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Name: Shenoba Kinsey
Business: Fuzionz Magazine and TV, a youth outreach magazine
Industry: Arts & Entertainment, Social Enterprise
Location: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Reason for starting: I started Fuzionz Magazine and TV as a youth outreach magazine because I saw a lot of troubled youth and I wanted to tell their stories and reach out to the various youth outreach programs. It eventually branched out into the community as a whole, because there was so many other needs that needed to be addressed, such as domestic violence, survivors of various illnesses, etc. I wanted the community’s story to be heard.
Related: Read about another Arts & Entertainment entrepreneur helping troubled youths here.
How do you define success? I believe that success is when you really know who you are, then get to where you need to go in life and give back to others when you get there.
Biggest Success: My biggest success is sharing the success stories of others, not just those who produce books and music, but those who have survived illness and other issue that have surrounded them. After reading these stories, I hope it may help others who are facing similar issues, to come forward and also give them some comfort in knowing that they’re not alone.
My goals are to grow the business into a bigger brand. I would like to purchase proper equipment so that I will be able to interview live. If nothing else, I would like to have enough revenue to help someone once a month, who is struggling to pay their bills, especially those who have illnesses because I know what it’s like through experience and at times, not having help.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My top challenge has been not having the revenue to get my magazine printed, as it has been in high demand by others, and not being able to purchase the proper equipment that I need to produce high quality work. I would like to hire personnel as well because I need the help. In the past, I have signed up for other fundraising campaigns, but they didn’t work out.
On a personal level, I was diagnosed with lupus in 1994 and throughout the years I have had struggles with the illness. When under doctor’s care, I have had to put the business at times, but it wasn’t for long because I am ambitious and I have kept the business moving.
Related: Read about another female entrepreneur living with lupus here.
Who is your most important role model? My most important role model is myself. I believe that everything starts with the individual from within. I try to live and be the best I can be, by letting my light shine through Christ so others will see.
[box_light]Website www.fuzionzmagazine.com
Twitter @FuzionzMagazine
Facebook www.facebook.com/fuzionzmagazine[/box_light]
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Edited by The Story Exchange