5 Questions with Steven Thompson Sr.

How did you end up in Columbus?

I was invited to Columbus to help a friend open a business -- a barbershop. Who knew that I would one day become an entrepreneur? Right now, I have my own media production business that I have been growing for the last six years. Columbus has been a great place to do this and has been a little easier than starting it in a larger city like Atlanta or Chicago, where I am from.

Musician, actor, videographer. Which of your pursuits best describes you and why?

I love to tell stories. All my skill sets -- whether its with film, music, photography or acting -- allow me to tell stories.

What is the coolest thing in Columbus?

The people. Having no family here -- in Columbus or the state of Georgia -- my friends are the most important and coolest part of Columbus. I have friends from all walks of life and with many different backgrounds and influences. The city of Columbus is a melting pot of great music, art and culture. By living downtown, I get to see and experience all of the culture that the city offers.

Have you seen downtown change in your time here?

Absolutely. Living and working downtown I've literally seen the landscape transform before my eyes. Columbus State University's downtown is flourishing and bringing students from across the country and the world, which brings a different energy downtown.

Also the fitness awareness and culture of downtown has grown in the last five years. Every weekend there is some sort of athletic event.

What is the best kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?

The music scene. There are so many undiscovered talented musicians here. Columbus has a pulse on good music. They are coming from everywhere and you can hear them on the streets and in venues such as The Loft, local coffee shops, street concerts and Uptown Market Days. I am a local musician and have been fortunate to have played with a lot of these talented musicians.

This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 8:22 PM with the headline "5 Questions with Steven Thompson Sr.."