Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashad Roberson.
Hi Rashad, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is really multifaceted across the different business ventures I have developed since 2018. Back in 2017, I decided I wanted to start a business for myself and researched ways to use my God-given talents or learn to develop my own skill set into something that could bring in some revenue. I grew up with a desire to explore graphic design and taught myself how to code and edit/manipulate pictures and build websites.
November 2017, I stumbled upon wanting to explore photography. I asked my parents for a camera that Christmas and started to practice on a daily basis. I brought my camera with me everywhere and wanted to take a picture of every moving and non-moving thing. February 2018, I formed my business under RC Roberson Productions, LLC (RC stands for Rashad and Cecilee), and as of today, we are operating under the name of Raecee Media (Raeceemedia.com) since 2020.
After gaining some experience. Determining my niche and continuing to grow daily being self-taught, I decided that I wanted to go back to the arts – acting, and singing. As a child, I would always see myself (in my imagination) on different shows or movie sets. I remember my parents bringing me to one of those scam agency events where you pay thousands of dollars to hopefully be picked by an agent or management, but I was never the “lucky” one that got picked. I allowed a bad experience from high school to deter me from my dreams of wanting to act and sing. I remember I auditioned for a school play surrounding a popular film I had never seen. After reading the lines, the director asked me to audition for another role. I read the script in the first voice that came to my mind. I was laughed at by everyone in the room. I gave up and stuck to singing (at home, church, or school choirs).
In 2019, I decided I was going to break out of my shell of being shy and break the cycle of running from what I dreamed of for so long and realized it wouldn’t just “happen” or there is some magical potion that would allow me to be discovered. I remember going on social media and searching “Casting Call Houston,” or it may have been a hashtag, and local production for a play had auditions approaching. I reached out to the production company and wasn’t picked for the role I auditioned for, but was chosen as an understudy for a big named Gospel artist. I was thrilled. I also learned now, years after that-that showbiz is full of rejection, and you have to learn to roll with the punches.
I stayed with the production and would show up to every rehearsal and take pictures to assist with marketing/memories. I was also booked for the cast photos. As we got closer to the production date, the artist was not able to make it, and I finally had my chance, and the rest has been history. I enrolled in acting classes, had a few agents, headshots, and worked with amazing people, and continue to hone and develop my craft to this day awaiting the opportunity to book my first SAG credit. (RashadRoberson.com)
I’ve been married to my wife going on 8 years, and we have been together going on 13 years. We just welcomed our first daughter back in March. I’ve been on a mission to create multiple streams of income to not only support the desires of my wife or ourselves but to be able to have something for our children in the future. To allow them to have opportunities that I may have not had growing up. I am rooted in my family and nurturing the love and care that is needed for them so that they may grow and be a light that the world needs.
I easily get a little sidetracked when it comes to talking about my little family, but I say all of this to add to my next venture of being the family member that is constantly asked to research vacation and travel deals. So as of January 19, 2023, I launched my own travel agency, Raecee Vacations (Raeceevacations.com). Last year, in 2022, I invested in training via an ad on Facebook. At this time I was heavily invested in creating another stream of income but did not know that at the time of this push, that I would be laid off from my job shortly after (my wife and I have experienced this three times since we have been married). I was unemployed for 4 months. I quickly lost interest and desire to want to continue any venture. I fell into a state of depression. Grief or instances like this affect us all differently, but I was in a place in my career where my job was taking a toll on my health, and at the end of the day, I knew that everything happens for a reason and that God had another plan.
To reel this thing back in, after I regained employment, I sought to get my business up and running and take another approach. I enrolled in more in-depth training and launched my travel agency within 2-3 weeks. Raecee Vacations specializes in solo, group, couples (baecations), group/family trips. We provide exceptional service only book 3-to-5-star accommodations for all of our clients. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we post specials on a weekly basis, and for an extremely small research fee, we can plan the vacation of your DREAMS!
Raeceemedia.com | RashadRoberson.com | Raeceevacations.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the 3 business ventures I have begun, no, it has not been a smooth road. From job loss to loss of interest and societal pressures, it can all be a hindrance in cultivating a profitable business. I’ve explained the biggest hiccups in my previous response, but in a short easy answer, no it has not been smooth.
Prime example, back in 2021, I received a promotion at work. The promotion came with a level of stress I was not used to. I tried to run my business and give to the business that was providing for my lifestyle. Due to the nature of my job, it took precedence over my passions, and I had to put everything I had worked hard for on the backburner. I didn’t really consider the toll my job was taking on me until one day; I was taking a shower and washing my hair. I lost all energy and felt myself passing out in the shower. My health started to decline due to the pressures of my job. I didn’t have time for myself. I was working all day and at night when emergencies happened. I had days where I was working from 8 AM to 1-2 AM the following day and not getting sleep.
After my visit with my doctor, I knew I had to slow down. I was laid off shortly after that, and it was the break I needed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
RashadRoberson.com – This is the creative side where I get to explore acting and music. I think of myself as a storyteller experiencing my truth through the lens of the character.
Raeceemedia.com – This is also another creative side where I have the opportunity to create lasting memories for families to tell stories of centered around love, joy, milestones, and personal development. I offer services starting at $75.
Raeceevacations.com – I am able to offer experiences to clients. Life is not about working a 9-5. We only have one life to live and should explore and fill our hearts with joy surrounded by people, family, cultures, and most importantly… food! Outside of the specials that we post, for $25 we are able to offer custom quotes that include 2-3 options. Our goal is to take out the hassle of planning. As our client, you tell us where you want to go. We do our magic and partner with our vendors. We provide you the options and any travel requirements. You show up and have the best time of your life and tell us all about it when you return. We are the middleman that keeps you from having to stress about the minute details
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In all three of my business ventures, networking is key. I enjoy hearing about things that other entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals have gone through and if they are able to provide any nuggets that could keep me motivated or avoid any pitfalls. I have been fortunate enough to come across some great individuals that have all poured and added value in my business endeavors. Between listening to Denzel Washington’s speech at Dillard University and keeping the mantra “Just keep going” has been my cornerstone in my life.
Pricing:
- Custom vacation quotes: $25
- Portraits starting at $75
- Acting: Always available
Contact Info:
- Website: RashadRoberson.com | Raeceemedia.com | Raeceevacations.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/officiallyrashad | instagram.com/raeceemedia | instagram.com/raeceevacations
- Facebook: facebook.com/officiallyrashad | facebook.com/raeceemedia | facebook.com/raeceevacations
Image Credits
Dareas Scott Photography
Nightfall Motion Pictures
radicephotography.com
Rudy Mui Photography
Raecee Media
