Fortune favours self-made entrepreneurs. At only 22 years old, Bow James is making a name for himself in the creative industry, exploring his innate gifts and making good use of his impeccable business acumen. Bow talk in figures, business plans, projections and deep financial jargon, a perfect signal that entrepreneurship is deep in his marrow. Being the founder of Different Dimension Creative Studios Ltd *O.D.DSOCIETY*, Bow opens us to his entrepreneural journey and what it has been like all through.
1. Who is James Bow and what is O.D.DSOCIETY about?
I am an artist/creative by passion and probably by calling. I also take pride in being an entrepreneur, particularly in the creative industry.I am the founder and CEO of Different Dimension Creative Studios Ltd. It’s a creative marketing and branding agency focused on providing digital solutions for brand visibility and business identity.
Our services include photography, videography, graphic design, creative direction, concept design, product design and packaging, large format printing (billboards and banners) & more.
The business also operates under the moniker *O.D.DSOCIETY*, a collective of creatives pushing the limits of digital and fine arts through artistically disruptive content *On Different Dimensions*. We provide decorative art pieces for office/ home interiors and organise art exhibitions aimed at providing a platform for mixed media artists to showcase their work and earn a living from their talents.
2. What elements have made O.D.DSOCIETY up and running successfully?Â
Key amongst them is being able to establish a loyal customer base. I can attribute this to taking time to understand my clients and perfecting the product. Other than that, dedication, commitment, patience and hunger for success have been major keys to reaching as far as I have with Different Dimension Creative Studios.
3. How do you generate new ideas for your business?
The internet has been very helpful in gathering information and knowledge about various advancements in our field. New technologies are continuously being rolled out and as such we have to up our game as well. Certain online tools help push our creativity plus we are very keen on collaboration. The business is founded on customer satisfaction and the love of the arts. This is how we ensure we produce our best work on any occasion.
4. Where did you source for capital to fund O.D.DSOCIETY and what are your targets?
Funding has been a major hurdle since the business started 2 years ago. I would make art and sell the pieces to family and friends for 1500-3000ksh. I’ve been raising funds primarily from savings and reinvested finances.
My first major investment was worth 25,000 which went into purchasing computer hardware to build a workstation. Since then, the business has put out an average turnover of 15-20k monthly. Projections for the last quarter of the year are 35,000 p/m but we aim to generate at least 100,000 monthly by March 2019.
5. Any breakthrough moments for O.D.DSOCIETY?
Three months ago I landed a major client. BROWNS FOOD COMPANY. A popular dairy product manufacturer. The job involved creating branding and marketing material for their campaigns and photography services. It was the first time doing product photography professionally and it really taught me a lot about handling the identity of large corporations.
Since then I’ve landed jobs with Zuri Events and REDBULL Kenya creating online marketing content and corporate advertising material
6. How does it feel being your own boss? What would you tell those clinging to white collar jobs?
The choice to go into entrepreneurship or employment, like many decisions in life, is a personal one. It takes having a clear vision of the future you want and taking the necessary steps to get there. For some, entrepreneurship is their path to realising their vision, while employment is the means for others. I urge individuals to pursue their passions and God-given talents since I believe that’s the surest way to live a fulfilling life.
7. Have you failed in business and how did it impact your business?
Failures are an unavoidable part of growth. The difference between those who make it past their failures and those who don’t is their attitude towards it. My failures have simply been lessons and an opportunity to learn how to do things better. I’m not perfect but I aim for it.
8. Who are your target clients?
We are focused on providing creative digital solutions in branding and marketing for businesses, individuals and corporates. This includes providing elegant and authentic decorative art pieces for households, offices, hotels, various establishments and purposes
9. Where do you see O.D.DSOCIETY in 5 years?
Five years from now *Different Dimension Creative Studios* will be a leading provider of creative digital solutions for marketing and advertising. The technology we are currently testing and advancing with one of our partners in Czech Republic will change the way we advertise and interact with customers.
The use of projection mapping will provide an exciting way for consumers to connect with businesses and brands.
10. What inspires you?
My greatest inspiration is life. Every day I have a new experience that changes the way I think about the world and people. It puts me in a place where I’m constantly trying to leave my mark by doing better and being better for the good of all people concerned. God, my family and a few close friends are have also been a great source of motivation to keep going.
11. What advice would you give to young people who want to become entrepreneurs?
I encourage young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and get in gear to achieve their dreams and desires. Sharpen your skills and talents and be the best at what you do. Discipline is key and so is a good support system. You can do it!
Contacts.
www.ondifferentdimensions.com
On Instagram @ondifferentdimensions
On Facebook O.D.DSOCIETY