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Meet Elisha Sumo of upwardNOW in Metro

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisha Sumo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Elisha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
upwardNOW is a brand consisting of products as well as services based on skills I’ve always had. I’m a computer science student. I was blessed to be a part of school ball program at the collegiate level. After transferring schools to re-focus, I began to work with kids and train them as a part of a program called the Upward Stars. I donated my time and energy to see the kids get better and thoroughly enjoyed it. I began to gain traction training other kids of other ages and soon collegiate level guys. One of the college guys asked me to go shoot him at a showcase. When I went, many former teammates were at the showcase. Instead of only making one video for a friend, I ended up making more than 10 for everyone I knew and of course for free. I immediately branded “upwardNOW” with the idea that everyone and everything that comes in contact with the business will progress and literally now. Without having an income, I began to move any and everywhere I could where I believed would help grow and bring more of a market for the company.

Til this day, I don’t know how I was paying for the website in the early days but I have always believed in excellence and the fact that if you believe, you will find a way. Most of the places I went to were either free or maybe I received $10 or $15. After an accident, I came to a complete standstill with the business. I was extremely troubled because working the business created friction with my family particularly my father and it was en route that someone hit and ran. For months, I was stuck between purpose and fear. I eventually got back to it after so many words of encouragement from close mentors an friends. This time, it seemed that things picked up faster, more money came in, and every move was smart and concise. Before I knew it, we were landing deals and partnerships with the companies we had originally begun shooting for free. On the side, websites and graphic products were being designed for clients and sent out daily. As a business, we have blessed to touch so many lives and fulfill our purpose, “Preparing today for success tomorrow.” We’ve been able to shoot businesses, corporations, professionals, and so much more. Today, my parents advertise upwardNOW every chance they get. We’re looking to continue going up and soon branch out to other cities.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. I’ve had financial obstacles, my accident as I mentioned, and even parents. As most of us know, parents are not the first people to cast their ballot for entrepreneurs until they can see it and it makes sense. I had to hang in there until it made sense to them even when we were at odds. My dreams and goals were bigger than temporary discomfort.

Please tell us about upwardNOW.
upwardNOW covers all the following products/services:
Graphic Design
Media (Photography/Videography)
Mentorship
Website Design

As a company, I’m most proud of the impact on lives we’ve been blessed to have. Money comes and goes but the positive influence that changes lives is priceless. Because of our connection to the upwardNOW family/client, our retention rate is super high.

I believe what sets us apart is the spirit of excellence and customer service which I believe is next level.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Honestly, there are so many countless memories. But one consistent to me is my father taking the time to pray my dreams and goals into reality. From a young age, I knew I loved computers and so my father kept me in the area I was naturally drawn to. Every time I did anything well in the arena, he’d sit me down and pray for success on my future. I believe I still stand on those prayers today.

Pricing:

  • Web Design $500.00 – $1000.00
  • Graphic Design $75.00
  • Video Edit (No Shoot) $75.00
  • Videography/Photography Hourly Rate $150.00

Contact Info:


Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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