Meet Georgia McClintock | Sophya D Network, LLC

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

Hi Georgia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I never thought I would be an independent radio entertainer. It was never my plan to have my own network. I was 19 years old, entering my 2nd year as an intern for 2 radio stations in Greenville, South Carolina. The larger station I was interning at started doing some major management shifts. The Program Director (PD), I worked closely with, was moving. That left me devastated. He was one of the few radio personalities that gave me a chance to co-host. Remember, I was just 19 years of age and asked the PD this question, “What am I supposed to do when you leave? I only know you. I plan my entire college schedule around your radio show.” The PD paused and looked me in my eyes before stating, “You can either stay and let the industry sex you up to make money off of you or you can become independent.” I had such a confused look on my face. I remember telling myself, “What in the world does that mean?” When I transferred to the University of South Carolina Upstate, where I received my B.A. in Communications Journalism, it clicked! I cannot explain it. It just made sense about developing my own brand and my own content.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What you are most proud of or excited about?

On June 28th of this year, we celebrated the 12th year of Sophya D Radio. Our own independent radio show, here in South Carolina, under Sophya D Network and TS Creations. I am so full of new projects and I cannot wait to see how the Sophya D brand expands over the next 5 years. The greatest gift God gave me is my faith. If I believe it, I can create it.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
I had to find my own practices and my faith in God. I have always been different. Some people have asked me if I am military because I am so disciplined in how I operate daily. I read my Bible and I talk with God daily. It is so refreshing to spend time with God in the morning. I always have good energy. I need that energy to get me through the day. I am always working on my craft and new projects to build my brand. Being disciplined with my calendar appointments helps with that.

I was so frustrated that I could not find a radio broadcasting job after college. I graduated in the middle of the recession, August 2008. I was offered 5 full-time On-Air Radio positions in 2007. I remember going outside one beautiful night and just lashing out at God. I told my husband, boyfriend then, about the conversation. My husband said, “Just create your own show, babe.” I said, “How? I don’t have any money for equipment. I still live with my mom. I am barely making it.” My husband said, “No, I’m not talking about that. If Justin Bieber has his platform on YouTube, you can do the same thing.” Next thing I know, we created our YouTube channel and started doing community-based interviews with business owners. Our first interviews were rough due to our recording equipment at that time. As the content and equipment improved, artists and small business owners started asking us about photography and videography. We self-taught ourselves on how to become better photographers and videographers.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Never be afraid to try something new when someone in the industry is dropping wisdom on you. Over the last 10 years, we have had so many mentors to pour into us. Once you receive wisdom, it’s important to write it down so that you can begin to plan things out visually.

Consistency! I am a business owner. I am always adding new ideas to expand the brand. My brand is a lifestyle. My brand is a movement. Sophya D Network, LLC and the Sophya D Radio Show are both federally trademarked. We are working on some big things for the radio show as well.

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 live in Greer, SC. I would definitely take my best friend to the historic district of downtown Greer for some local frozen ice cream custard. There are plenty of great restaurants and parks, within the Upstate of South Carolina, to fellowship at with family and 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 husband, Antonio McClintock.

Website: www.sophyadnetwork.com

Instagram: @sophyadnetwork

Linkedin: @sophyadnetwork

Twitter: @sophyadnetwork

Facebook: @sophyadradioshow

Youtube: @sophyad9

Other: Linktr.ee/tscreations2

Image Credits
TS Creations Atom Blk