Meet Bashan Gumm | Social Media Manager

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

Hi Bashan, how do you think about risk?
I like to consider myself a “cautious risk-taker”. I believe taking risks is necessary for the next step as fear is what keeps up complacent. The role of risk-taker was used to describe my youth, moving cross country for college although I was at risk of dropping out; Staying cross country while being a single parent, and schooling at the same time; and Investing in my business when I was extremely low on funds. Although I took risks that made other people cringe, I don’t regret anything. The learning experiences gave me a better outlook on life and going after the life I want instead of going after a bag. It taught me how to be patient and believe in making temporary sacrifices for permanent gains. Risk-taking also played a role in allowing me to look back on my process and remind me to celebrate the wins more.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is Social Media Management or digital creator. Like many, being stuck at home during Covid actually showed me a lot about myself. While working my 9-5 I barely had time to think, let alone implement. I finally had time to look at my finances, my commitments, and my lifestyle and realize that there were so many reasons as to why I was simply unhappy with life. I started my entrepreneurship journey by taking a personality test to find out what I enjoyed because I honestly forgot at that moment. As I started to relearned my passion, I found out it was a lucrative industry and began my process of turning it into a business.

It was definitely harder than I imagined starting out. Starting a business was a new playing field I never thought of dabbling in. I overcame the challenges of starting a business by keeping my “Why’s” in front of me like my son, my future, and my finances.

I learned that it’s okay to mess up and try again because everyone has a starting point. Regardless if you invest 30k into your business or 5k into your business. It’s okay to trust the process and become your own competition. I mean that by becoming better with your business day by day. You’ll learn as you go.

I want the world to know that my business isn’t for those looking for perfection, but looking for improvement. It’s okay to ask questions, offer suggestions, and let go of shame. This isn’t a business to help myself but others create their best self. Small Business owners need companions, encouragement, and the ability to process that fear and turn it into productivity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of the most exciting places to visit in my city are WATS the MOVE Birmingham, a lounge for the working class to wine down during the week. Oak Mountain State Park for a relaxing day with nature, they have hiking trails, aquatics, and a waterfall you can relax by. Railroad Park, an outdoor park that has running trails and playground areas for all ages. Alabama Adventure, an amusement park with waterslides and family enjoyment. Pop Up events for a variety of occasions. Sharks fish and chicken, the closest thing to home (Chicago) food.

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 son is a very important person to shout out to! He cheers me on, learns with me, gives me fed back, and overall is my main source of motivation because I want to raise him in a lifestyle that I am currently building myself to have. A nice loving home, financial stability, and a parent who is involved in his upbringing.

Website: www.simpleandcarefree.com

Instagram: bcarefree_creatives

Twitter: bcarefreecreate

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGCreativeSuite