back from this investment. Months later, I received my first client on Upwork. My profile stated that I could help people launch their podcast, and do basic editing. My very first client saw my profile and needed assistance with launching his podcast. He hired me to not only help him launch but also maintain the podcast as well. I realized I was teaching some of my methods from my course I created, and that I was teaching from my own experience. I did think twice if I had it in me to teach others, but I took a chance to see if it could work out. A year later, another person signed up for the course, I have helped 4 people launch their podcast, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite spots in Dallas would have to be 4 The Culture Studios. On the weekend, there is always an event, and I always check their website to stay up to date. I have two favorite spots for brunch, Bread Winners and The Social House. For a happy hour during the week, my favorite place would have to be Kona Grill. I love cigars, and a place I recommend is Smoking Jacket. The vibe is wonderful and I enjoy myself every time I visit. I also enjoy Walk-Ons in Arlington. I absolutely love their food and their drinks are top-notch.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize my Heavenly Father first. Without him trusting me with the vision, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Next, I would like to recognize my family for being super supportive in my entrepreneurship journey. When I first quit my job, it was like everyone was rooting for me. I currently stay with my mother, and it is a blessing that she is allowing me to stay here. Some parents kick their children out of the house by 18, but my mother simply just wants to support me. My father was so excited to pass out my business cards to people, he couldn’t even explain what I did for a living. My parents are so awesome.
Other family members have been super supportive as well. My brother and his lovely wife, Rodney and JerTerria Dawson, allow me to record at their event center, Vysion Events, whenever it’s needed. They allowed me to use their place to host my very first event. My cousin, Felicia Berringer, allowed me to use her foster agency office, A Heart with Hope, to record season 2 of the podcast. Other family members donated, sent prayers, and encouragement along the way.
Last but not least, I have to thank Java Lavendar Coffee & Music Lounge for sponsoring the show. I currently use their place to record the podcast for my visuals. The owner, WaNessa Bradley Monk, has been a true blessing for opening her doors to my business and I am so thankful for her kindness.
I would also like to thank my friends for allowing me to call and vent about some of the struggles I go through on a day-to-day basis. My community and support system are a blessing and I just want to say thank everyone who has been there.
Website: https://whatsgood-productions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.jovahn_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whatsgoodpodc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briannajovahn/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe_XsIVanOr0IkmAMaGilsg
Image Credits
Ashley Nicole Dennis McMurray Destin McMurray Latrice Love