(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I have always wanted to work for myself because I am really creative and I wanted to put my creative ideas to work for myself rather than in the hands of another company or to be working for somebody else where my creativity might not be valued as much.

(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

I choose this industry of Videography and Cinematography because I like to put together stories of individuals because a person’s story is important and people can relate. It is true the way people tell their story or their brands story draws people toward them and this helps create relationships, which are important to being successful whether personally or professionally. In addition, I have always been interested in video cameras and as a young child I always wanted to own my own video camera- I even tried to build my own and from here is where my motivation sparked to turn to Videography and ever since than it has been a significant part of me.

(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

LAEDA has been so thorough in the business program and helped me so much and I would love to be more of an example and come in to speak to future students. LAEDA helped me a lot in building upon research and knowledge and in addition LAEDA covered every aspect of running a business such as the following: marketing, branding, communication, laws and much more.

Aside from the class, class work and assignments, the other students in the class were a vital source of success and a special tool for my networking and learning system. There were entrepreneurs in my shoes, years ahead of me who were just coming to polish up their already successes and even entrepreneurs just starting off. All the students sharing information with each other and learning from each other, especially in the different aspects and phases was vital in learning so much more. I cannot stress enough, but the relationships we made here and the knowledge that we shared are worth their weight in gold.

My “Ah-ha” moment was that such a wonderful course was offered to me for free there is no price tag one can put at LAEDA for all of its services, resources, help, guidance and knowledge that it provides to its clients and communities. I still open my notes each and every day from the LAEDA classes because my notes and experience still help me out always on a daily-basis.

(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

I am still struggling with finances and I learned being in business that finances are a good discipline to have and financial skills are always needed to be sharp or sharpened to be successful and this is still a challenge for me, but with my motivation, research and practice each and every day it is getting better.

After all, the more I run my business the better I get at it.

Some of my successes are that working with other businesses in my field I am able to get the experience of working with other professionals in my field and this allows me to add more value to my business and experiences. Currently, I am working on a project and it is a presentation for a family and I go above and beyond to provide the best experience for my audience and or clients. I cannot highlight enough that when I do a project no matter what it is I try to add special effects to the point that whenever someone watches one of my final products for the first time I see people in tears and hear remarks such as, “That was absolutely beautiful,” or “I love what you did with that, that is beautiful.” The feedback keeps me going and more motivated. I go an extra mile when I do a project for others.

(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

Today my business is up and running and the website is up and active. I do however need to get stronger in my marketing background so that way clients can see what I am doing and what I offer. Furthermore, because of LAEDA I have the skills to run the business and manage many hats by myself on a daily-basis, but in the future I will most likely need a second camera person and then a manager of sound and lights.

(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

My advice for future or existing entrepreneurs is please be persistent and don’t give up because if you stick with it then it will be the best decision that you will ever make. However, having discipline is a must and you will be highly rewarded. Moreover, call LAEDA because LAEDA is a significant help and motivator and I appreciate them each and every day.

HRS Video Creations offers many services, and you will experience powerful emotions when your special moments are captured on video. No matter which service you choose, your video will be unique. You will create an heirloom that will be enjoyed by generations to come! HRS Video Creations also offers a full range of Video Services. Wedding, Family events, Corporate events, Training videos, and Animations.

Howard Smith can be reached by the following:

Call him at his business phone: 609-922-2881

Visit him on his website: hrsvideocreations.com

You can visit him on his Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/hrscreations/

You can also check out his YouTube Channel Called The Essence of You where he has a lot of samples of his work. Please use the key word: governorphd1 in the search bar.

The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.