Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Powell.
Hi Harold , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The way that Phantom Pen Media began came from the decision that I didn’t want to do factory work anymore, I spent a good portion of my career in the automotive industry. It was in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic when I was let go from my automotive job. I would tell people all the time that I’m not going to be doing this forever because I feel I have a bigger purpose for myself. That’s no slight to those in that industry it just never meshed with who I am as a person.
I based my business on providing commercial script writing and other writing services, Phantom Pen is a play on “ghost writing”. Well that led to me applying to a job as Community Correspondent for The Keel PH, which to my surprise I was offered the position. I held that role for approximately 2-3 years, I still work with them currently, just not in that position. From there I began to get some notoriety in the community from my stories on local people, businesses, and organizations.
In 2021 I believe, times were tough financially so I decided to take my last $300 and purchase a camera from my friends daughter. I knew that I had to make something happen with this spur of the moment decision, so I began to offer free photography for local events. From there people began to request my services and the rest is history as they say.
One thing led to another and I began working freelance for Thumbcoast.tv, our local news television station maybe in 2022? I am currently still working with them as a local news reporter providing the community with positive news stories. My skills and talents have put me in the presence of so many individuals, my most memorable was working with the YMCA of the Blue Water Area for their “Night of Champions” event in which I got to meet Detroit Pistons Hall of Famer, Isiah Thomas.
I am currently employed with St. Clair County RESA as my day job and have been there for two years now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Starting and running your own business is tough. It’s much easier than it was in the beginning, with the main obstacle being the consistency of work available. The summers are typically much more profitable than the winter months, something I learned the hard way early on. So managing finances and still keeping up to date on the latest camera and video technology is sometimes a pain, but overall it’s well worth the troubles that are just a part of the job and life in general.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As Owner of Phantom Pen Media, I am a photographer/videographer. I do photographer things like taking pictures, of course lol. I pretty much do all types of photography, but my favorite is probably portraits and landscapes. Event photography is my most requested service, but I also create social media posts and other creative content, along with freelance writing and journalism.
I am probably most known for my photography and being the local news reporter, I have also worked as the News director for 102.3 FM WGRT where I also had my own radio show Limelight with Choze. That and just accomplishing the things that I have set out to do are the things I’d say I’m most proud of.
What sets me apart from other photographers and videographers is my quality service, personality and the ability to make all of my clients feel comfortable and safe.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’d say that the excercise app I use (BetterMe) is great in helping to keep me healthy, and Youtube is a godsend for when I cant figure out issues dealing with photography or just everyday issues like car maintenance and fixing broken things around the house.I am a proud advocate of “Youtube University” it gets a lot of flak, but I attest to its usefulness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yaboychoze.wixsite.com/phantompenmediallc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phantompenmedia/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phantompenmedia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phantom-pen-media-llc-0a043a28/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@phantompenmediallc4355
