Makers & Movers: Rich & Company Florida
Omar M. Richardson is a multidisciplinary creative who blends art, storytelling, and community impact. Over the years, he has built a meaningful career that connects his passions with the people he serves. His journey offers a look at what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business in today’s creative world.
1. Introductory Insight
What is your name, and what is your side hustle or business?
My name is Omar M. Richardson, from Nassau, Bahamas, but I now live in Tampa, FL. I am a fine artist, printmaker, children’s book author/illustrator, professor, and founder of Rich & Company Florida, a creative studio specializing in photography, visual storytelling, branding, and community-centered creative development.
Briefly describe your business or side hustle.
Rich & Company Florida began as a photography and creative marketing service for local businesses, sports organizations, and community initiatives. Over time, it evolved into a platform where I combine art, storytelling, education, and culture, helping people and organizations visually express who they are through imagery, identity, and narrative.
How long have you been operating your business?
In some form or another, I’ve been doing this work for over a decade, but Rich & Company Florida formally took shape about 7 years ago.
2. Business Journey
What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration came from community. Growing up in Nassau, Bahamas, art was a way of understanding identity, culture, and connection. When I moved into teaching and professional creative work, I saw a need for quality storytelling in our neighborhoods, stories of families, small businesses, youth sports programs, and local culture. I wanted to give people visuals that felt like them.
How did you transition from idea to execution?
It started organically, photographing events, designing flyers, and helping friends with branding. Word spread. Before long, I had clients, systems, and a recognizable style. Execution came from showing up consistently, even when things weren’t perfect yet.
What were the initial challenges you faced?
Balancing time was the biggest challenge. I was teaching full-time, building my fine art career, and also trying to grow a business. Learning how to pace myself, price correctly, say “no,” and prioritize what aligned with my long-term purpose took time.
3. Strategic Moves
What does a typical day look like for you?
Teaching during the day. Creative production, editing, creating artwork, planning workshops, or writing children’s books—in the evenings. Weekends often include photoshoots, community events, or artwork time.
How do you manage and prioritize tasks?
I prioritize based on impact and intention:
- What moves the mission forward?
- What must be done today vs. what can develop over time?
What tools or systems do you use to run your business?
- Google Drive & Notion for planning
- Lightroom & Photoshop for editing
- Calendars and reminders (because life gets real)
- And a strong internal sense of routine and purpose
4. Growth & Outreach
What marketing strategies have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth and community visibility. When you do good work and treat people well, your name travels.
What marketing channels have been most effective?
Instagram and in-person engagement in the community, being present where life is actually happening.
Have you leveraged social media or other platforms for growth?
Yes, especially social media storytelling: behind-the-scenes videos, youth sports highlights, and sharing authentic process moments.
5. Challenges & Lessons Learned
What significant challenges have you encountered?
Burnout, balancing multiple roles, and learning to trust timing instead of forcing growth.
How did you overcome them?
By slowing down, restructuring my offerings, and returning to my foundation: art, storytelling, and education.
What lessons have you learned that you’d share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
- Your work is better when your mind and spirit are grounded.
- Not every opportunity is your opportunity.
- Build systems early, even when you’re small.
6. Future Plans
What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Short-term: Continue writing and illustrating children’s books and producing new fine art works.
Long-term: Build a creative campus/workshop model for youth and adults, and exhibit internationally.
Are there any new projects or expansions on the horizon?
Yes, new children’s book releases and upcoming fine art exhibitions.
How do you plan to scale your business?
By focusing on fewer, more meaningful offerings and partnerships aligned with education, art, and community storytelling.
7. Personal Insights
How do you balance work and personal life?
I create boundaries and honor rest. Creativity needs space to breathe.
What motivates you to keep going?
Legacy. Representation. And the understanding that my gift is bigger than me.
If you could have dinner with any entrepreneur, who would it be and why?
Bob Marley, because he understood culture, spirit, community, and impact all as one artistic expression.
8. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Start where you are with what you have. Perfection is not the starting point.
What do you wish you knew before starting your business?
That growth comes in seasons, and you can’t rush a seed into a tree.
How can one stay resilient during tough times?
Return to your why. And surround yourself with people who believe in you, even when you’re tired.
9. Fun Rapid-Fire Round
Favorite productivity hack?
Early morning quiet time, clarity is currency.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley — Every little thing gonna be alright.
Fun fact, people don’t know?
I carve woodblocks by hand, hours of meditative detail that become bold prints.
How can people follow your business?
Instagram: @richandcompanyfl and @omarrichardson_art
Website updates and book releases are coming soon.
Jason Butler is the owner of My Money Chronicles, a website where he discusses personal finance, side hustles, travel, and more. Jason is from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University with his BA in Marketing. Jason has been featured in Forbes, Discover, and Investopedia.
