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Name: Jasmine Youssefzadeh
Business: Filmanthropos, multi-platform storytelling for philanthropies, causes and CSR
Industry: Marketing & PR, Social Enterprise
Location: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Reason for starting: I had a passion and knack for storytelling and wanted to combine this with my desire to create an impact. The model for Filmanthropos was born out of a mission to scale impact through creativity and new media. I became active in the social impact space after participating in a social impact leadership development program while getting my MBA. The idea of having triple bottom line impact and starting a purposeful business stuck with me, and lead me to create a social enterprise that puts purpose first.
Related: The Ascent of Women Business Owners
How do you define success? Success for me is personal satisfaction derived from my work. Being able to enjoy work and be inspired daily from it is success. This stems from an inspirational work environment, high team morale and employee satisfaction, strong customer relationships, and the ability to make an impact, learn something new and channel my passion to do good daily.
Biggest Success: Establishing a sustainable social enterprise. Filmanthropos has a unique business model, known as the #givehalf model, where we dedicate 50% of our efforts towards pro bono services year round to small non-profits. I truly consider it a success to be able to offer this service and have this type of impact year-round while simultaneously balancing our efforts with a sustainable business model that enables us to scale and grow our corporate philanthropy.
Related: Read about another female entrepreneur focusing on the importance of Social Enterprise here.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? It has been most challenging to pull in profits while maintaining our commitment to giving half of our work away for free year-round. This challenge is being addressed by remaining resolute in maintaining a 50-50 balance between paid and pro bono clientele and by tapping into our non-profit network for referrals.
Who is your most important role model? My dad. He’s an incredibly self-motivated entrepreneur that has taught me a great deal about strong work ethic, dedication, persistence, and pursuing your passion.
[box_light]Website www.filmanthropos.com
Twitter @filmanthropos
Facebook www.facebook.com/filmanthropos
Tumblr filmanthropos.tumblr.com
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/filmanthropos[/box_light]
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Read about another social enterprise entrepreneur here
Edited by The Story Exchange