At 24, Tracie Karasik had just landed a job as an account services representative for a media company. Just one day in, she had a realization.

“I was only there for one day, but it was like I had an epiphany — so the next day I quit and told them I was starting my own business,” said Karasik ’11 (Multimedia Production). 

In 2012, with her parents’ encouragement, Karasik started her own media company, TLKmultimedia. The firm helps individuals with their photography, filming and media consulting needs and provides training for individuals learning to be technologically savvy with Apple products. She previously had worked at other media companies and decided that she was more than capable of running her own business.

That epiphany, on the heels of her graduation from California State University, Northridge, led Karasik down a career path that recently earned her the National Association of Women Business Owners – Ventura County chapter’s 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award recognizes a young entrepreneur who has made extraordinary contributions to her field. After winning the prestigious award, Karasik was overcome with emotion.

“I didn’t think I was going to win it at 29,” she said. “I won something that is recognized. I was overcome with tears — it was a very powerful moment.”

The Westlake Village resident started her journey at Moorpark Community College, exploring her passions and changing majors multiple times. 

“I had an idea of what I wanted to do,” Karasik said. “I wanted to pursue film and really made sure that I was focused on my academics.”

After two years of community college, Karasik decided to attend CSUN to pursue a Cinema Television Arts bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Multimedia Production. “My dad is a CSUN [alumnus],” she said. “It was just such an easy place where I could balance school and my job at the Apple store.”

The best parts of CSUN were the campus atmosphere and the community, Karasik said. She made friends here and found mentors with whom she is still close.

“I still have a professor that I keep updated [on] what I am doing,” she said. “She came to my award ceremony, and it was just so great having her there.”

Karasik advised current CSUN students to establish relationships with mentors on campus.

“Finding those mentors who continue to push you and can teach you things is incredibly important,” she said. “Students need to be reassured that they are capable of doing things.”

Karasik is looking ahead in her business. With her brand, TLKmultimedia, gaining popularity, she said she hopes to expand her company.

Entrepreneurship