Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Grant.
Monica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My childhood was pretty nomadic. Although, my family moved from state to state and city to city primarily in the South East, I was born in Michigan and never forgot that.
I graduated from Delaware State University in 2008 at the beginning of the recession. I really hustled to find work and to find myself. I moved to New York City in May 2011 and discovered my calling as a community organizing. I was always an activist, but this experience gave me the skills necessary to really build a movement for my people.
In 2016, I experienced a serious lower back injury while working with the Hilary campaign in Orlando. I wasn’t able to walk, sit, stand, or sleep comfortably for the next 2 years. I couldn’t move and shake as I used too, so I got creative and began planning the next phase of my life and career.
I was also an artist as a child. From playing instruments in the marching band and performing spoken word to having a brief rap career, I had studied and performed various art forms since I was 7 years old. I fully understood the power of art and media and its ability to communicate information. So, at this moment of pain and transition, I saw an opportunity to become a media activist. I knew that I could reach more people and rebuild my body if I focused my energy and talent on producing media content that highlighted social issues and empowered marginalized communities.
Young Boss Media Inc was launched on March 22, 2017, with my first talk show Master Plan, which focuses on entrepreneurship in Black Communities. Economic empowerment has been a passion of mine since I was young.
“Young Boss” is a phrase I was using in 2014 to create a conversation around the new economy emerging and our need to become self-employed since the old bosses were downsizing their workforce through outsourcing and automation. Just a few years ago, many people did not want to talk about the very world that is now our reality. The digital world has been staring us in the face and I wanted to educate my community on entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The old boss is the factory manager and the 9-5 shift, but the Young Boss is what we see today, a person committed to making things happen by using their own gifts and talents to succeed.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
People management was most challenging the first year. When you first start out, you spend way too much time trying to convince the wrong people of your vision. You meet at a lot of people that don’t mean you well. You have to be strong and smart when building relationships, but you need relationships to get far.
Also an entrepreneur, at any level, never has enough money. That’s another part of it. The more you accomplish, the more you want to go after, so the budget keeps growing. I don’t stop thinking, I don’t stop growing. I’m always on the hunt for more opportunities. As long as I can create value, I will be compensated.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Young Boss Media Inc – what should we know?
Young Boss Media is a media network comprised of different shows and events being produced by some of the most amazing people on the planet.
We empower individuals and organizations from marginalized communities with training to produce and distribute their own TV shows, films, documentaries, podcast, radio shows, and magazines to get their message out. We provide these services in The USA and in a few African nations.
We believe strongly in empowering our people, especially women and youth, with the right tools and mind frame to advocate for themselves, their businesses, and their communities using media.
Along with our services, I recently published my 4th book titled Mind Your Business and Prosper: A Young Entrepreneurs Guide to Being Successful. Mind Your Business and Prosper is my blueprint for business success. Written for students transitioning into adulthood, struggling to find their identity but are driven to have their voice heard and make an impact on the world. I really go deep and share a lot of personal lessons that I had to learn to progress in the business world. You can get your copy at YoungBossMedia.com or Amazon.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom and grandmother are my best friends. To everyone that has ever worked to advance the mission of Young Boss Media, there are a lot of people playing big roles behind the scenes. They know who they are.
Contact Info:
- Address: 601 W26th #325-289
New York, NY 10001 - Website: www.youngbossmedia.com
- Email: info@youngboss.tv
- Instagram: @youngboss.tv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicasekhmet
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasekhmet/
Image Credit:
Young Boss Media Inc
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