Today we’d like to introduce you to Pinique Singleton.
Hi Pinique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After a coaching call with Entrepreneurship Mentor and Coach David Shands in July of 2018 I decided to start a photography business. He connected me with his videographer, BrandonShotMe who recommended a camera and lens to begin with. I told my mom I was going to get into photography and she actually bought the camera for me. Once the camera arrived, BrandonShotMe got on a Zoom call with me to teach me the camera basics and then told me to start taking pictures every day. I started practicing everyday taking photos of whatever I could. People, objects around the house, etc. Then, in December of 2018, Brandon contacted me to let me know that he’d be offering a photography/videography class called Shooters Camp in February 2019. I really wanted to learn video, so I registered for the class immediately! The class was six weeks online and two days in person. The 2-Day weekend was one of the BEST weekends ever! Shooters Camp was a great investment in myself and in my future.
After completing the course in March of 2019 I came back to Atlanta the first weekend in April to attend an Entrepreneurship conference called Social Proof. But when I got to Atlanta, Brandon asked if I wanted to help shoot the conference. He also linked me with a client for that weekend. After meeting so many business owners and seeing all of the opportunity here in Atlanta, I called Brandon when I returned to NC and told him I was moving to Atlanta. On April 27, 2019 I packed my entire house and moved everything to Atlanta. I went back to NC to wrap up a few things and by May 19, I had quit my job as a Consumer Loan Underwriter with Wells Fargo Bank, and moved to Atlanta. I started doing Videography full time and I became Brandon’s co-instructor for Shooters Camp. Since then, Brandon and I also started a clothing line called Entrepreneurship is Dope. Moving to Atlanta and pursuing Full-Time entrepreneurship was a great decision. I’m literally living my dream every day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I know most people talk about the struggles of becoming a Full Time entrepreneur and building a business, but honestly it has been pretty smooth. Which I attribute to a few things… 1. Investing in myself by taking Shooters Camp to really learn how to use my camera as well as the business behind the camera. 2. Getting with a great mentor, Brandonshotme and actually listening to him and applying the things he taught me. 3. Networking and surrounding myself with DOPE entrepreneurs. Don’t get me wrong, there were sacrifices that had to be made. But I can’t say there were struggles.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a videographer who works with business owners to create content that will allow them to leverage their social media to gain clients and grow their business. I am also a Shooters Camp instructor. Shooters Camp is a course I teach along with my business partner BrandonShotMe. We teach people how to use their camera (shooting and editing photos and videos), as well as the business behind the camera which includes how to gain and maintain clients. I am also co-founder of the Entrepreneurship is Dope clothing brand. I specialize in ad videos, promo videos, and event coverage for business owners. I’m most proud of the fact that we have graduated over 100 students from Shooters Camp teaching them how to do the same thing I’ve been able to do which is use their cameras to live their dreams. What sets me apart from others as far as videography is the fact that I have been able to niche down and become an expert so that I can meet my clients’ needs. What sets me apart from others as far as an instructor and coach is the fact that I teach in a very simplified manner using real life examples that my students can relate to.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For someone looking for a mentor, I’d suggest finding someone who has done what you want to do. Once you do that, see how you can add value rather than trying to pick their brain or ask them for help. Find out how you can serve and help them. When I initially started teaching Shooters Camp I volunteered. I didn’t do it for pay. I just wanted to be involved. And I just did the work. When your mentor or potential mentor sees you doing the work, that’s when they want to help you. As far as networking, my advice is to get in the right rooms with the right people. But once you’re in the room you have to make your presence known. Let people know who you are and what you do and find out the same about them. If you really want to link up and connect with someone, don’t just take their business card. Exchange phone numbers and actually schedule a call.
Contact Info:
- Email: pinique@shootersagency.com
- Website: www.shooterscamp.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/piniquesingleton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010578280196
- Other: www.entrepreneurshipisdope.com
Image Credits
Hydea Collins Brandonshotme
