Tressa "Azarel" Smallwood, CEO of Megamind Media | How to Quit Your Job, Follow Your Passion & Build a Media Empire

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References & Resources

Tressa "Azarel" Smallwood

CEO of Megamind Media, Book Publisher, Movie Producer, Entrepreneurial Coach

Tressa "Azarel" Smallwood shares her inspiring journey of leaving a stable career to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, building a successful media empire through book publishing and film production. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, offering insights into overcoming self-doubt, the importance of strategic partnerships, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The episode highlights her transition from an author to a movie producer and CEO of Megamind Media.

Key Topics

Transitioning to EntrepreneurshipBook Publishing to Film ProductionEntrepreneurial MindsetMedia Empire BuildingAdvice for Young Entrepreneurs

Companies & Organizations

Megamind Media

Tressa's award-winning film company responsible for producing films like 'ALL IN' and 'The Available Wife', and developing TV series like 'Caught Up' and 'Positions'.

Show Notes

Tressa "Azarel" Smallwood is an award-winning Book Publisher, Movie Producer and Entrepreneurial Coach. In 2003 after writing her first novel, Tressa resigned from her teaching tenure in the Maryland school system to fulfill her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Since then, she's published numerous books resulting in over 162 published titles some of which are now being adapted to film and TV series on BET, TV ONE , Urban Movie Channel & more.

As a content catalog owner, Tressa's entrepreneurial work as both an author and movie producer have been featured in Black Enterprise, EURWeb, The Source, Shadow & Act, Rolling Out and many more. Expanding into the film industry with MegaMind Media, her award-winning film company, she recently produced the 2019 American Black Film Festival & BET award-winning film, “ALL IN” starring Lil Mama, Elise Neal & Lyric Hurd which airs on BET SPRING 2020, and The Available Wife starring KJ Smith, Terayle Hill, and Roger Guenveur Smith.

Tressa is currently in development for two of her scripted TV Series, Caught Up, Positions and she is also touring to promote Sinners Wanted , a faith based phenomenon that airs on TV ONE April, 5th 2020.

➡️ Talking Points

03:23 — Coming from a family of entrepreneurs.

04:43 — Having a passion for teaching.

10:26 — A rundown of Tressa's various businesses.

15:46 — The transition from book publishing, to film.

22:42 — Self doubt, faith & entrepreneurship.

25:04 — How to make sure you align with the right people.

29:25 — Double checking & due diligence.

31:25 — Why today's education system is failing students.

38:43 — Some advice for young entrepreneurs.