Omari Harebin
Omari Harebin
Founder of Vizier Media and Sqspthemes.com
Bridgeport, CT
www.sqspthemes.com
twitter @sqspthemes
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I currently run Sqspthemes.com which is a resource and community for Squarespace users who want to customize, optimize and maximize their growth on the platform.”
When I’m not doing that I’m working on new music for OM PADRE and life-schooling my children.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I always had this vision of how I wanted my life to be. When I found out I was going to be a Dad, I realized this was my calling card to make that dream a reality. Not just for me, but so my son could witness his Father, creating his life and not the other way around.
Days before he was born and I went on paternity leave and never went back. I was working for Verizon as an engineer at the time with a videography business on the side. When I quit, I figured I could just book more video and photoshoots and we'd be OK. Except it didn't quite work out like that. After emptying my 401k and burning through my last couple paychecks, I moved back home (from New Jersey to Connecticut) with my wife and newborn and started all over from scratch.
My clientele up to that point where mostly fellow creatives, artists, and enterprising individuals who wanted to look good on video. But given my new circumstances, my mission became figuring out how to make a living online. That's when I made the big dive into everything from direct response copywriting to Jungian psychology. From story form and to FB advertising. From SEO to content marketing. Everything that would help me answer this question of how to make a living creatively, on my own terms. Luckily I'd discovered Squarespace years earlier and was able to brand myself as a "specialist" and start offering web design as a service. The only trouble was I didn't have the development chops to really customize and make the templates unique. The engineer in my got to work again, and set out to learn what I missing. Fast forward a year later and I started Sqspthemes.com to help other designers customize their sites.
Since then, we've helped thousands of entrepreneurs customize, optimize and grow their business on Squarespace, while creating a lifestyle that allows me focus and work on the things I enjoy.
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a problem solver who loves to try new things.
If you put me in a field of problems and I'm gonna walk out with solutions.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m working on a new album and my first self-paced online training/course for Squarespace entrepreneurs. I’m also working with my Son on his first website. He just turned 5.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Always evolving. Right now I’ve got an eastern/moorish vibe going. Whatever I create this year will reflect that.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Music. I'm spending more time these days on the craft and I’ve yet to market myself with the tools or skills I have now.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Surprisingly... nothing.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Copy editing, graphic design and social media. Basically someone to make sure I’m crossing my t’s, dotting my i’s and putting my best foot forward visually.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I’d go back to my first job out of school and tell myself, “yo, save save save.” I’ve had to make up for poor financial habits over the years and it's a lot harder to overcome when you don't have regular income.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Establishing a private equity fund. A small one. For acquiring and growing online businesses. How do you structure deals?
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m looking to partner with someone who needs a part-time CMO.
I'm also looking for opportunities to coach and teach new entrepreneurs.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client has created a life-changing product but has no idea how to scale and systematize their marketing online.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Project min is $10,000 for a 3 month engagement.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at omari@sqspthemes.com
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Script it then I live it.
This member profile was originally published in January 2019.