Akilah Phillip, owner of Let’s Talk Intellectual Property Ltd, graced us with an informative interview about being an entrepreneur and her triumphs and challenges thus far.
Can you please state your name and the name of your business?
Akilah Phillip – Let’s Talk Intellectual Property Ltd
How long have you been in business?
Five years
What was the motivation for you to become an entrepreneur?
I wanted to operate independently to have the ability to empower people on my own terms outside the restraints of a corporate environment.
What is the focus of your business?
Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law. My company focuses on helping individuals and entities protect and monetize intellectual property assets.
Why did you choose this line of business to get into?
I stumbled into the field of law, I am a creative person first. I love to draw, write, and create DIY projects and items. My Father grew up in an era where pursuing a creative career did not seem sustainable and artiste were viewed as struggling, therefore my dream to be become an artist was curtailed. I had to choose a practical career and I liked law to some extent. My decision to specialize in this field allowed me to marry my passion for creativity and law. I am extremely determined to help others and a younger generation know that creativity can be a sustainable way of living by monetizing the assets they create.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Pre-covid19 my days were extremely hectic. In addition to being the CEO of my law firm. I also worked as a Legal IP Advisor with a global corporation based in Delaware focused on Intellectual Property Management. My days involved monitoring and reviewing the online activity of the world’s largest brands who are our clients. I ensured their intellectual property assets were secured across all digital platforms from social media to mobile apps.
I managed my law firm clients on afternoons and weekends. My days started at 9 am and ended at 3 am. I have strange sleeping habits and I’m a notorious night owl this means I napped after work and focused on my law firm’s workload at night.
To date, what has been your greatest accomplishment for your company?
This is such an interesting question. I have many highlights for my company. However, I truly enjoy training and educating others about their IP assets. My greatest accomplishment was being one of the feature guest speakers for a creative workshop hosted by the US Embassy.
What has been your greatest challenge so far?
Getting people interested in intellectual property and appreciating how valuable it is. The human mind can easily conceptualize tangible assets like jewellery, a car or house as being valuable but many believe things such as art, music, film and design must be freely consumed and shared.
Is this your first attempt at owning a business? If not what were some of your other ventures?
No this is not my first attempt owning a business. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial and creativity spirit. My first business was selling my poetry which happen accidentally. I recalled I wrote a poem and added some clip art. While travelling home in a taxi the driver who I knew saw it and asked me what it was, I showed him my poetry and he loved it. He asked me if I would customize it for his girlfriend. I was so excited to be paid for my creative work I started writing more poems. Initially mostly my family and friends supported then a local flower shop took some of my work on commission. I thought I had hit the jackpot.
What are your future plans for your business?
Wow! The sky is the limit for my law firm and I love that I am the first 100% virtual law firm in the country. I see my business revolutionizing the way people view the legal profession by making services and information accessible by the push of a button.
Who are some of the people that you admire and why?
It may be cliché to say I admire my Father but he’s really the person I look up to a lot. Although I initially resented him for inadvertently directing me to the field of law I understand and appreciate why he did it. He’s my biggest supporter and I love him unconditionally.
I absolutely adore Maxine Williams. She’s someone I truly look up to as an Attorney operating in a creative sphere. Her unconventional approach to how a traditional lawyer operates is truly inspiring and resonates with me. Her international success at Facebook and her passion for her work is motivational.
What lessons, if any from your youth have influenced you in business in your adult life?
It’s a lesson my Dad has drummed into my head as a child and it’s absolutely applicable in business. “The race is not for the swiftest but for those who can endure till the end.”
Besides your business, what do you think is the greatest challenge about owning a business in Trinidad?
Oh boy! This is tough question. I think getting people to appreciate the value of local suppliers is one of the greatest challenges many business owners face. There is always a perception that international is better but there are a plethora of local goods, products and services that offer exceptional quality and getting people to understand that we have great resources in our own country is often difficult.
What are your hobbies, meaning what do you do to destress?
I love the outdoors, hiking or any adventurous activity excites me. Writing is an escape for me I love creative writing especially storytelling. I seldom have time to read as I would like to, but I love being engrossed in a good book that keeps you up at night peeling through the pages.
Do you have any unique habits that you believe give you an edge as an entrepreneur?
I believe my creativity works in my favour I am always full with tons of great ideas about making what I do unique and enjoyable.
If you had a chance to do it all over would you choose the same path?
Humm! Honestly I would pursue art as I wanted to in secondary school. I would love to see where doing art would lead me. I don’t regret where I am now.
What are your thoughts on the Small Business landscape in Trinidad?
I believe the small business landscape is at an exciting and critical pivoting point. The global pandemic has reshaped the way the world operates and Trinidad and Tobago has adapted as many countries have to relying on online services for business. This has resulted in the consumer’s mindset to accept obtaining goods, products and services online. I believe small business now have the opportunity to use the advantage the digital age offers to expand their businesses.
What is a local business you admire and wish your business can emulate?
My field is a novel one, I don’t believe there are any other virtual law firms. Therefore, I am often looking at international counterparts in my industry for inspiration.
What advice would you give to people considering getting into your line of business, specifically in Trinidad?
Be patiently consistent with your clients. The importance of intellectual property and its financial value is often difficult for the people who create and trade it for business to understand. Therefore, building awareness about it for end users and consumers would sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Do not give up!
Thanks Akilah for a detailed interview. We wish her all the best in her business ventures. Check out her Website and Social Media pages below:
Website – www.letustalkip.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Letustalkip/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/letustalkip/
