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

Hi Raven, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
JUST. START. So many of us hopeful startup businesses, especially creative businesses, tend to put off production or launching because everything isn’t “perfect” or because we feel that we don’t know enough yet to move forward. The ironic thing is that we’ll never actually arrive to that “perfect place” where we know all there is to know about our industry. There will always be room to learn more or re-learn or adjust quickly…that’s the nature of business. New trends come out everyday! However, old fears/professional insecurities don’t go away. If you don’t start with the strength and resources and knowledge that you have now, you never will. Go ahead – Do it “scared”!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the founder of “The Making Of” Creative Community (themakingofraven.com) – a creative business community that specializes in resources to help social media content creators and creative brands turn their creations into an actual CONVERTING business (we deserve to get paid for our expressions, am I right?). Having been a social media content creator/influencer for 8+ years, I realized that even with a degree in International Business and the quality content that I’d create on social media, I was not seeing the financial fruit of my labor. I would come home to a bunch of free product everyday, but could not, for the life of me, figure out how all of these major women of color in my industry made their living doing what we did! I would get so professionally exhausted and depressed wondering why I wasn’t “there” yet! It was then that I began to study and learn the tips, tricks, and financial strategies to actually see my social media utilized to it’s full potential – as a means to help other creative business entrepreneurs with mental wellness tips as well as financial and social media marketing strategies that actually WORK!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely start with brunch at Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar. Then, I would do a walk-through of the Botanical Garden (it’s GORGEOUS in the spring). Then, I would HAVE to visit my favorite place in Dallas- Legacy West! The upscale shopping experience, divine coffee, and amazingly diverse variety of quality restaurants is worth spending a whole day exploring!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everything I have achieved is because of the incredible support of my incredible family/community, my amazing God, the amazing Crowns Bespoke Jewelry brand that took a chance on me as an Influencer Strategist/ Campaign Manager at the ground level, and AOL (who took me on as an online contributor/writer to their online magazine with no previous experience). I will never take any of your support or opportunities for granted!

Website: themakingofraven@gmail.com
Instagram: instagram.com/themakingofraven
Twitter: Twitter.com/themakingofrave

Image Credits
Canva on the last one. Used with permission. Photo shoot pics – 📷: Ryan Christopher Nip (@cheistophernip_photo on Instagram). Used with permission.

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