Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kewaan Drayton.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I spent my childhood in the Woodville community on the west side of Savannah before relocating to a neighborhood near Savannah State University at nine. During my upbringing, I played little league football with the Savannah Warriors, later transitioning to the Savannah PAL (Police Athletic League). Through my involvement in sports, I learned valuable lessons in discipline, accountability, teamwork, and respect for authority.
At the tender age of 11, I began my first job at “It’s Official Barbershop,” a now-closed establishment owned by Ray McCullum, a Phi Beta Sigma fraternity member. Ray provided me with the opportunity to contribute by initially sweeping floors at the barbershop. As I continued my work there, he expanded my responsibilities to include selling customers sodas, snacks, and other items—an introduction to entrepreneurship that I didn’t fully grasp then.
This early experience opened doors to various opportunities. By the time I turned 13, I was familiar with working for income, but the true entrepreneurial spark had yet to ignite. It wasn’t until high school that my brother, JT Timmons, initiated Red Eye Productions. Leveraging JT’s technical proficiency with cameras and my popularity among high school peers, we attracted customers, mainly students seeking music videos and athletes desiring highlight reels. Our partnership has endured, and Red Eye has evolved into a thriving production company in Savannah, boasting multiple employees and a diverse array of successful products.
In addition to my ongoing involvement with Red Eye, I’ve ventured into other entrepreneurial pursuits while remaining active in the community.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the entrepreneurial journey has been far from effortless, yet I’ve embraced the obstacles and honed my ability to leverage them. Confronting challenges is an inherent aspect of being an early-stage entrepreneur; acknowledging this fact is crucial to growing your success. It’s imperative to recognize that challenges are integral to the process, and allowing them to derail you is not an option.
The lack of capital has posed a significant hurdle, but my journey has taught me that capital extends beyond mere paper currency. Understanding this concept prompted me to tap into alternative forms of capital, namely my human and social capital. In doing so, I’ve discovered the invaluable resources embedded within my network and the collective strength of relationships, proving that capital is not solely confined to financial resources.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Red Eye Studio Entertainment?
Red Eye is not your typical entertainment company; we are a dynamic and multi-faceted organization that has been making waves in the industry for the past five years. While our roots lie in film production, we are currently in the exciting process of rebranding to Red Eye Studio Entertainment to better reflect our diverse services.
At our core, we specialize in film, video, and post-production, delivering high-quality content to numerous Savannah companies and surrounding areas. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation for being a reliable and innovative force in the local film and video industry.
However, our foray into immersive horror-themed experiences truly sets us apart. Our flagship project, the Savannah Underground, is a spine-chilling live show that brings the city’s most prolific horror stories to life. Catering to a primarily tourist audience, the Savannah Underground combines entertainment, history, and culture uniquely and thrillingly. It’s not just a show; it’s a journey into Savannah’s dark and mysterious past.
Building on the success of the Savannah Underground, we recognized an opportunity to expand our horizons further. We launched ‘The Most Haunted City on Earth Podcast,’ a venture that has quickly become Savannah’s most famous podcast. Led by our talented team, including our General Manager Madison Timmons, Creative Director JT Timmons, Video Editor Debra Robinson, and Show Host Chris Soucy, the podcast delves into the rich tapestry of Savannah’s history, culture, and tourism through a horror-themed lens. We’ve successfully filled a unique gap in the market, captivating horror enthusiasts and earning a dedicated following.
What we are most proud of, brand-wise, is our ability to seamlessly blend traditional and cutting-edge entertainment. Red Eye Studio Entertainment is not just a name change; it reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues. As we continue to evolve and expand, we invite our readers to join us on this exciting journey into the heart of immersive entertainment, where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.”
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Certainly, I consider myself a calculated risk-taker. Before delving into any significant risk, I thoroughly assess the potential advantages and drawbacks. My approach involves seeking guidance through prayer and consulting with mentors or trusted advisors for additional insights. In entrepreneurship, risk is inherent, so I firmly believe in the saying, “No risk, no reward.” Being willing to challenge norms and break rules is crucial for success, even if it means facing judgments from others who may not fully grasp the entrepreneurial journey or don’t believe in your concept.
One risk I took was maxing out all my credit cards to launch the Savannah Underground arm of our entertainment company. This decision went against my preference to maintain a zero balance on my cards. Still, it was a necessary step for the team’s advancement because there was a huge market gap related to Savannah’s tourism and themed entertainment. The gamble paid off as the show thrives, and the team’s strength allows me to focus more on long-term goals and strategy rather than day-to-day operations. Overall, my perspective on risk involves a thoughtful and strategic approach, considering both personal beliefs and external advice to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kewaandrayton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kewaandrayton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kewaan.drayton
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kewaandrayton
Image Credits
Shot by Somi
