· By Anderson B. Cox

Starting from Scratch: Building a Media Company with No Experience

Introduction: From Independent Artist to Media Entrepreneur

I never imagined I’d be here—trying to build a media company from the ground up with no formal experience. No business degree, no corporate backing, just a passion for storytelling and the grind of an independent artist. But in reality, I’ve always been building something, even before I knew what it would become.

Long before Kayatick Styles became a streaming platform, I was on the road, performing as a solo artist and as part of the group New Legends. I was touring, selling merch, pushing music independently, and at the same time, trying to build my own record label, Krazed Entertainment.

I had a vision of creating a hub for independent artists—a place where we could control our music, tell our own stories, and not rely on labels to define our success.

But reality hit hard. Krazed Entertainment didn’t survive.

Running a label without major funding, marketing knowledge, or industry connections was an uphill battle. The vision was there, but the foundation wasn’t strong enough. So, after years of grinding, I shut it down.

But I wasn’t done.

Instead of walking away, I reimagined the business. What started as a merchandise line under Krazed Entertainment—Kayatick Styles—became the foundation for something even bigger.


Step 1: From Touring to Trying to Build a Media Brand

Being an independent artist meant wearing every hat—manager, marketer, merch designer, booking agent. I had to figure things out on my own because no one was going to do it for me.

While touring, I saw firsthand how much ownership mattered. The labels had control, and artists had to fight to keep their work. I didn’t want that for myself.

At first, Kayatick Styles was just a clothing brand tied to my music—selling hoodies and T-shirts at shows to help fund projects. But I started noticing something: people connected with the brand itself. It wasn’t just about my music; it was about the culture, the grind, the independent mindset.

That’s when I started thinking: What if this was bigger than just merch? What if this was the platform I had been trying to build all along?


Step 2: Learning Media Production on the Fly

At this point, I had no background in filmmaking, streaming, or digital content. But I knew I had to learn if I wanted to build something real.

So, I went all in:

  • YouTube University – I watched hours of tutorials on filmmaking, editing, and digital distribution.
  • Free Online Courses – I studied branding, content marketing, and storytelling.
  • Networking with Creators – I connected with filmmakers and other independent artists, learning from their experiences.

As an artist, you learn to figure things out on your own. That same DIY mindset fueled the early days of Kayatick Styles.

If I didn’t know something, I found a way to learn it.


Step 3: From Merch Brand to Media Hub

As Kayatick Styles evolved, it was no longer just about selling merch. It became a full creative platform.

  • Music – I kept ownership of my catalog and continued to push independent projects.
  • Films – I started experimenting with short films and documentaries like Knuckles and Independent Chronicles.
  • Streaming – Instead of just making content, I wanted a home for independent creators like me.

The transition wasn’t easy. Building a media company with no money is one of the hardest things to do. Unlike major streaming services, we didn’t have millions for advertising or big-name productions.

We’re still in the early stages, still figuring out how to turn Kayatick Styles into a sustainable business. But the vision is stronger than ever.


Step 4: Marketing with No Budget

One of the biggest struggles? Getting people to care.

It’s not enough to make great content—you have to market it, sell it, and get it in front of the right people.

Since we didn’t have a big budget, we focused on:

  • Organic social media growth – Sharing behind-the-scenes footage, artist interviews, and storytelling.
  • SEO & content marketing – Writing blog posts and optimizing content to bring in traffic.
  • Collaborations & networking – Connecting with other independent artists, filmmakers, and brands.

Instead of spending money on ads, I leaned into my strengths—storytelling and authenticity.

People don’t just buy into a product; they buy into a story.


Step 5: Monetizing Without a Major Studio Backing

Right now, we’re still in the early stages of making money. Kayatick Styles isn’t profitable yet, but we’re building revenue streams that will grow over time:

  1. Subscriptions & Pay-Per-View – Fans can stream exclusive films and series.
  2. Merchandise Sales – Limited edition hoodies, T-shirts, and collectibles tied to our projects.
  3. Sponsorships & Partnerships – Working with brands that align with our vision.
  4. Digital Content Sales – Offering exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and director’s cuts.

The goal is to turn Kayatick Styles into a sustainable media business—but it takes time, patience, and a whole lot of resilience.


Step 6: The Road Ahead

Right now, we’re focused on:

  • Expanding our content library – More films, documentaries, and interviews.
  • Experimenting with AI & animation – Exploring new storytelling formats.
  • Growing our community – Bringing in more indie creators and building a loyal audience.

We’re still learning. Still growing. Still figuring it all out.

But one thing is certain—we’re not stopping.


Conclusion: The Reality of Building a Media Company

If you’re trying to start a media company, know this—it’s not easy.

I went from being an independent artist, to running my own label (that failed), to reimagining everything under Kayatick Styles.

I still work a full-time job while building this from scratch. We’re not making millions. We’re still struggling to break through. But the journey isn’t just about making money—it’s about creating something that lasts.

If you have a vision, start now. You don’t need permission. You don’t need a big budget. You just need to keep going, even when it feels impossible.

The future of media is independent. Let’s build it together.


Call to Action: Support the Movement

If you’re an independent artist, filmmaker, or creator, let’s connect.

💡 Drop a comment, share your story, or reach out.

🎬 Check out what we’re building at KayatickStyles.com and support independent media.

🚀 The grind doesn’t stop. Let’s make history.