We had the good fortune of connecting with Allan Meade Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allan, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Concept Factory was created for the sole purpose of helping visual storytellers and creatives find, build, and grow through community to advance their industry crafts. Like all of us, community has played a big part in each of our lives, and like myself, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the community of people who surrounded me and helped me to keep moving forward, learn, and grow.

Concept Factory also creates spaces for creatives to gather and network. Networking is a powerful thing, and we create spaces through our workshops, networking events, and soon we’ll be offering Community Groups throughout cities across the U.S. for creatives to gather and build together. The sky’s the limit and we’re so pumped to see it all unfold.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Concept Factory is a collaboration hub for visual storytellers and a community of like-minded creatives united to change the entertainment industry through the power of collaboration! We create spaces for visual storytellers to find their tribes, create content, and advance their industry careers.

What really sets us apart is that Concept Factory will offer memberships and engage visual storytellers throughout local cities across the nation, not just Atlanta – the Hollywood of the South. Our vision for the near future is to provide multi-site Collaboration Spaces and permanent campuses in cities where creatives need a place to create in a member-based incubator or “concept factory.” Outside of permanent campuses, our members and local creatives will build their tribes through our member-led Community Groups.

Our vision is to serve as the bridge between an independent visual storyteller and the next big Hollywood or industry opportunity, allowing that individual to go farther than they ever could have alone.

Starting this big vision of a company and community has not always been easy, but it’s also not been extremely difficult because when God is backing you and leading you, things just fall into place as you walk with him daily. Starting out as a sole founder, I had an idea of what I wanted to accomplish, but if someone had asked me what my first major business decision would be, I probably wouldn’t have had an answer. Imposter syndrome was real at times, but instead of allowing that (and others who lacked to see the vision) keep me down, I chose instead to see it as fuel to keep moving forward! The very fact that thoughts and emotions of imposter syndrome were there showed me that I truly did have a powerful vision from God and that I was indeed the one who was called to fulfill it. Nothing in my life or business journey is a roadblock, they’re stepping stones and navigators to keep me going in the right direction. Just like stop signs and guard rails on a road, they’re not meant to keep you from reaching your destination; they’re there to get you there safely without harming yourself or others.

While the journey of entrepreneurship and leading a startup isn’t for everyone, I’ve become so grateful throughout this process for all the things I’m learning (and unlearning). The calling of being an entrepreneur keeps me constantly in prayer, dependent upon God’s love and plan for me, accountable unto myself as a leader, and loving others. It teaches me each day that my biggest purpose in life is to serve others, which ultimately is serving God. It’s not about the money, fame, or how many campuses we can grow to have; it’s about one thing: serving and helping people.

If there’s one thing I would want every reader (and the world) to know about Concept Factory and my own personal journey is that no matter who you are or where you’re from, you have a purpose and a calling from a faithful God who deeply loves you and wants to use you! The world is waiting on you to fulfill your calling, and if you don’t, someone, somewhere suffers.

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?
The very first thing I’d want my friend to experience is an infamous Atlanta traffic jam! You haven’t been to Atlanta if you haven’t been stuck in traffic. It makes your appreciative of your own city back home. Totally joking! The first place I’d take my friend is to grab a bite to eat at the Silver Skillet diner on 14th Street. I love this place due to its Southern hospitality, location, and great food! It’s like an Atlanta time capsule that puts you back in Old Atlanta.

After grabbing a bite to eat, Piedmont Park and a stroll on the Beltline is a must! The Beltline is such a cool addition to our city and it connects you to so many cool places, people, and areas of our city. I love racing on the electric scooters too! If we get hungry, we’re going to Vinny’s N.Y. Pizza & Grill in Midtown! One slice will fill you up.

After a few days, it’d be time to go check out the go-to tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Atlantan’s are so used to these places, but they’re still so cool to visit!

I’d finish off the trip with a day at Six Flags and going to watch the Hawks Play!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I give all credit and glory to Jesus who continually shows me his loving grace and mercies each day! I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I also have to dedicate this shoutout to my wonderful parents and family who never ceases to support me.

From the time I was young, my parents and family encouraged and fanned the flame of my dreams, aspirations, and calling, which instilled a confidence in me at an early age. It wasn’t too hard for me to believe that I could accomplish my dreams because I always had voices at home saying “you will go on to do great things!”

In addition to my family, I’ve been extremely blessed to have been a part of numerous communities that showered me with love, encouragement, support, and mentorship. From my amazing college departmental peers and professors (shoutout to you Professor Wiggins) to organizations that supported me early in my journey like The Atlanta Tech Village, and Plywood People who believed in the vision for Concept Factory.

I also want to give a special thank you to my former pastors, mentors, and encouragers: Pastor Bill Russell, Pastor Darrius Campbell, Pastor Jon Lash, Pastors Mo & Kendra Momon, Pastor Michael Rogalski, Pastors Steven & Holly Furtick, Pastor Chet Pete, Kap Chatfield, Vicky Eaton, Paris Brothers, Kelvin Beriguete, Quantasia Herndon, Jarrod Fleming, and a special thanks to Lamonia Brown for believing in my talents even when others looked past them.

Website: https://conceptfactory.us

Instagram: conceptfactory.us

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/conceptfactory1

Image Credits
Unlmtd Studio, Tyrone Hawkins, Kiyah C Photography

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