Lifelong Dream Takes Shape after Layoff

Written by Olivia Putnal Tuesday, November 22 2011

Snapshot: Sarah Crisman, writer, comic, talk show host
Writer, comic, and talk show host Sarah Crisman, Dallas, used her 2008 layoff to build her dream career from the ground up. From an early age, Crisman had a vision to become a talk show host, and there was no better time to build her business than when she suddenly found herself surrounded by a world of opportunity.

“When I got laid off in 2008, any option other than that steadfast dream was out of the question,” she says. “With no jobs around to distract me (and I never stopped looking), I was able to focus on my web show. I have taught myself the ins and outs of TV/radio -- thanks to accessible technology. I built a loyal following online and began producing concerts in the United States and Canada.”

Her experience with music groups while at the University of North Texas launched her into the wonderful world of stand-up comedy and public radio. Today, Crisman is the “On the Urban American Beat” columnist for MTV UK‘s The Wrap Up; executive producer of Premiere Music Culture, a showcase for musicians; and creator, executive producer, and host of The Crisman Show, a weekly podcast featuring music, stand-up, and amusing chitchat, which can be found on iTunes. She is a contributor to Dallas NPR affiliate KERA.

Womenetics: Tell us a little about starting up – you taught yourself everything. How did you accomplish that? What was that like?
Sarah Crisman: I was home-schooled until I was 13, and that certainly played a formative role along the way. My mother encouraged us to learn everything we could about anything we fancied. I carried this tradition on through college, treating several halls of higher learning as my own personal Late Night University. I studied broadcasting, literature, and theatre to no end. Naturally, such a frivolous education made it impossible to hold down a normal job – then all the normal jobs went away and creativity became a matter of survival. That was when the show began. I am extremely blessed to have a brilliant team to share my vision with and teach me everything I need to know along the way.

Womenetics: Do you write all of your own material?
Crisman: I write most of my own material – I love a good collaboration. My podcast producer, Nathan, is also a writer-comic; I'd be a fool not to bounce ideas off of him because he's the funniest person I know. I wrote my first jokes with my best friend, Dr. Bethany. If I can make the two of them laugh, I'm happy.

Womenetics: YouTube and Twitter both helped you expand your business. Tell us about this.
Crisman: Talk about what you love, and the right folks will find you. Even something as simple as a video blog has vast potential. The most important things to remember are to be authentic and consistent – your voice will find a way from there.

Womenetics: How did you create your own persona? What was the process like?
Crisman: Again, authenticity is key. The elements of "Sarah Crisman" that are available to the public are genuine, but I keep a lock on privacy and personal boundaries. It took a few years (and a bit of therapy) to get used to my name as a brand – I am a master of compartmentalization! Comedy gives me the freedom to be myself in the moment, and my microphone liberates the silly.

Womenetics: What has been your biggest challenge? What are some of the challenges you feel that women entrepreneurs face today?
Crisman: I have not had the luxury of a day job for years. I have lived by the good graces of family, art patrons, and freelance gigs, most of which paid almost nothing (unless you count the wealth of access thanks to blogging for major networks like NPR and MTV UK). I managed to incur as little debt as possible, and every day I am a little bit closer to financial freedom. Even when it is a slow go, I know I'm heading in the right direction.

Womenetics: Articulate your dream in building this business – who or what inspired you, what was the need or space you wanted to fill?
Crisman: I wanted to be (comedian) Conan O'Brien and (TV personality) Don Cornelius when I grew up – it was as simple as that. I started . . . (hanging) with musicians in college and tapped into a wealth of inspiration within the jazz-funk-soul community. I tailored my stories around the musicians while they shaped my ears to impeccable taste. My visions of goofing off in a studio were then set to an incomparable soundtrack. I realized my very personality could serve as a platform for musical discovery. The musicians figured it out, too, and I had to bring in the comedy to balance the ship. I am spoiled by a strong support system deep within the music industry. You can trust my ears, even when the show gets a little silly.

Womenetics: What advice would you give women looking to begin their own business?
Crisman: Fall back on your pipe dream. Don't stop. Never stop. The people you need will find you, but only if you put yourself out there doing what you do best.

Womenetics: Is there anything you wish you would have known before you entered the business world? If so, what?
Crisman: While workaholism is a commendable vice, I wish I had been quicker to defend my personal boundaries. If business nags at your soul when you should be sleeping, something is off. The moment you tap into your own power, someone will try to bottle it for his or her own devices – that's not always a bad thing, but you have to recognize your purpose and stick close to your gut.

Womenetics: Where did the funding come from to start and grow your business – family and friends, credit cards, SBA, self-funded, angel investors, bank line of credit, venture capital?
Crisman: We are a shoestring operation at this point, powered by fans via PayPal. I have two wonderful interns absolutely revolutionizing the show and a team of topnotch brand managers in place to raise capital as we move into Q1. There is much mischief afoot, involving more cities and incredible guests. We're just getting warmed up.

Womenetics: What have been the lessons learned – what would you have done differently?
Crisman: Balance. I'm a workaholic, and I love what I do, but if I don't unplug every day, I eventually snap, and that isn’t a good look.

Womenetics: Do you take time for yourself and if so, what do you do?
Crisman: Absolutely! Since a hearty portion of my workday involves nightlife, I spend downtime with family and a close circle of friends. I'm a deep reader, so I carry a book with me at all times. I use my iPhone to listen to old radio shows, and I watch an exorbitant amount of television.

---

Olivia Putnal is a writer and editor in Atlanta. She formerly wrote web articles and blogs for WomansDay.com in the areas of health, fitness, beauty, fashion, entertainment, news, and food.