Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia “The Poetess” Morris.
Felicia “The Poetess” , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Morris Media Studios is a family-operated media studio located in the heart of the Leimert Park/Crenshaw District. The company was started by me and built by my dad, radio legend Johnny Morris. Together, the two of us share over 75 years of experience in the broadcast and entertainment business.
I was inspired to start my own business when I was fired from my LAST job which happened to be at a studio similar to the one I own now. I couldn’t bring myself to look for another job and decided to set out on a mission to start Morris Media Studios. I didn’t know how I was going to do it but I knew it had to be done. I was divinely driven. All I had was my last paycheck and a couple of thousand dollars saved up along with a purse full of determination. At the beginning of 2014, I started a crowdfunding campaign and raised nearly $15k from friends and fans, $45k from a dear friend and rap star Kid Ink kicked in another $10k. We then set out to find a location for the new studio and searched all over the southland in such cities as Studio City, Hollywood, Culver City and finally found the perfect building here in Leimert Park.
We had originally set out to find a space just big enough to accommodate a table with 5 mics and a broadcast board but ended up being blessed with an 1800 sq ft building on Crenshaw that afforded us more space to offer an array of media services. It was even soundproofed and came with a full kitchen and gated parking lot! We couldn’t have found a better home. Finding this place made me understand that this was just not a business venture but more of a purpose.
It also happened to be an old recording studio from the early 90s that was once used by the likes of R&B group Tony, Toni, Tone, DJ Quik and yours truly!! Yes, I recorded there and didn’t realize it until a friend pulled up an old video from 1992 with me on the mic! Tripped me out! I knew this was where the NEW studio belonged.
After meeting with the owners of the building, we used the money that was raised and paid the lease up for 6 months and I actually ended up paying rent on the place for a whole year before purchasing our first piece of equipment. Once we installed our microphones and broadcast console board, we were ready for business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Although I was determined to get my business going, It was stressful in the beginning because I did not have the proper capital to really fire things up like I wanted to. I struggled for the first few years and worried a lot until things started to fall into place. There were times I didn’t know how I was gonna pay the rent but every time it was due a financial blessing came thru. Once I realized that this was my purpose, I didn’t stress as much. I just kept moving forward. Never once did I ever think about giving up. My dad would say, “You’re in too deep to give up now.” I miss my dad he made an amazing contribution to the success of our business that bears his name.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Morris Media Studios?
We are a podcast and voice-over studio located in the heart of Leimert Park in South Los Angeles. We provide a creative space for clients to produce, record and live stream their content. We also record and edit audiobooks. I am most proud of the fact that we’ve been able to serve our community for 8 years now. We even survived the pandemic. Our clients not only have access to a professional studio but a means to learn how to podcast and create content successfully. Content that will support their businesses and help improve the lives of others. I think this is what sets up apart from most studios that just rent their space and that’s it. I’d like readers to know that we are here to help you get your podcast going! We make podcasting easy!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Behind this seemingly tough exterior is a sensitive, caring person who really enjoys helping other people reach their goals!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morrismediastudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morrismediastudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morrismediastudios
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/morrismedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorrisMediaStudios
Image Credits
Destination Crenshaw, Felicia “The Poetess” Morris
