BY: Nicole Hudson
Sarah Batista, 38, of Charlotte, NC always wanted to be a journalist. As a child, she wrote scripts and filmed skits for school projects. A graduate of University of North Carolina- Charlotte, Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Communications with a minor in Journalism. While attending college, she wrote for the campus newspaper and then worked three unpaid internships at local television stations, which eventually led to her first television reporting job in Charlottesville, VA.
An avid learner, Sarah continued educating herself through conferences and classes after college. “As a journalist, attending the annual National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ convention and UNITY Convention every four years was instrumental. I was able to meet and connect with journalists from all across the country and establish a wide network with long-lasting relationships,” Sarah said.
As an entrepreneur, Sarah took a 12-week Business Builder course through the Latin Chamber of Commerce, which helped her learn about different aspects of her business from finances to securing capital and marketing.
After working in television for about 10 years, she got the itch to try something new. “One day, I asked a photographer I worked with to film a short documentary outside of work with me. We rented our own equipment and filmed the video – pro bono – for a non- profit. They loved it! So, I thought – if these organizations and small businesses need a way to get their message out – why not do that in story form? I launched “Stories to Inspire” (www.StoriestoInspireFilms.com) to help small businesses and non-profits tell their stories to raise funds and attract new business,” she explained.
Because she loves learning about people and talking with them, she segued naturally into her video and film production business.
“Writing is also a passion of mine and as a journalist and documentary filmmaker, I can incorporate all of the things I love to do, such as writing, researching, editing, filming, interviewing and traveling,” Sarah said. “Becoming an entrepreneur, was a ‘trial by fire.’ Sometimes, that’s the best way. I strategically saved for months for when I decided to take the leap and leave television. I also spent months talking to people and doing research before I actually launched. By the time I left reporting, I had already built a website, developed prices and marketing materials, spoken with dozens of people about how to get started, created a portfolio and hired an intern. I did as much as I could and then I jumped!” she shared.
Sarah had two wonderful mentors that helped her along the way. Astrid Chirinos, former Executive Director of the Latin Chamber of Commerce and Tonia Lyon, Former WBTV Anchor and now Director of Community Outreach at Elevation Church. “Whenever I had a question about my career, I knew I could go to them and they would steer me in the right direction. Mentors are so incredibly important because these are people who have gone before you and can guide you and keep you from making some of their mistakes,” she shared.
When she has a rough day, Sarah reflects on what she’s been through and how many challenges she’s navigated, both in her personal and professional life. “So, I know whatever happens, “this too shall pass,”’ she shared. Sarah also realizes that she is blessed with a great family support system.
“I believe we’re all here for a purpose. So, whatever I’m dealing with is just part of my story that may eventually help someone else. I used to not like to cry. Now I believe in letting it all out, dusting myself off and moving forward. Going for a walk always works, too!” The biggest challenge Sarah faced was starting her business with no capital. She worked around that, noting that what she lacked in capital, she made up for in connections and relationship building. In doing so, people were willing to offer their time, talent or treasure to help her get started.
“I was also a single mom, so I had to be strategic and resourceful to balance it all. I learned how to minimize my overhead by working from home and hiring freelancers on a per project basis. I consider myself to be a creative, so not having an operations manager was challenging. I had to learn how to manage every aspect of the business – not only the creative side – but the financial side as well,” she said.
In finding balance between life, business and relationships, Sarah admits that she is much better at it now. She has seen a shift in her priorities as she’s matured.
“I used to put my career above everything. But now I find so much value in the intangibles – family, faith, self-care, love, creating, freedom and That’s where I put my energy now,” she explained.
Sarah loves helping others and suggests that future entrepreneurs learn very early on what they are good at – and what they are not good at. She also advises finding people to help in those areas.
“Otherwise, you will find yourself spinning in circles and spending enormous amounts of time unnecessarily. What might take you five hours could take someone else 30 minutes. Also, avoid “perfection paralysis.” The most important thing is to complete your project. The last thing you want is to get so caught in perfectionism that you never complete what you set out to do. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Once you know this is the best you can do, let it go,” she advised.
Sarah also encourages others to believe in themselves and not to give up. “Being an entrepreneur can be lonely because most people will not understand the journey. But, hang in there. Be resourceful. If something isn’t working, find another way. And find people to collaborate with. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Founder and CEO of Inbound Lead Solutions, Nicole Hudson helps franchises, B2B and B2C businesses and national brands optimize their digital marketing strategies using a holistic approach to personal branding, storytelling, lead generation and content marketing. She devised social media strategies for three national television appearances on Be the Boss, Shark Tank and Undercover Boss.
Connect with Nicole Hudson on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehudson.