We had the good fortune of connecting with Marci Krown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marci, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The main aspect of creating my own business was that I no longer had to go through red tape to get something done. I’ve worked all of my life (since 14 years old), and working for someone has its pros and cons. The thought process of being my own boss and not having to answer to anyone was very liberating for me. I could create my rules, priorities and how I would interact with my customers for starters. I could work one on one with people and give them an answer immediately. I knew that it would take a lot of work to get it off the ground as no one had heard about me. I knew I was going to have to put in longer hours in the beginning to make sure the business got a good head start. Having a Father who was an Entrepreneur before he retired allowed me to ask questions about certain aspects of my business that he already was doing!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

One thing I enjoy is putting my thoughts into action about what I want to accomplish. I don’t think that sets me apart from other Entrepreneurs/Filmmakers.

I’m most excited about the ability to create events, projects that I am passionate about! As an Entrepreneur, I feel that we are creating a pathway for business that people might not realize they need! I can thank my Dad and my faith for my own risk-taking abilities.

After getting a job in which I was going to be moving to Atlanta from my hometown of Cleveland for my first job out of college (resort hospitality), my father said that “Just go there and not to worry about whether it was going to work out, you can always move back home.” To me, that was so reassuring. I literally only knew the person who interviewed me for the job. I was going to be staying with a friend’s sister’s friend in the city until I found another place.
I ended up living in Atlanta for 10 years.

The lesson, because I had a positive attitude towards my move, relayed into other areas of my life while living in Atlanta. With each risk I took, which involved me going after something I wanted, and not sure how it would happen, would keep building on each other. It wasn’t easy at times. At one point, a company was downsizing and had to let me go. I had just found my own place to rent. Immediately I looked for waitressing work as I had done that in Cleveland during College. I had to move again and live with a room-mate, but at least I could survive somewhat.

Again, by turning the loss of a job into a positive situation meant I’d have more flexible time to pursue what I really wanted, because I had a job. It took around 3 1/2 years to land something I was going after. The lesson has carried me far for future jobs-you have to be persistent, consistent and have passion for what you want! Be open to new experiences, even those you haven’t done. I can guarantee you will use those skills in other ways down the road!

After working in the corporate world for years, I moved again to be closer to my parents that moved to San Diego, to pursue work. Having been in this situation before, I was comfortable going after various challenges. I had the support of my parents with a place to stay until finding work. The lesson to share with those pursuing work in unknown situations, is that things may not go as smooth as you hoped but you are moving closer to your goals and you are moving forward.

Eventually I created my own business with the same positive mindset from the very first successful move back in Atlanta. If you are passionate enough about something, you will find a way to make it work! There are people in the community that have been in your shoes and are willing to help you get there. You have to go out though and find the help. It’s not always going to come knocking on your door. You need to knock the door down and create your own path.

Currently, I’m producing my first Documentary Feature. I had produced three shorts prior. Again, with a subject matter I am passionate about and with an active filmmaking community in San Diego, I knew I could take on this challenge. The title is, The Power of Sports for Amputees. Remember that period of 3 1/2 years it took to land a job in Atlanta and I finally got it? That was for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. Did I know 27 years later I would be producing a film about people with limb loss? Nope. But because of my experience that I was open to in the past, made it easier to take on a project that I hadn’t done before. And producing three film shorts prior, based on the suggestion of a teacher, to improve my current skill set in acting, helped set the path for a feature film!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places to visit in San Diego! A week’s time here would certainly give my out-of-town friends an incredible overview of this beautiful city!

I love Little Italy. On Saturday, I’d take them down there for the Farmer’s Market. I’d then take them to eat at Farmers Table for breakfast/brunch and of course we need to stop at Cafe Zucchero to take home some Italian cookies. I am very partial to Encinitas too! On a Sunday, we’d start in the morning at Lofty Coffee for a great coffee drink. Then head over to Dave’s Rock Garden at B Street and the 101 and paint a rock. The Garden has some interesting native plants and is an interesting place to get your “Zen” on and get inspired! Afterwards, I’d take them to Le Papagayo or the The Taco Stand for lunch and then we’d walk along Moonlight Beach, enjoying the people and surfers. We’d end the afternoon at CaliCream for their homemade ice-cream and browsing the stores on the street.
Another day I’d take them to the San Diego Zoo! We have one of the best in the United States! Other places I’ve enjoyed that they would like; walking along Coronado beach, eating lunch on the back patio of The Del, checking out the history of the Hotel Del, renting kayaks down the street at the Strand. Walking along La Jolla Cove and watching the seals, lunch at The Cottage, Sugar & Scribe for take-home sweets, heading to Old Town to walk around, Old Town Mexican Cafe for authentic Mexican fare, Midway Tour is fabulous, up to Julian for apple pie and walking around city with a stop at Dudleys Bread Co on the way up. Catch a movie at Imax at the Science Museum in Balboa Park, check out Art Museum, tea at The Japanese Gardens, Old Globe Production, happy hour with best Sangrias at The Prado Restaurant. These are just some of the places I’d take my out-of-town friends.

 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Dad’s Entrepreneurship skills encouraged me to take risks, set the tone for my projects and move forward. The support of my husband Kevin who appreciated and enjoyed the independent person that I am, knowing I like to go after my dreams. In addition, within the last 5years, the San Diego Film Community that I can turn to for helping me produce my film projects.

Website: www.krownfamilyfilms.com

Instagram: @krownfamilyfilms

Youtube: @ableamputees1

Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepowerofsports

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.