INTERVIEW | The Heart of the Hustle: Meet Anayo Awuzie & Carefree Media

A Conversation with Anayo Awuzie of Carefree Media

mrcantile: Hi Anayo! Thanks for sitting down with us today to celebrate Small Business Month. Let's kick things off with an introduction. Tell us a bit about yourself and Carefree Media.

Anayo Awuzie: Hi! I'm Anayo Awuzie, the Editor-in-Chief and Creator of Carefree Media. Carefree is a black women's magazine that believes in the power of storytelling and its ability to heal. Each week, we send out a "storyletter" from a Black womxn around the globe on life, love, adventure, and everything in between. We primarily publish content for our subscribers. We also offer marketing services for brands that need help telling their story. It's all about connecting and sharing those unique experiences. We've been in business for two years now. 

mrantile: It sounds like you're making a big impact. What are your favorite and least favorite things about running Carefree Media?

Anayo Awuzie: My favorite thing is definitely helping writers publish their first byline. Seeing someone's voice reach the world for the first time is incredibly rewarding. On the flip side, my least favorite thing is managing our social media accounts. I've let those fall to the wayside because it's just not where my passion lies.

mrcantile: Why did you decide to become an independent business owner?

Anayo Awuzie: I wanted more control over the type of content I was producing. After leaving my job in New York, I felt frustrated with the media outlet I worked for and wanted to tell stories about interesting Black women doing unconventional things. Carefree has been on my spirit since 2015, but it wasn't until 2022 that it became a business.

mrcantile: That's a powerful motivation. Did you go to anyone for advice or support when you started out?

Anayo Awuzie: Absolutely. I talked to many women who had started their own publications and businesses. Their advice and inspiration were invaluable. I also created a brain trust group that met weekly to share goals and ideas. It was incredibly helpful to talk to women doing similar things.

mrcantile: How did you market Carefree Media when you first started?

Anayo Awuzie: It was a lot of word of mouth. I told everyone in my network and used free ad credits from Facebook, where I worked at the time, to run targeted ads. I also ran giveaways and shared organically on social media.

mrcantile: That's resourceful! What was your biggest fear when you started out, and what is your biggest fear today?

Anayo Awuzie: My biggest fear starting out was not following through with launching my dream publication. Today, my biggest fear is not being relevant or pushing the needle with the stories we tell.

mrcantile: What motivates you to show up every day?

Anayo Awuzie: My subscribers. When they reach out to say how much they needed to read a particular story or how it made them feel seen, it's unmatched. That connection drives me.

mrcantile: Do you have a mantra or routine that keeps you going when things get tough?

Anayo Awuzie: When things get tough, I remind myself of the importance of being the best editor I can be. If a story isn't the right fit for our audience, I don't want to waste time trying to force it. It's about maintaining the integrity of the content we publish.

mrcantile: Did you have to give something up to pursue this business? Would you do it again?

Anayo Awuzie: I had to give up a stable job and the security that comes with it. But the freedom and fulfillment I get from running Carefree are worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

mrcantile: Where do you see Carefree Media in five years?

Anayo Awuzie: I see Carefree moving beyond online publishing and into publishing books, films, and TV shows by Black female writers.

mrcantile: How do you implement your values as an independent business owner?

Anayo Awuzie: My personal values are closely aligned with my business values. It's about working on things I care about and wish to see in the world. It's about maintaining integrity and authenticity in everything we do.

mrcantile: What will you never compromise on with your business?

Anayo Awuzie: I will never compromise on publishing anything other than Black women's voices.

mrcantile: What marketing tactics get your attention as an independent business owner?

Anayo Awuzie: I love behind-the-scenes looks at processes from founders. What I dislike are social media gimmicks and trends that don't align with a brand's core audience.

mrcantile: What resources do you really want as an independent business owner but haven't found yet?

Anayo Awuzie: I'm looking for a solution that can turn text into natural-sounding audio and another that can create shareable clips from blog posts or videos and post them on social media.

mrcantile: How do you think consumers and cities could better support small businesses?

Anayo Awuzie: Understanding that small business owners are people who usually excelled in an area and thought, "I can do it better." Supporting them often means paying a bit more, but you get higher quality and more personalized service. It's about keeping money local and supporting the community.

mrcantile: Are you hosting or attending any events celebrating independent business owners?

Anayo Awuzie: I recently started attending a BIPOC entrepreneurs mixer in Oakland put on by JUSTBE. It's been incredible meeting other entrepreneurs and learning new tips and tricks.

mrcantile: Any small or independent businesses you'd recommend we highlight?

Anayo Awuzie: Definitely Kinfolk Oakland, a coffee shop and wine bar based in downtown Oakland. They're helping revitalize the city and are a great community spot.

mrcantile: How will you support small businesses this month?

Anayo Awuzie: I love shopping with small businesses, especially online. I'll continue to support jewelry, clothing, and accessory businesses, and give preference to local shops and services.

mrcantile: Thanks so much for sharing your journey, Anayo. It's been inspiring hearing about Carefree Media and your vision for the future!

Anayo Awuzie: Thank you! It's been great talking with you and sharing a bit about what we do at Carefree.