Meet Ashanti Sumpter | Film Director, Entrepreneur & Media Journalist

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

Hi Ashanti, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business is similar to most I believe. For one, I no longer wanted to work under someone else. I always found myself in the same position financially and mentally when I did so I just took the risk to develop my own brand. Primarily though, I saw a lack of support for upcoming creatives and I wanted to change that. Let them know their work isn’t going unnoticed or unappreciated.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Voices Of The Trenches is a media platform, production and management company dedicated to helping upcoming creatives be not only seen but heard. Our ability to go to the environment some of these creatives are in and portray how they’re really living, the ups and downs and what makes them, them sets us apart from others. You don’t just see the glamorous lifestyle like we typically see on Instagram. I’m most excited about telling the story of others. I hope to ignite a wave of people who can relate. We need more empaths in the world to make it better. Consistency is how I got where I am today. And perseverance. It’s never easy starting your own thing but you figure it out by not giving up. Some lessons I learned along the way is that you never know who’s watching you, just keep working. Also never give others too much control over your art. If you do, you’ll never be truly happy with the outcome. I want the world to know that Voices Of The Trenches is for everyone, not matter where you come from or who you are… Everyone has a voice that needs to be heard. Our story is just beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely recommend the Georgia Aquarium, it’s my favorite place to go. Sneaker shopping at HeetATL, then we’d hit up Grips Good Eats for the wings. If they’re completely new to the city, i’d definitely recommend taking a drive at night. A hawks game, underground performance showcase and Top Golf would be on the itinerary as well.

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?
I’d dedicate my shoutout to my mom, really. She’s the only one who can somewhat see my vision, gives real support and encourages me to continue on my current path. Most people are just temporarily here. Nobody else has contributed to my success so far.

Website: voicesofthetrenches.com

Instagram: instagram.com/voicesofthetrenches

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vottmedia

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChuZti9FHW2Elo85fbPF1Vg