Today we’d like to introduce you to Janika Byington.
Hi Janika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I wanted to be an entertainer, But I was told that was a “pipe dream”. I was encouraged to be “realistic.” But the dream has stayed in my soul. At age 53, it may be too late for me, but I want kids to know that there is room for them in the 2.9 trillion dollar entertainment industry. It IS realistic to have a career or make a living as a creator.
However, the industry is run by giants who use the creative work of others to enrich themselves and leave the artists to starve. It doesn’t have to be like that. So I wanted to create something that focuses on connecting creators with in person communities while keeping my expenses minimal so I can give more to the artists.
I host concerts. I am open to all music styles, but most of my musicians currently fall in the punk/alternative/indie categories. I also host book conventions and weekly book signings, as well as local author only book clubs.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have failed to be profitable in over two years of business. I am a single mom with two kids left at home (4 are adults). I have lived with friends and family for the last two years so I can continue to use whatever business income to continue to stay in business and keep building it. I have not taken any personal income.
There are so many reasons to quit, but I keep hanging in there because my mission is bigger than my obstacles. I am making sacrifices because I believe that what I am doing can eventually make a big difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My objective is to help creators make a living from their work. There are many problems I see solutions for. One major key is to go back to real world communities rather than drowning in the amazonian flow of the global internet. Another key is providing collaborative space where people can build on each other’s talents and followings to become better and bigger than they might on their own.
We have space. We are always looking for new performers who want to create and participate in productions, and especially producers and donors to fund our huge variety of activities.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
As my business grows, I will be able to implement even more solutions that will help people move beyond news and entertainment that makes us feel overwhelmed and hopeless so we can be empowered to make our communities and our world better–physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. No one can do it all alone. Let’s build something great together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://4theloveofgood.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4theloveof_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559194213589
