Name: Cheldin Barlatt Rumer
Finalist, Media
Hometown: Sewell
Business: THIS IS IT NETWORK™
New Jersey Family: What is THIS IS IT NETWORK™ and what makes it unique?
Cheldin Barlatt Rumer: THIS IS IT NETWORK™ is a global, female and minority-owned digital streaming platform. Each day we share inspiring stories with our global audience. We are committed to supporting our SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ mission by producing diverse digital content and captivating in-person events.
NJF: When did you launch THIS IS IT NETWORK™ and what was your biggest inspiration?
CBR: In 2009, I created a digital agency (i-g creative) that aided small business owners – primarily women – with social media campaigns, publicity, graphic design and web development. In early 2013, I conducted mock publicity interviews with one of my shyest clients. She was extremely nervous about attending a local morning show, and I was committed to helping her find her voice.
Often the most talented people have the most challenging time sharing their stories and promoting their businesses. I have always been an extrovert, so speaking confidently in public has always come easy. Watching my talented client struggle and frankly “whisper” about her passion and, therefore, business sparked an idea that soon would become my mission. SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ At that moment, I determined that my life’s goal would be to help talented professionals not whisper their wishes but to scream their dreams.
On that day, THIS IS IT TV was born. I began producing my daily digital talk show that provides small business owners, industry leaders, and brand influencers a fun online platform to comfortably promote their businesses, products and services while sharing lifestyle news and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit. Our platforms reach over 85,000 women monthly and offer them 23 digital talk shows with over 1,000 free episodes and more than 40 exclusive courses on our subscription-based educational portal.
NJF: Tell us about the show, the events and how else women can connect with THIS IS IT NETWORK™.
CBR: In addition to producing 23 digital talk shows, THIS IS IT NETWORK™ is committed to bringing together her global community of remarkable women through in-person events. This digital platform hosts over 20 annual national events and countless hyper-local community events to ensure the SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ community stays connected online and offline.
NJF: What was your proudest moment as a business owner?
CBR: It is all about the connections. At THIS IS IT NETWORK™, we provide our international audience with community, content and connections. Nothing is better than bringing together remarkable women in the spirit of positivity and collaboration. When ambitious women work together, magic happens, and we experience magical moments every day here at THIS IS IT NETWORK™.
NJF: How have you built a community around your brand?
CBR: We pride ourselves on creating safe spaces both online and offline. These safe spaces allow our community members to be vulnerable and ask honest questions while receiving honest answers from a supportive group of like-minded professional women. Pursuing a career or running a business is difficult and often lonely – even for the most ongoing and extroverted people. Our events, meetings and programs have allowed us to create a community based on honest communication and genuine support.
NJF: What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever gotten that you want to share with others?
CBR: You have not come this far to only come this far. Keep going.
NJF: What’s it like juggling the kids and family with running a business?
CBR: I firmly believe you can only do 100% of one thing at a time. I find balance in both home and business by focusing solely on the task at hand. I am focused on my family 100% if I am with my family. If I am producing content, I give 100% of my attention. I have found success by managing my time and adhering to a strict schedule both personally and professionally.
NJF: What’s next for ThisIsItTV?
CBR: We are excited to announce that we are developing our own THIS IS IT NETWORK™ Media + Innovation Center. THIS IS IT NETWORK™ Media + Innovation Center is where education meets innovation. In addition to housing THIS IS IT NETWORK™ productions, this state-of-the-art facility will offer content creators, entrepreneurs and students the opportunity to access comprehensive courses, hands-on workshops, cutting-edge technology, and talented industry professionals. Through this southern New Jersey destination, we aim to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that celebrates the ever-changing digital landscape while offering small business owners and young professionals access to global platforms, additional resources, and diverse audiences.
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