Meet Steven Christian | Content Creator & Designer

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

Hi Steven, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business involved a lot of planning and determination. Before, starting my own brand, “Scubah” which the Scubah YouTube channel and Scubahshop.com fall under, I was working as a full time Creative Designer at a home decor company. I loved working there, however, I knew that I wanted to do more with my life.

I believed in my ability to find that fulfillment but I didn’t know where to start. Since a young age, I always liked designing new things; which is part of the reason why I love modifying cars. To me, creativity is an expression of ourselves and I wanted to share mine with the world. So with that understanding, I set out to create my own brand.

Contrary to popular belief, starting a YouTube channel and clothing brand isn’t that difficult. Although, it does require planning and careful execution, the process is quite simple. However, the fear of failure is one of the main reasons many aspiring entrepreneurs never start a brand. Let me explain. See, I was actually able to start my brand for under $1000. This included the cost to create an LLC., purchase camera gear, website hosting, and merchandise. I also was able to spread the cost out over a few months so I didn’t even have to spend all the money upfront.

The first step I took in starting my business was planning. I planned on what kind of business I would start. As I talked about before, I love designing new things and I also love cars. So I decided that a creative based niche just made sense for me! To anyone starting a brand, I highly suggest picking a niche that you are passionate about. Although starting a brand isn’t hard, building a brand requires consistency, determination, and perseverance. As Marc Anthony quoted, “If you do what you love, then you’ll never work a day in your life”. Therefore, if you pick a niche that you are passionate about, then the odds are that when the going gets tough, you’ll keep going instead of giving up.

I purchased a camera. mic, and tripod and started a YouTube channel where I showcase automotive content. Through the YouTube channel, I was able to network with other automotive enthusiasts who I collaborate with to film consistent content. Never underestimate the power of networking, as it can play a major role in the success of any brand. I also created social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to network with people on a global basis.

Many brand owners struggle with studying social media algorithms. However, I have found that posting consistently on your brand’s social media accounts and interacting with people who engage with your content is a great free method to steadily grow your brand’s social presence. I also run a web based storefront where I exclusively design and sell Scubah merchandise such as t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to name a few of our products. The online store is another outlet for me to do what I love by designing merchandise and sharing it with the world. To any aspiring entrepreneur, looking to start a business, My advice would be to first decide what niche you want to create your business in. Then I suggest creating a detailed business plan. This not only gives you a road map of your business goals, but also helps in case you need to secure funding. I also suggest setting timelines and constantly aiming to meet them. A goal without a plan is only a dream, so setting timelines and being disciplined enough to constantly aim to meet those timelines, helps you to meet your goals. Last but not least; start your business! After all, this is the most important step. You’ve got this!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is an expression of myself whether it be through automotive content or design. That is what sets me apart from others.

We’re all unique individuals but so many of us try to fit into a status quo when in reality, our individualism is what makes us stand out. I got to where I am today by not being afraid of trying new things. I like to come out of my comfort zone and take risks in order to better my life and the life of my family.

In my opinion, taking risks is a part of advancing in business. However, I always weigh the pros and cons before making a creative or business decision. If the pros outweigh the cons, then the choice is a simple one.

Of course not every risk we take in business will be a success. However the decisions that turn out to be less than ideal become a lesson.

The lessons that I’ve learned along the way are to set goals, continuously learn, and never be afraid of challenges as they are a part of business growth.

When people see my brand and my story I want them to know that it all starts with a dream. I grew up on the beautiful island of Jamaica dreaming about some of the automobiles that I’ve been able to film today. So I would highly recommend that you never give up on your dreams!

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?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would definitely have to show them around Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Brickell, and Bayside.

When it comes to restaurants, Miami has a surplus of amazing ones like the Lido Bayside Grill which offers a great view and a diverse menu. Chima Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale will always be a go to spot! The food trucks at Pelican Harbor Marina on Wednesdays are a definite hit as well!

I’d have to tell them to hit up my friends’ over at Bionic Slings to rent a Slingshot to cruise down South Beach. There is nothing like the warm Miami breeze flowing through your hair as you cruise by the ocean!

The rooftop lounge at the Epic Hotel offers a great view of the city and is a nice spot to grab a drink and relax, especially at night.

A day trip to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens will change your life. Learning about the history of the compound was mind blowing and inspiring to say the least.

I’m a huge soccer fan so we’d have to head to Fort Lauderdale to catch an Inter Miami game.

If we were looking to have some fun on the water, then jet ski rentals would be a go to!

I’d also take them to the Miami Design district to see all of the amazing sculptures and museums around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank all my family and friends who have shown me support! All of my subscribers who continuously watch my videos! Their words of wisdom and encouragement mean the world to me!

Two books that I’ve read that changed my mindset in terms of business are Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter and The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

These books are inspiring and changed the way the I look at business overall. They also helped me to navigate in regards to making better business decisions.

Website: scubahshop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scubah_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-christian-84a7b2236/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMwEeGZV627HjmkGWVvAosg

Image Credits
First photo- Photo Credit: Sammi Marie Photography