02/20/2026
In 2013, I moved to NYC with only my camera and a $12/hr internship.
I gave that internship everything I had and still wasn’t hired full time.
That’s when I realized: if I wanted to be successful — or hell even survive — I was going to have to do something different.
I remember walking through the city thinking,
“One day I’ll build something of my own.”
Not just a business, but a place where creatives could feel safe, supported, and seen.
Because the truth is… being a creative can feel lonely.
You’re chasing ideas most people don’t understand. You’re betting on yourself when it doesn’t always make sense on paper. You’re building something out of nothing.
And let me be very clear: there is nothing cute or glamorous about my story.
No overnight success. No viral moment. Just years of hard work, commitment, and consistency.
My mom always encouraged me to start my own business, especially in a world where job security isn’t guaranteed even for the most talented people. That’s why I named my studios after her.
And one thing my dad taught me (RIP🙏🏾) was to be kind to good people and to let my actions speak louder than my words ever could.
Those lessons guide everything I build.
Today, I’m proud to say I run two creative studios and host a monthly Downtown Street Photography Workshop, helping creatives not only master their craft, but build community and businesses of their own.
In 2013, I had a camera and a vision.
Today, I have a business and a purpose.
During this Black History Month, I want to give a shoutout to everyone out here making Black history everyday by building, creating, leading, teaching, and owning.
Legacy isn’t just something we read about. It’s something we live.
And to anyone quietly putting in the work with no applause:
Keep going. Consistency compounds. Ownership matters. The vision you see in your head, it’s real.
I’m an example that you can achieve it. We got this.