In today's episode I got a chance to sit down with Simeon Griffin, an aspiring entrepreneur, videographer and photographer. He is the owner of his own business known on Instagram as @unarchivedfiles where he posts his work, which has gained over 3,500 followers. He is also a co-owner of Marketing and Film company known as The 224 Studio!
Simeon and I discuss how he started with just a camera in high school and how he to found a love for taking photos and videos at first for basketball players. This hobby took him from taking photos/clips of different players and teams to having opportunities to be flown to Florida for courtside views of some of the best high school players in the country.
We also discuss Simeon's ideas for the future, his favorite jobs he's done, how he was able to transform his passion into a business, and much more in this unique interview!
Check out Simeon and his Work Here:
https://www.instagram.com/unarchivedfiles/
https://www.instagram.com/the224studio/
Make sure to follow @thecollegeconnectpodcast on Instagram for updates on the podcast, first look on new episodes, and much more!
Thank you so much for listening.
[0:40] How'd you get started in Videography?
[1:57] What happens after you got your first camera?
[2:40] What got you into the actual Videography scene and doing jobs for others?
[4:00] When did posting on Instagram and Recording for others come into play?
[5:30] How'd you get your name out to others and start to gain some more following?
[6:55] Did you only start with recording basketball? And did other students from other schools start reaching out?
[8:00] Did coaches start reaching out to you too?
[9:00] When did actual companies start reaching out to you?
[10:30] Did you start getting bigger companies to start reaching out and be able to do projects for them?
[11:40] Are you the main person companies usually choose for their marketing?
[12:20] What's the coolest place you were flown out to and what did you record there?
[13:50] When you were flown out to Florida were you already in College or still in High School?
[13:55] How do you balance everything in your life between Business and Education?
[15:20] How much time does it take to edit? And how does the balance between school and outside work happen for you?
[16:30] How much time does it take to do edits?
[17:30] How did you learn how to edit? How can someone else do it too?
[19:25] Did anyone have a big influence on you when starting up?
[20:30] Was there any other African American influencer who inspired you?
[22:31] Did any of your friends/customers influence you from their feedback?
[24:00] Was there anyone, such as a mentor/friend (when you started) that gave you very meaningful feedback that helped significantly?
[25:25] Did you have any other jobs before you started your videography business?
[26:20] Discussion on Jobs and Advice to Others
[29:00] Talk About My Own Business and Why Money Isn't Everything
[29:45] What's the most important thing to you in your business? Whether that be the filming, editing, customer service, reviews, etc.
[30:50] What shoot most resonated with you?
[32:20] Is there any player that you saw at the City of Palms that impacted you or someone that impressed you?
[33:35] How do you price your shoots?
[35:15] How does the process work after you agree to a price?
[36:30] What is the The 224 Studio and how does it differ from your other account known as Unarchived Files?
[38:35] What has been your favorite company to do a shoot for?
[39:05] Are you thinking of transferring next year out of Community College to a 4-year school or going to continue with your own business and keep growing it?
[41:30] What is your dream career? Is it doing videography/marketing full time or doing something else?
[43:10] Looking back and reflecting, do you think your younger self would be proud of the progress you've made in your business?
[44:00] Where can others connect with you/find you?
