At 22, Shawn Cotton invested his last $27 into creating Say Cheese TV (SCT), an online platform interviewing rappers from low-income communities. Eventually, SCT went viral, with hip-hop producers using it to find new artists. Drake even discovered DaBaby on SCT!
Cotton capitalized from SCT's success – but then the threats started.
SCT is often criticized for glorifying Black gang culture. But Cotton’s aim is to share unfiltered truths about life in the hood, aware the rappers he works with are from communities often silenced by the mainstream.
Cotton receives death threats almost every week, which he started taking seriously after a fellow “hood reporter” was murdered! Instead of quitting, Cotton got a bulletproof vest and license to carry – he learned long ago investments always come with risk.
SCT’s Youtube channel has nearly 900,000 subscribers, bringing in roughly $36,000 per month if not more. Cotton has used the money made from SCT to invest in 11 properties – and doesn’t plan to stop.
His goal is to create financial freedom for himself, his family, and future generations.
Cotton’s advice for beginning entrepreneurs is stay consistent, save money, and don’t give up – it took two years before he made any money from SCT.
Cotton took a risk with SCT. Many people miss out on life changing opportunities because they’re afraid of risk – don’t let that be you!