Today we’d like to introduce you to Rasheed Stevens.
Hi Rasheed, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I originally got into my hobbies by exploring the abandoned malls in my hometown of Macon, Georgia, after witnessing the decline of my childhood mall. From there, I became fascinated by the retail history of Department Stores, how they were formed, and the reason why they shuttered.
This prompted me to release my first Top 10 video on “Forgotten Department Stores,” which became an instant hit on YouTube. I have since expanded it to include Retail Stores, Electronic Stores, Grocery Stores, Candy Stores, and more.
I also became fascinated with Urban Exploration by visiting abandoned buildings where I document and research the history through old newspaper articles, and publish it through my blog.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At the beginning, I paid experts to edit my videos until I learned how to edit my own. The costs were pretty high, averaging about $300 per video to create.
It became a challenge to produce videos at the begining, so I just stuck to writing blogs and writing more.
When I was laid off from my job for over 5 years due to COVID-19 in 202o, Georgia paid up to $600 on top of the regular unemployment fund as part of the Economic Impact Payments.
After making sure my bills were paid, I used what was left and invested in creating a YouTube channel by hiring Freelancers to help design my logo, intro/outro video to my channel, and hired some writers to help me out with SEO.
Eventually, I took on the stressful tasks of learning how to use Video Editing Software, along with learning how to create my own videos. With practice, I was able to perfect it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of my typical 8 to 5 Corporate America Job I specialize in creating Top 10 Videos and Documentaries on things of the Past.
I also do Urban Exploration, which is done by going through Abandoned Buildings and documenting things people don’t see from the outside.
The things that are currently being handled by me on my channel include Writing, Video Editing, and the Upload Process. I also design my own Thumbnails as well.
What makes you happy?
Seeing my content grow and when my audience gets happy with my new releases.
It keeps me motivated to want to create more now that I know it’s being watched. Also, I like to interact with my subscribers to get ideas and suggestions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/undergroundretail
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheednomicsonthego/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sheednomicsonthego/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasheed-stevens/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@undergroundretail
- Other: https://sheednomics.blogspot.com/
Image Credits
All pictures taken by me.
