We had the good fortune of connecting with Cisko and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cisko, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was actually inspired by my last employer. I worked for a landscaping company and watched the owner grow from renting a small shop to buying a large piece of land where he built his house, a huge shop, purchased so much equipment that he used to rent, etc. The harder the crews worked, the wealthier He became. I wanted my own success story. What really did it for me was something he said at a meeting that I know was directed toward me. I had placed a sticker of one of my designs (for promo) on a company truck and during a meeting he told everyone that he didn’t want any stickers on the truck and that “It might be important to you but it’s not important to me.” I felt like quitting that day on the spot but I’m not a quitter.
Instead, I would be miserable everyday just trying to figure out ways to generate more income with my side job/hustle. I took a lot of what I learned watching him grow that landscape business and decided to put in a two week notice. Not because I’m a quitter, but, because I felt I had reached my room for growth in that company. I could never become a boss there so it was time to take a leap of faith and start my own company CIsko Media Group.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My motto is, “I don’t sell dreams. I’m just trying to create opportunities.”
My name is my brand so I value any work that I do for clients. I started as a rapper to aspiring recording & mix engineer. Then gained a love graphic design and started doing that. That led to becoming a photographer and videographer. It’s been a rough journey but I’m motivated by the hustle. I have a passion for all the different services that I provide so doing the work is the easy part.
My business is multimedia so that allows me to generate income from multiple sources so it balances out.
My business was created by a creative with a passion to continue to grow. I understand the struggles that come with the financial side of becoming a full time creator so I try to work with others and utilize my gear and skill sets to help create passive income with musicians and other creators.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from Central California where this isn’t much to do so they would be bored out of their mind coming here. I honestly don’t get out much unless it’s for work. The upside is that The Bay Area and L.A. are similar distances so after so many years of traveling both ways it doesn’t seem as far. The beach and the mountains are also places I like to visit.. I’m a simple guy with simple ways
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If it wasn’t for Rick Thomas/Southwind Recording Studio I never would’ve been on this path. I started as a rapper because he submitted a demo tape to an independent record label who I later signed with. Shoutout to AK Ray “The Mexican Mak” for teaching me about writing bars.
Up to speed, definitely have to give a shoutout to Noel Duarte (ND Films), Chris Anthony for all the support over the years, and A Pockets Production for the current state of opportunities.
My parents get the biggest shoutout for always believing in me and giving me a place to build my own vocal recording studio. I never moved it from there because that’s where it all started and that’s where it will end as far as music production goes.
There’s so many people that I could shoutout for there small contributions but the list would be too long. I’m inspired by those that I inspire. I’m grateful for all the blessings the Good Lord has given me.
Website: www.officialcisko.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialcisko
Twitter: www.twitter.com/officialcisko
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialcisko1
Youtube: www.youtube.com/officialcisko
Image Credits
Cisko Media Group