Meet Chikezie Johnson | Freelance Videographer/Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chikezie Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chikezie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Originally I pursued a full time job in my field after college. But after 6 months of not finding anything I decided to use my saved up money to start my business. And ever since I made $500 from a 1 hour shoot i knew this is what I wanted to do. Plus the ability to make your own hours is great.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One aspect of my work I really like is how I time the edits with the music. Every editor does this but the way they do it changes from person to person. I love enhancing my cuts to the music’s intensity. Its so satisfying when my clients respond to my “big reveal” or “wow!” moment.

I got to where I was today mostly by word of mouth. The clients I acquired in my first year have tremendously shaped who I’ve met after them. I am truly grateful for their support.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t necessarily easy due to the risk and uncertainty that comes with running your own business. Slow weeks, equipment damage, communication issues with clients, etc. But if I were to give any advice it’d be to keep bettering yourself. Learn something new. Meet new people and talk to them. And most of all, don’t give up. Even if you have a full time job, always be thinking of the next step in your business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So for food I’d take them to Killen’s barbecue. I love that place and its some of the best barbecue I’ve ever had. For fun id probably take them to a Rockets or Atros game. That would be really exciting for a lot of people. As well as bar hoping, aquariums, malls and museums around the town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents and my first client. If my parents didnt allow me to live with them after graduating college I would not have been able to do what I needed to do. I would’ve had to find a more secure job immediately and make a living for myself.

2nd would be my first consistent client, Nicole Philips, CEO and owner of InnerMe Studios. I do all their photo and video work and their business is what has kept me afloat during slow months. Ive also met dozens of clients through their instructors and clients. Its great

Website: chirealestatemedia.com

Instagram: @the_chi_arena

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChiRealEstateMedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqFiowpgT1l_OTQJq04E8w

Image Credits
Darwin Duncan Jeremy Mickles Johnathan Shedd Candace Cutler Clerenda McGrady