Friends,
What a roller coaster we’ve all been on the last few years. I know for me, with the move to the DC area, navigating child care, on-again-off-again schooling, career changes, life as a military spouse, and on and on, life has been chaotic—but I have an exciting announcement!
After months of working quietly in the background (you other entrepreneurs know what I’m talking about), I’m so proud to announce that I’ve expanded Coral House Productions into a Creative Agency offering full video production services, corporate and product photography, and website services.
I’m also excited to share that Coral House has a new website that better identifies our mission, describes our new offerings, and showcases our work.
Head over to the Get Started page to schedule your free 15-minute discovery call, where we’ll talk about your business needs and how we can help to expand your brand, marketing strategy, and audience!
The Things I Learned...
Entrepreneurs aren’t always open about the things that happen behind the scenes. You don’t often hear about the nitty gritty details or the hurdles they jump to stay ahead or reach their goals.
And rarely do we see emotions or hear about personal moments that happen on their journey to becoming successful business owners. And a military spouse entrepreneur at that! (Psst—I’ll tell you a secret. There are many failures along the way 99% of the time.) And I think that should be shouted from the rooftops.
In case you don’t know me that well, here’s a bit of my background. Back in 2013, Coral House Productions (CHP) was born in Seattle when I produced, directed, and edited The Last Light Film, which was entered into a number of festivals.
Shortly after that, the Coast Guard sent us to Michigan, where I found new opportunities in freelance video marketing and production. I moved from freelancing to a full-time job as a marketing coordinator while CHP sat on the back burner. Initially, I saw my transition into a full-time job as a sign of a failed venture, but in reality, it was an opportunity to learn from successful entrepreneurs! They were wonderful mentors and taught me volumes about what it takes to own and run a business.
In 2017, when we moved to Savannah (#milspouselife), I applied what I learned to CHP and invested a little more time and energy into it. I ended up taking a part-time job to supplement my income while I continued to grow my business. Fast-forward to 2021 – when we moved to Virginia, I was quickly offered a wonderful full-time role as a Senior Video Producer. While I did enjoy the role and opportunity, I knew my real passion was CHP. When the company downsized, I knew it was time to jump in with both feet. I know I had the experience and wisdom to make CHP thrive!
With Coral House Productions, I realized that I never should have compared myself to fellow business owners and their paths to success or failure in a judgmental light. I can take those lessons now and learn from them, and stay focused on the end game. Each of these experiences has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Yes, it’s scary as hell, and yes I may fail at times—but the difference is now I know that feeling isn’t unique. Many entrepreneurs feel the same way! This is the secret that no one wants to share, but everyone needs to know.
I've taken ALL the knowledge I've learned along the way (both good and bad) and my 15+ years of work experience to create something NEW.
Looking back, one of the things that really stands out to me is how time and time again, I made the same mistake; struggling with imposter syndrome. When a secure 9-5 job with a paycheck and benefits was offered, even if it didn’t pay well, I took the safe and secure (easy?) way out. The security of finances and working for an established company outweighed the adventurous risk to create something for myself. To believe in my own abilities, or even my ability to figure things out along the way.
Instead of taking the plunge, believing in myself, and pursuing the career that fit me, I recreated myself to fit the jobs I was offered and fill the roles other people wanted me to fill.
Be true to yourself and don’t settle for anything less. The secret sauce is YOU. Don’t wait until you know everything to start; just start and you’ll learn as you go. And because of my personal journey as a military spouse entrepreneur, I always seek to support my fellow military spouses and veteran entrepreneurs! I know the struggle. We are MORE than just military spouses—we are so much more.
This is why any time you work with Coral House Productions, know that you are employing an army of resourceful, tenacious, and well-rounded creatives. You are helping correct the 22% unemployment rate of military spouses that is crippling our community.
A big thank you to my family and friends who have supported me during these last few trying months. To my husband and kids, I love you! Thank you for supporting my late-night working hours. I couldn't have gotten here without all of you.
Thank you for reading this. I hope it’s sparked some inspiration and helped you feel less alone.
We’re here to help you engage your audience and tell your story. Visit our portfolio to see what we can do for you—and schedule your free call today!
Jennifer Cummins
CEO & Storyteller
Coral House Productions, LLC