LGBT Bold Introduces Samuel Cole from London, in Collaboration with Project Soaked

We had an opportunity to sit down with Samuel Cole from London, where we learned more about his latest film project, as well as his @ProjectSoaked stunning photography.

First, tell us about your business. What does your company do? What markets does it serve?
In short, my business is me. As a self-employed freelance performer you need to be a brand as you are the product. My role, I guess you could say, is creative director, if you need a title. One day I'm the writer, director, dancer and producer. I would say that a lot of my work is influenced by LGBT and equality as well as body image and the arts.

Next, tell us a little about yourself. What inspired you to start your own business and/or head down this path within your own company?
Like I said, I am a very creative and imaginative person and I'm constantly getting inspired by my surroundings. Mostly I try to use my brand to promote body image and a positive message as well as LGBT issues. There was a time when your sexuality would have to be hidden at work, but now I think it's important to not lead a double life. I'm not saying that you should use your sexuality as a business, it's more about celebrating it and knocking down stereotypes and boundaries. For me, the best thing about my work is that I get to bring my ideas to life, which is such an exciting process. But it can be stressful due to having a slight tendency to be a perfectionist. As well as my own vision, it's great to collaborate and help make someone else's idea a reality.

I became self employed quite soon after graduating which was and still is somewhat daunting. But it was the right decision, as I've know for a while that I want to use my skills and training to create and build a platform not just for myself but to spread a positive message through my work.

Do you have a project or goal you're working on now in order to take your business to the next level?
2017 is turning out to be a big year for me, as I'm really finding my voice and focusing on a film, which has been a real back burner and something that means a great deal to me. The plan is to really step up and push the limit to what a film can do. I'm bored of seeing videos and images that are not fresh and do not push the audiences imagination and mind.

What have been some of the challenges in achieving this goal?
The biggest challenge is sitting down and focusing on the one idea, biting the bullet and putting it into motion. Without any other ideas and concepts distracting me.

Overall, what have been some of the challenges to get to where you're at today?

I think some of the challenges are being heard and not getting lost in the crowd. It's amazing that this new generation of crowdfunders and independent brands are taking over, but now more than ever the competition is much higher. This can be construed as good and bad, as it will push people to make their business and brand better, but this also means it will be more difficult to have success. But don't let that stop you, people say everyone has a book in them, and the same goes for a business, everyone has one in them.

How does your business differentiate itself from its competitors?
I'm not afraid to develop and push myself, while others (individuals and brands) get comfortable. I will always research and develop, as at the end of the day, I don't want to miss out on an idea or opportunity.

And finally, tell us anything about yourself, your business and/or the business environment you're in that we may have missed in our questions above, and that you'd like to tell in your #LGBTBold story.
I believe we shouldn't settle! People might think I'm naive because of my age, but I have a goal and I'm not scared to work hard. I thrive on positive energy and open mindedness and giving people the confidence to believe they can do it. I do feel lucky to have collaborated with other creative people and to have had them help me with my success as well. It's all about doing favors and returning them. A business should give a sense of fantasy, otherwise why is anyone going to invest, participate and tell others it takes time and just like LGBT bold, you need to be bold.

LINKS:

 - @whitecoal93

 - @ProjectSoaked