A.R. Yum - Respect the Founder Interview
This interview was curated by Abby Lee Rose
Meet A.R. Yum, the creative force behind Clear Eye Visuals.
From growing up around entrepreneurship in Staten Island to becoming a self-taught video producer and multi-talented creator, A.R. Yum’s journey is driven by passion, purpose, and persistence. In this interview, he shares how hip-hop shaped his path, the moment he decided to pick up a camera, and the lessons he’s learned while building his business from the ground up.
What is the name of your business?
Clear Eye Visuals
Where are you from?
Staten Island, New York
What was your first business? How old were you?
My first unofficial business was as a producer/songwriter. I was 16 years old.
When did you know working for yourself was the way to go?
Around 8 years old. I grew up watching my grandparents run a dry cleaning business every day before and after school. I always saw how rewarding working for yourself could be. As a creator, I always knew I had gifts. Once I got old enough to understand how to turn those gifts into services for my community, I jumped on it.
Can you talk us through your career to date and how you found your way to where you are now?
Hip-hop has been a key element in my life since I was a baby. My family would be amazed watching me listen to a song for the first time — by the second chorus, I’d already be mumbling the lyrics on beat like I knew the song already, lol.
I got into my current business — a video production company called Clear Eye Visuals — after being an artist for so long. I realized that if I learned how to use a camera and edit videos, I could do anything, anytime, especially in music. As a former engineer/producer, the transition wasn’t hard — especially with the help and guidance of another great videographer, EZRU, who showed me what gear to buy and gave me tips on editing and camera work.
What inspired you to start your business?
While I was an artist, I paid for a video shoot — but the videographer fell on hard times and never finished it. A year later, I got the raw files and made a conscious decision to learn it myself, honestly.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see in your market?
One of the biggest challenges is wanting to help artists for free or at discounted rates — especially those who can't afford my creativity — while also needing to run a business that supports my family.
Who was one of your biggest supporters early on?
I have so many, to be honest!
My family, once they realized I’m actually good at what I do.
Skuba Steve, the first person to ever tell me I should create.
Stateland Inc — the company that took me in and gave me the confidence, tools, love, and respect to keep pushing every day.
Joe Parker — who used to bring me and my cousin Skuba Steve to the studio after school (and sometimes during lol), showing us he saw something special in us even at a young age.
Goldie — the OG who’s always ready to support me no matter what.
Chunk Lenard — always there in any role I need, whether it’s lighting, second camera, mic holding, or even security, lol.
Tyrone Briggs — who introduced me to the licensing world and challenged me to step up my production, songwriting, and video work. Tyrone is the reason I got my licensing deal with SoStereo.
There are so many more people, but not enough time or space to list them all!
What advice do you have for professionals looking to get started in your industry?
Buy a Netflix-approved camera. Save up for it — it'll instantly set you apart. Do discounted work, but make sure to price your work properly so people take you seriously. Limit free work — and if you do it, choose wisely so people don’t just depend on your free labor.
Last but not least — KEEP LEARNING. No matter how good you get, there's always a better version of you tucked in your imagination, waiting to be unlocked.
Can you recommend one good business book?
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Contagious by Jonah Berger
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream?
Never give up. You'll have your ups and downs, but that’s truly the key to your success.
Also: learn, learn, learn!
Instagram:
http://Aryumofficial
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