Sarah Guantai, the founder and CEO of Kijani Curlcare and Skincare shares her story on building and launching a Kenyan beauty Brand out of her hair and skin struggles.
We visited her at an exhibition stand at KICC Nairobi for an exclusive interview. Sarah and her Co-Founder and Husband Rodgers Egesa shared their journey from a passionate entrepreneur to a beauty brand owners.
Join us as we delve into the secrets behind building a successful Kenyan brand.
Do you have an inspiring story that you would like to share? let me know here.
If you need video production services, you can reach out to by clicking here or visit our video production consultancy website here.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our world, revolutionizing numerous industries. One sector particularly impacted by this technological advancement is the creative industry. This vast domain, encompassing writing, graphic design, animation, motion graphics, video editing, videography, video directing, and photography, has witnessed a significant shift due to AI’s increasing capabilities.
As AI tools become more sophisticated, they are automating tasks traditionally performed by human creatives, leading to concerns about job displacement and economic hardship within the industry.
Today, claiming the title of “writer” can be a risky endeavor. Those who dare to do so often face skepticism and challenges from those who leverage AI to gain an unfair advantage.
With the right prompts, AI can generate remarkably well-written content, blurring the lines between human and machine-generated work.
To what extent has AI negatively impacted the creative industry?
Conversely, what positive contributions has it made? Ultimately, do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks?
Pros
Creatives Can Work on Budget
Many AI tools, such as Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT, are freely available to individual users. These powerful tools can help you generate a wide range of content, including blog posts, video scripts, and website copy. By leveraging information from numerous sources, AI can spark creativity and provide a wealth of new ideas.
AI tools can be a cost-effective and time-saving solution for editing and improving your writing. Instead of hiring someone to proofread, edit, and enhance your blog posts, AI can efficiently handle these tasks.
These tools can identify and correct spelling and grammar errors, suggest alternative phrasings, and even add relevant details to strengthen your content.
AI tools have the potential to revolutionize the scriptwriting process. By generating visual representations of scenes, these tools can help writers envision their stories more clearly.
This not only streamlines the creative process but also reduces the need for additional staff, such as storyboard artists, to create visual aids.
There is Growth in Content Volumes Shared
AI tools have empowered even those who didn’t consider themselves creative to easily produce content. For example, 3D character modeling, once a time-consuming process, is now significantly streamlined with AI assistance.
The game has changed. With a few simple prompts, you can now generate 3D models on demand. Tools like Kling AI take this a step further, creating 5-15 second 3D videos of real-life characters in action, all based on your instructions.
With AI tools, you can supercharge your content creation process, generating high-quality content in a fraction of the time.
Access to Professional AI Voice Over Characters
Voiceover narration is a crucial element in documentary or faceless video presentations. It provides essential context and explanation, guiding viewers through the visual content. Although voiceovers are traditionally produced in studios with professional voice actors, AI text-to-speech tools are rapidly gaining ground in this industry. These advanced tools can transform written scripts into highly realistic audio, making it easier than ever to generate voiceovers without the need for human intervention. Simply input your script, and let the AI handle the rest.
This has empowered individuals, particularly those with limited budgets, to access professional voiceovers.
Anyone Can Create Anywhere And Earn
These tools are perfect for both freelancers and content creators looking to enhance their workflow. If you’re a skilled video editor, you can utilize this toolset to bring your creative visions to life and generate income.
AI tools can supercharge your content creation. You can create engaging posts for social media and even monetize them. The best part? You don’t need a big budget to get started.
Cons
Creative Skills Value Price Has Dropped
The rise of AI writing tools has challenged the traditional value of writing skills. As these tools become more sophisticated, they can generate high-quality content with minimal human intervention, potentially diminishing the perceived importance of human writers.
Historically, professional writers charged a minimum of $5 per 100 words. Today, rates have declined, except for niche fields requiring on-the-ground research.
The market for graphic design services has become increasingly competitive, with demand waning and prices falling. Clients with limited budgets often opt for free design tools like Canva, bypassing professional designers altogether. For example, a client with a $30 budget for a poster might choose a free Canva template rather than pay a designer $100.
To maintain their relevance in the evolving creative landscape, creatives must proactively adapt and reassert their value. Video editors, for example, can position themselves as strategic partners who leverage AI to significantly increase production volume and efficiency for clients, ultimately delivering more value for a given budget.
Transparency is key when using AI in client interactions. By openly discussing your use of AI tools, you can build trust and alleviate any concerns your clients may have. This honest approach can strengthen your professional relationships and enhance client satisfaction.
There is More Duplicate Content All Over
Some shares everything that AI gives them on prompt. They do not take any step to make any changes on the information that the tool provides. At the end, if someone else in another part of the world with the same idea uses AI the same way, they will get the same results.
The overreliance on AI tools has stifled creativity, leaving many young people unable to produce original content.
Content duplication poses a significant challenge. By making minor alterations, individuals can easily claim original work as their own, potentially undermining the efforts of the true creator.
Loose of Human Touch
While AI can generate remarkably realistic human videos, these creations often lack genuine human emotion. Additionally, AI-generated storylines tend to be repetitive and predictable, making prolonged consumption of such content tedious.
Substantial background research and development are essential for maximizing the output’s potential.
Conclusion
The advent of AI has posed significant challenges for many trained professionals in the creative industry. While some may question the future of their creative careers, the answer is clear: creatives should not abandon their passions and turn to alternative livelihoods.
Rather than resisting AI, creatives should embrace these tools and integrate them into their daily workflows. Clients are more likely to hire a skilled creative who leverages AI to gain a competitive edge than one who lacks both technical proficiency and ethical understanding.
And that is it from me here. What are your thoughts on the effects AI tools to the creatives? Has it affected demand for creative services? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
And if you need professional video production services, you can reach out to me here. I will be glad to help you out.
Up until next time, bye bye and take care. Follow me on social media @cheptionymutai
I spent a decade freelancing online before transitioning away from that lifestyle. While my cumulative earnings were substantial, I was disheartened to discover I had no savings to show for it. This isn’t an uncommon experience for remote freelancers, even those who work long hours. Numerous factors contribute to this financial challenge, and I’ll delve into some of the most common ones.
In addition to the challenge of securing consistent client work, freelancers frequently face the psychological hurdle of managing their income with anxiety, leading to suboptimal financial decisions.
Driven by a desire to boost their online earnings, freelancers can sometimes make unwise financial decisions. Here are four common pitfalls that can lead to financial loss:
Multiple Income Sources Gimmick
The internet is flooded with financial gurus offering online money-making schemes. While diversifying income streams is a sound financial strategy, many of these gurus promote misleading or fraudulent advice. Unfortunately, freelancers, who often rely on digital income, are particularly vulnerable to these scams.
Have you ever seen a YouTuber boasting about earning $1,000 daily with just two hours of online work? They often conclude by urging you to sign up for their $39 or $99 course, promising to reveal the secrets to online wealth. Even if your gut tells you it’s too good to be true, you might still pay the fee, driven by the allure of easy money.
This is where the trouble starts. The YouTuber will relentlessly upsell you on additional courses and services, all with empty promises. You’ll pay fees to reach new levels, only to find yourself burned out and regretful after spending hundreds of dollars chasing a mirage.
After enrolling in a seemingly legitimate $39 course, you’re assigned tasks like typing scripts or writing reviews for gaming and gambling websites. The promise? A quick $1,000. However, once you complete the work, you’re hit with a $50 processing fee to withdraw your earnings. After payment, the website vanishes, and all communication ceases.
Be cautious of online opportunities that promise easy money, especially those involving upfront fees or unusual tasks. Always verify the legitimacy of such offers before proceeding.
Forex Trading
The dream of rapid wealth accumulation is a powerful motivator. For many, Forex trading offers the tantalizing possibility of doubling or even tripling their investments in a single day. Social media platforms are filled with stories of individuals who have achieved financial success through Forex, inspiring countless others to embark on this potentially lucrative journey.
A common way people get ensnared in Forex scams is through social engineering. A friend or acquaintance may boast about their incredible earnings from Forex trading, displaying a seemingly lucrative trading account. Impressed by these apparent profits, the victim becomes eager to join.
The scammer often suggests starting with a demo account to learn the ropes. On this demo platform, the victim might experience rapid, unrealistic gains, falsely creating the impression that Forex trading is a guaranteed path to wealth.
Ready to begin, your friend suggests a $400 investment for optimal returns. Aiming to double this in eight hours, you’re disheartened by a $300 loss within four. Despite reassurances of a market rebound, a sudden crash wipes out your entire investment in just fifteen minutes.
This whole thing just makes you even more pissed off. You ask your friend how they helped with the trade, and they basically tell you things went south and they’re really sorry. To try and cheer you up, they tell you about how they lost a grand on their first day of trading and kept throwing more money at it.
With limited resources, you’re forced to either heal and patiently wait for your next freelance payment to try again, or you may be compelled to give up entirely.
This is how many freelancers lose money in Forex trading, chasing quick riches. Remember, anything promising quick wealth is likely a scam. Invest your hard-earned money wisely to avoid poverty and overwork in old age.
Rental: You would rent an online bitcoin mining machine for a monthly fee, typically starting around $100.
Earnings: The earnings were based on the specific specifications (ASIC) of the rented mining machine. For example, if you paid $100, you might expect to earn $3 per day for 30 days.
Refund and Profit: At the end of the month, the initial $100 rental fee would be refunded. So, in this example, your total earnings would be $190 ($90 in profits + $100 refund).
Investment or Withdrawal: You could then choose to reinvest your profits back into the cloud mining operation or withdraw them. It’s important to note that cloud mining can be a risky venture, and there’s no guarantee of consistent or significant profits.
Over time, you’ll be able to purchase a powerful machine costing $200 that can generate $10 per day. In four months, with consistent upgrades to more powerful machines, you could accumulate over $1000. However, if you attempt to withdraw these funds, you’ll be denied and required to pay a 50% tax on the withdrawal amount. At this point, you’ll realize you’ve made a mistake.
Additionally, when you delve deeper into the cloud mining company, you’ll discover that it’s owned by a Nigerian citizen and registered in the UK.
Imagine investing a significant sum, like $1,000 or even $10,000, only to lose it all. The pain of losing hard-earned money can be substantial.
To maximize your earnings and avoid falling victim to cryptocurrency cloud mining scams, freelancers should exercise caution and invest wisely.
Gambling
Gambling is highly addictive, making it difficult to exercise sound judgment when the goal is quick riches. While nobody wants to remain poor, gambling is not a reliable path to wealth. The Bible warns, “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).
Gambling can be a slippery slope, leading to financial ruin and emotional distress. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction. There are many resources available to help people overcome this problem.
I’ve heard many stories of people who work all day without eating, only to gamble away their entire paycheck.
If you find yourself caught in the cycle of gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. A therapist can provide the support and tools you need to overcome this challenge.
Gambling is a risky endeavor that often leads to financial loss rather than wealth accumulation. The pursuit of wealth requires a strategic and disciplined approach, not a reliance on chance.
To achieve financial success, it’s crucial to adopt a mindset focused on building wealth through sustainable means. If gambling is not solely for recreational purposes, it’s advisable to reconsider this habit and embark on a journey towards financial independence.
I encourage individuals to consider joining a Christian church, where they can access supportive communities and spiritual counseling to aid in overcoming addiction.
Conclusion
Protect your valuable online earnings by making informed investment decisions. Take your time to research potential opportunities and, if necessary, consult with experts. Your financial future depends on it.
A freelance community can protect you from falling victim to deceptive get-rich-quick schemes.
With this said, don not hesitate to diversify your income streams. Multiple reliable sources of income can enhance your quality of life.
And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful. What other ways do freelancers loose their earnings online? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Up until next time, bye bye and take care. If you need video production services, you can reach out to me here.
You can follow me on social media on @cheptionymutai
If you’re a budding vlogger just starting out, this article is for you! Setting clear expectations for your audience is crucial. Understanding what keeps viewers engaged will help you create high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
Of course, by the time you decide to start creating content, you likely already have a vision for the kind of content you want to produce.
I’ve spent the last 15 years crafting high-quality videos for a diverse clientele, including major corporations and remote clients. My portfolio boasts over 3,000 completed projects, and I’ve also shared my passion for video production through my YouTube channel, which now features 400+ videos.
Here are five key elements to consider when planning to create high-quality vlog content:
Sound
Clear audio is paramount to keeping viewers engaged. If your audience can’t hear what you’re saying, they’ll quickly lose interest and move on to the next video.
For optimal audio quality, find a quiet spot in your home and record using your device’s built-in microphone. If you need better sound, consider investing in an external microphone. These come in various price ranges, compatible with cameras, phones, and other recording devices.
Video Quality
If you’re using a camera, familiarize yourself with manual settings. Because you’re filming in a controlled environment, you can precisely adjust your camera’s video settings to achieve the desired look for your videos.
Mastering the Exposure Triangle: Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed
Understanding how to control aperture, ISO, and shutter speed is fundamental to capturing high-quality video footage. By mastering these three elements of the exposure triangle, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect balance of light and exposure in your videos.
Frame your shots effectively to enhance your presentation. Understand the difference between close-ups, medium close-ups, and long shots. For most talking-head videos, a close-up shot works best.
Finally, to ensure the highest possible video quality, shoot at a frame rate of 50 frames per second or higher. This will result in smoother and more detailed videos.
Lighting
Ensure optimal lighting for your indoor vlogs. If you’re filming indoors, choose a well-lit space or invest in additional lighting equipment. Take the time to set up your lighting and test your shots to avoid overexposure.
Good lighting can significantly enhance your video quality and boost your confidence. If you don’t have professional lighting equipment, consider filming outdoors in natural light whenever possible.
Work on Your Content And Composure
Plan your content in advance. Outline what you want to discuss and, if necessary, write a script. Practice your script multiple times to ensure a smooth and natural delivery in your video.
A more natural approach to vlogging is often preferred by viewers. Scriptless vlogs can feel more authentic and engaging, as content creators can speak directly to their audience without the constraints of a script. This direct, point-to-point style can help keep viewers interested and focused.
Video Editing and Branding
Master the art of editing and personal branding! Explore the wealth of user-friendly video editing software available today. Enhance your skills with free YouTube tutorials on video editing techniques.
Once you master video editing, you can elevate your brand. Editing allows you to add professional touches like standardized intros and outros, incorporate your logo, and remove unnecessary footage. The result? A polished final product that reflects your unique brand identity.
Conclusion
Viewers are drawn to high-quality video content. Videos with clear audio, sharp visuals, proper lighting, well-researched information, a composed presenter, and professional video editing attract a more dedicated audience.
To maximize your content’s impact, prioritize these 5 essential elements. Remember, content is king. Consistent high-quality content is the key to success.
And that is from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. If you need quality video production services, you request for our services here. I will be glad to help.
Up until next time, bye bye and take care.
Follow me on all social media networks @cheptionymutai
Stress can be a debilitating factor in the business world. Consider this scenario: A client approaches you with a project, and you agree to terms. You begin work, anticipating the client’s cooperation to ensure a successful outcome. Despite your expertise, the client’s lack of collaboration hinders your ability to deliver quality service. This disconnect creates unnecessary stress, as you find yourself navigating unreasonable demands while striving to meet project goals.
How do you handle a situation like this? Will you give up and request for cancellation of the contract?
I have been in this situation in the past and here is how I coped.
Giving Up
After a stressful experience with a client that ended up costing me more than what I earned, I decided to stop offering that service to other clients. However, years later, when a similar incident occurred on a different project, I realized that giving up was a mistake. I should have continued providing the same services despite the negative experience.
Do Not Let One Experience Mess Your Vision/Dreams
I recently watched a video on YouTube about a philosopher who said he believes in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the belief that a living being’s non-physical essence is reborn in a new physical form after death. It’s also known as rebirth or transmigration.
Reincarnation, in a business context, signifies the opportunity to rectify past mistakes and start anew. It implies that setbacks are not necessarily fatal but rather stepping stones towards a better future.
Your reaction to negative experiences can significantly impact future opportunities. Remember, every setback presents a chance for improvement. While it’s unlikely the client causing the issue will recommend your services, don’t let this deter you. Focus on learning from the experience and seeking out new opportunities to showcase your skills.
Dust yourself off and confidently move forward, as the next opportunity awaits.
You gain valuable insights from challenging experiences and ultimately become a leading force in the market.
Relook at Your Pricing
Evaluate the challenges you faced during the stressful project. Consider whether increasing your rates is necessary to mitigate potential future frustrations. If so, don’t hesitate to adjust your pricing accordingly.
Many frustrations arise from projects where clients expect additional work without compensation, often due to inadequate initial budgeting. This can lead to increased stress and, in some cases, even threats of non-payment if you refuse to provide services outside the original agreement.
When analyzing the sources of stress during a project, consider the potential impact on your profitability. It’s disheartening to invest significant time, effort, and sleepless nights into a project only to realize that the final profit margin is negligible or even negative.
The goal of any business is to be profitable so stay focused.
Build on Contract Agreements
Always establish clear terms and conditions with your clients, regardless of whether they’re individuals or businesses. Draft a comprehensive contract agreement that outlines the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and any other relevant details. Ensure both parties sign the agreement and retain copies.
If a client fails to sign and return the contract within a specified timeframe, consider it a breach of contract and reserve the right to cancel the project. Any associated costs should be borne by the client.
The contract you sign with the client will serve as a safeguard during your service tenure. It will clearly outline the scope of work and any additional services that may incur extra fees, preventing misunderstandings and setting clear boundaries for both parties.
Learn to run your business unusually so that it gives you exemplary results.
Relook At Your Team
The root of your problem might lie within your team. While many individuals claim expertise, they often lack essential interpersonal skills. It’s crucial to invest in training your team members on effective communication and cooperation. Those who consistently fail to meet these standards may need to be replaced. Don’t tolerate incompetence.
Neglecting underperforming team members can lead to subpar service delivery and dissatisfied clients. Don’t hesitate to take decisive action by terminating the employment of individuals who consistently fail to adhere to your standards and expectations.
Conclusion
Pressure and stress are inevitable parts of business growth. Learning to manage them is crucial for long-term success. When feeling overwhelmed after a challenging project, avoid making rash decisions. Instead, take a step back and reflect on the underlying causes of your stress, such as pricing, contracts, or team dynamics. By addressing these root issues, you can effectively alleviate pressure and create a more sustainable and fulfilling work environment.
And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article insightful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you need professional video production services, you can reach out to me here. Alternatively, you can visit our business website here.
Despite facing increased criticism and governmental crackdowns, recognized religions across the world continue to expand and flourish even in challenging economic conditions and climates. What could be the secret to this success? What strategies are religious organizations employing that contribute to their welfare, and can these be replicated in the business world to promote prosperity and well-being?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years, 45% within five years, and 65% within 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses survive to be 15 years or older. These statistics have remained relatively consistent since the 1990s.
Among the reasons cited for the failure include lack of capital, poor management, unsuccessful marketing and faulty business model.
So, what can business owners learn from religious organizations to prevent failure? In this article, I’ll share three values that can transform business operations.
Service
Prior to joining my local church, I had no experience in serving others. Once I became a member, I volunteered for one of the church’s ministries. This experience taught me the importance of offering one’s time and talents freely, with a genuine commitment to excellence. It’s a mindset that every business owner should strive to emulate.
A business owner’s primary focus should be serving customers with the best products and services. This principle of reciprocity is also evident in faith: By giving our best to God, we believe we are blessed with a good life and strengthened faith.
Imagine a world where businesses prioritize customer satisfaction over profits. By consistently delivering exceptional products and services, they would undoubtedly generate countless referrals. The immeasurable value of a happy, satisfied customer can significantly impact a business’s long-term success.
Customers can pay any price you name when they realize your services are top notch.
Specialty
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the sheer volume of products and services within a single business niche can be overwhelming, particularly for startups. To navigate this complexity, specialization is key. By focusing on a specific product or service line, businesses can carve out a niche and excel within it.
For instance, Christian ministers dedicate their lives to studying and teaching the Bible. Through consistent engagement with the scriptures, they develop a deep understanding of biblical principles. By specializing in biblical teachings, they become masters of their craft, capable of addressing spiritual concerns across various life stages. This exemplifies how specialization leads to mastery.
This is a common pitfall for many startups, leading to failure within a few years. They often succumb to market trends, abandoning their original focus to chase after emerging, potentially lucrative niches.
Someone with this tendency of jumping from one business to another ends up as a Jack of all trades and a master of none. This is not good health-wise. Its very important to specialize in one in order to stand the test of time.
Community
From a church perspective, fostering a strong community is paramount. New members are welcomed into the church family through orientation sessions, where they are introduced to the leadership and organizational structure. Subsequently, they are invited to participate in training programs designed to deepen their understanding of the Bible and enhance their worship experience.
Businesses should prioritize building strong communities with their customers by actively welcoming them into their inner circle from the moment of purchase. This can be achieved through various strategies, such as offering training sessions to educate customers about the business model, purchasing process, product packages, and available discounts. Additionally, businesses can effectively communicate important updates, such as new store openings, through automated SMS, email, or personalized outreach.
Conclusion
Embarking on a religious journey requires dedication and trust. Over time, one learns that unwavering commitment and a positive outlook yield significant rewards. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a meaningful spiritual journey. Religions offer a wealth of valuable lessons that can be applied to various aspects of life, including business.
If you’re facing challenges in your business and have a negative perspective on religion, I encourage you to reconsider. By exploring the teachings of various religions, you may discover valuable lessons that can help you overcome obstacles and find renewed hope.
And that is it from me here. I hope you found this article helpful.
What are some of the values you have learned from religion that can be adopted and applied in business? Let me know in the comments section below.
And if you need professional video production and content creation services, you can reach out to me here.
