Meet Angela Horne, Founder and CEO of mediascript, transforming ideas into digital reality by providing interactive digital signage and kiosks for better customer experiences. Mediascript was built on Resiliency… the company was started in 2009 (during a recession) out of necessity. What started as an e-learning company; then grew to include video production, website and mobile application development. Those additional capabilities allowed them to pivot during the pandemic, to add custom software application development which is now the primary focus of their business.
Each year, WBENC presents 14 women business owners with the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Star Award, the nation’s premier recognition for excellence among certified women-owned businesses, honoring female owners for their leadership skills, business success, and ability to serve as an inspiration to others.
Meet Angela Horne, Founder and CEO of mediascript and subsidiaries Great Dane Press and Wholesome Medicinals
Mediascript is truly an outstanding example of resilience in the face of challenge. With the pandemic lockdown, mediascript, along with the world, saw an increase of organizations using Zoom and WebEx for training and, as a result, and their e-learning and video production services were significantly impacted. However, they started developing custom software platforms that catered to and improved their client’s processes as they were adapting to a remote workforce.
Highlights include developing a national virtual online notary platform for a women-owned business, developed a fitness training platform for elite athletes, and developed WBEC ORV’s conference platform for an in-person conference.
Additionally, after attending many “in-person” and then pandemic-related “virtual” conferences mediascript started outlining and building a platform that would allow attendees the ability to connect with one another, streamline the process for sponsors and attendee to registration as well as event management for the organization.
Additionally, mediascript has two additional business ventures (or DBAs). Great Dane Press offering extraordinary custom stationery and gifts and Wholesome Medicinals offering high quality THC-Free CBD products to support health, well-being and lifestyle.
“Embracing challenges is hard and this may sound simple, but I focus on two things. First, I tend to look at each day as a fresh start. I start by walking our dog because it helps to clear my head, showering, getting dressed, putting on makeup, doing my hair – because you never know who you could meet that day.”
When and how was your business started?
Mediascript started in 2009 as an e-learning company and reseller of e-learning technologies. We helped our clients have a local, regional, national, or global presence through the utilization of our on-line learning system for compliance and regulatory based training, professional development, live-Streaming of workshops and/or conferences.
What does resiliency mean to you? How do you practice resiliency as a woman leading a business?
Embracing challenges is hard and this may sound simple, but I focus on two things. First, I tend to look at each day as a fresh start. I start by walking our dog because it helps to clear my head, showering, getting dressed, putting on makeup, doing my hair – because you never know who you could meet that day.
Second, I always keep moving forward and live by the mantra “just in time delivery.” Meaning, you must trust in God, the universe or something bigger than you. The only way you can lose, is if you give up. A solution or a path will always present itself at the right time, “though it may not always be on your time.”
What is a challenge or opportunity your business faced because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and how did you face it?
During the pandemic lockdowns we saw an increase of organizations using Zoom, WebEx and Teams, which significantly impacted our e-learning and video production services. Fortunately, prior to Covid, Mediascript had gained significate expertise in custom software development. We found that our clients needed to change their processes because their workforces were turning remote. We succeeded in assisting that transition with our custom software solutions.
Additionally, during that time I began researching various CBD products and decided to branch out into a new area and created Wholesome Medicinals. Offering high quality THC-Free CBD products, such as: tinctures, gummies, softgels, creams, bath bombs as well as products for your pets.
Provide an example of how innovation helped you overcome a challenge, pivot, or adapt to a crisis.
In late 2007, Ron, my husband accepted a job transfer from Tennessee to Ohio. The company he was supposed to start with eliminated 2,500 jobs nationally. As you may remember, the country was moving into a recession, and we were searching anywhere and everywhere for new job opportunities.
In 2009, I said to him that we are going to have to start a new business and mediascript was born! Drawing on our previous work experiences, we settled on an e-learning company but knew we had to offer an innovate solution. At the time, our technology was the only platform that allowed rapid content creation and offered compliance-based tracking and reporting capabilities. The solution catered to medical, non-profit and medium-sized businesses.
What have you learned about yourself as a leader from mentoring or coaching others?
I have found that sharing my story–the hardships we have faced, the wins, how we evolved creates a connection with others and helps them feel that they are not alone in the journey.
What do you view as benefits of being part of the WBENC network? How has your company grown and changed since its inception and since becoming certified?
Certification didn’t instantly bring us business, as we thought it might. However, I gained more than I could have ever imagined. The women of WBENC, especially WBEC ORV, supported me and gave me confidence as we faced the difficulties of a new business.
Looking back, I remember attending one of the Catch the Wave conferences and hearing Judy Sheppard with Professional Services of America tell her story. She relayed how she always told a client or prospective client that she could fulfill their needs.
At the time, I didn’t give it much thought but as we developed relationships with our clients, and they began to ask if we had the capability to do something we always found the resources to do it.
What guiding words would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
Volunteer, attend events, be patient and most importantly listen. Gaining certification does not guarantee contracts, but it does provide opportunities. Opportunities to develop relationships. Opportunities to grow your network. Opportunities with the corporation. Opportunities with other WBE’s.
What areas of innovation do you foresee for women entrepreneurs over the next few years?
Artificial Intelligence, E-sports and Virtual Reality.
Mediascript transforms ideas into digital reality by providing interactive digital signage and kiosks for better customer experiences, innovative custom software platforms to improve organizations processes, website and mobile application development, e-learning and learning management systems as well as video production services.
Additionally, Mediascript has two DBAs. Great Dane Press offering extraordinary custom stationery and gifts. And Wholesome Medicinals offering high quality THC-Free CBD products to support your family’s health, well-being and lifestyle.
