Today we’d like to introduce you to Lourdes Sukari.
Lourdes, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the small city of Warren, OH. Growing up, I knew that there weren’t many opportunities to grow in the creative industries I’d planned to pursue. So, when I graduated high school, I moved down south and attended The Art Institute of Atlanta for Film & Video Production. From there, I started working on TV sets for BET, Tyler Perry Studios and eventually landed a job as a Video Producer at a media company in Norcross, GA. But nothing in production is certain. So, when I’d gotten laid off, I decided to immerse myself in entrepreneurship. I started an online publication called The Artifact Magazine that focused on spotlighting independent musicians and visual artists in Atlanta and around the world. I began covering underground events, interviewing musicians and even started recording my own radio show, The Artifact Radio, as an extension of the magazine.
I’d never planned to become a photographer. But one day, I was co-shooting video of an event called, “The Influencers Present” that Sean Fahie and DJ 100K! produced at Studio No. 7. Their guests of honor were Motion Family & Cashew Co. (they’d just released their New Orleans Journal https://www.cashewco.com/shop/cashew-company-journal-new-orleans-edition-79rs-gang-cover-1-0f-4). If you know music photography and videography, you know them. They’ve worked with some of the most prominent rappers/musicians in the game. As fate would have it, I started shooting my first stills during that event and I haven’t looked back. That was June of 2015.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anyone who says entrepreneurship is a “smooth road” is lying. A struggle is something you can’t avoid. But it’s how you deal with it that’ll determine whether you fail or succeed. I’ve had plenty of failures, disappointments, and challenges that made me question if I was really meant to achieve what’s in my heart to do. It may sound cliche, but one of my biggest struggles has been getting out of my own way. Some business owners are lucky enough to have products they sell: equipment, clothes, etc. But as a photographer, you’re selling your skills and when you’re just starting out, chances are you don’t have any yet. There’s no hiding behind emails to get booked or faking it till you make it -unless you have an iPhone X. You have to be vulnerable by exhibiting your work at every stage in your career and initially, that really crippled me. I was overly critical of my work, comparing myself to other photographers on Instagram (eye roll, I know) and I was scared to shop work that wasn’t my definition perfect or professional. But once I realized I was holding myself back, I swallowed my pride, posted my first photo and here I am. No matter what industry you’re in, you can build barriers with insecurities, comparisons, fear of failure and so much more. Conquering yourself is the most crucial part of achieving what you desire in life and entrepreneurship.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Artifact, LLC – what should we know?
The Artifact is built on the foundation of legacy; how do you want to be remembered? My photographs are known for capturing exhibitions of happiness, freedom, success; doubt, struggle and vulnerability. I strive to document liveliness and authenticity, so you’ll never catch me willingly posing subjects. I think that’s what gravitates people to my work. It’s as uninhibited as they are. I also do digital marketing for a number of brands with the same approach.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Nonconformity, without a doubt.
Contact Info:
- Website: lourdesukari.co
- Email: lourdesukari@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lourdesukari
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