A small business serving other small businesses, Unlimited Media offers full-service web presence, social media and graphics for local, independent business owners. Mayda Sanchez-Shingler is behind the enterprise that was recently named home-based business of the year by the Small Business Administration.
From the site to the graphics, Sanchez-Shingler is capable of building it all for her clients. “Really it’s a hands-on, full-service,” she says. Unlimited Media largely builds from WordPress for its easy to expand, modular nature, but can also make custom-designed sites. And, a website needs its graphics – which Sanchez-Shingler also covers with still photography and HD video services. Unlimited Media is capable of almost anything a client would need to put a website together.
“I do most of my work locally,” Sanchez-Shingler says, largely serving small, independent businesses. She’s hands-on and invested in each client’s story. “Ultimately I just want the customer to be successful,” she says.
Sanchez-Shingler has been in the web game from the beginning, launching Unlimited Media in 1997. Her interest in the web led to research, during which she realized her intuition for picking up software programs. “I had an aptitude and I just ran with it,” she says. Sanchez-Shingler was also surrounded by a culture of entrepreneurialism. She saw her parents start their own businesses as Cuban immigrants living in Miami. People had the drive and the mindset of building something on their own. “I’ve always had sort of an entrepreneurial culture [and] entrepreneurial spirit,” she says.
Sanchez-Shingler has utilized the resources of ECDI and the Women’s Business Center (WBC) in Unlimited Media’s continued success.
“I like to give a lot back,” she says and volunteering with the center allows her to do just that. She loves the feeling that comes with sharing knowledge and helping other business owners have that a-ha! moment. Sanchez-Shingler also does training with ECDI, teaching business owners how to start e-commerce sites.
Volunteering with the WBC has also helped Sanchez-Shingler improve Unlimited Media and how it’s focused. The business plan program refocused her informal plan into a more strategic, streamlined document. Networking opportunities have also been critical to her success. “Their networking events there are very helpful because you get to network with other small business people,” Sanchez-Shingler says.
The IDA Grant Program expanded the services Unlimited Media could offer, allowing Sanchez-Shingler to purchase a new computer and camera. “Now I am able to offer HD video production as well and still photography,” she says.
Being a home-based business, the WBC provides an opportunity for Sanchez-Shingler to get out of the house, while also furnishing an environment where she can meet with clients. The ability to pack up her office and go is one of the advantages she sees for being at home, but, “You do have to find resources like the WBC so you can meet clients in a professional environment,” she says.
For more information, visit unlimitedmedia.com.
