Meet Kisean Smith, CPA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kisean Smith, CPA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kisean, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am very risk-tolerant, meaning I am willing to accept risks in exchange for potential rewards. Taking and managing risks is crucial for a successful career. Managing business risk involves striving to achieve rewards while minimizing necessary risks.

This aspect of business is what I enjoy the most because it involves a lot of problem-solving, which is essentially what mitigating risk is. Decisions about where to allocate resources, such as expanding operations, investing in new technology, or entering new markets, are all part of this process.

Starting a business is the easy part; the challenge lies in continuous process improvement and growth. However, this challenge is also the most rewarding and fulfilling part.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
ATLBasementStudio was started out of a desire to create a space where anyone could bring their ideas to life. I noticed that a lot of people wanted to start a podcast but didn’t know how to begin. To address this, I decided to start a podcast studio that people could rent at a low cost, providing all the necessary equipment so all they had to do was show up.

What sets ATLBasementStudio apart from other podcast studio rentals is the ease of recording. Our clients can decide they want to record a podcast and film the same day. This flexibility, combined with our state-of-the-art equipment, ensures a seamless and professional recording experience.

One of the moments I am most proud of was when a famous person recorded a podcast in our studio. I didn’t even know they were famous until a couple of my friends saw the recording and told me. It was a testament to the quality and reputation we have built.

Starting this business was not without its challenges. Initially, people were unaware that podcast studios existed for them to record their podcasts. I had to slowly build a client base and spread the word about our services. Through persistent networking and leveraging social media, we gradually gained recognition and trust within the community.

As the business evolved, I realized that just providing a space and running the equipment was not enough. We needed to offer additional services like multiple camera edits and social media clips so our clients could get their content out within 24 hours.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that branding is everything. People want to hear from you and your experiences, which shape your brand.

Looking ahead, my goal is to purchase a flexible commercial property to open several sets for podcast recording and have sessions running simultaneously. This expansion will allow us to cater to more clients and provide even greater flexibility and service.

At ATLBasementStudio, we prioritize client experience and maintain continuous communication to meet all their needs. We follow up with clients after sessions to ensure there is nothing they felt was missing and to gather feedback for improvement.

At the heart of ATLBasementStudio is a commitment to empowering content creators and fostering a supportive community. Our brand is not just about providing a space to record; it’s about being a part of our clients’ journey and helping them achieve their creative dreams. I want the world to know that ATLBasementStudio is dedicated to making podcasting accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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?
Downtown – Food: Atlanta Breakfast Club
Activities: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and his childhood home, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta
Free Activities: Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta –
Food: Ponce City Market’s food hall
Activities: Atlanta Beltline
Free Activities: Lenox Square Mall, Krog Street Market

Westside –
Food: West Egg Cafe, Antico Pizza Napoletana, Busy Bee Cafe, Chattahoochee Food Works, Westside Paper, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Free Activities: Atlantic Station

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my wife. Although she isn’t directly involved in the day-to-day operations of my business, her unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been pivotal to success. Running a business often means sacrificing precious family time, and it’s crucial to have the backing of your loved ones.

My wife understands the demand of entrepreneurship. Running a business impacts the entire family, and their support is essential. My wife’s contributions behind the scenes—whether it’s offering a listening ear, or simply being there—have been invaluable.

Website: https://atlbasementstudio.com/

Instagram: @atlbasementstudio

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

Other: TikTok: ATLBasementStudio