Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Sadler.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always been a creative from fashion to makeup to unique jewelry finds, etc. I was a natural rebel when it came to every one of those areas (before it was cool). I would go to school in bow ties and suspenders and I ALWAYS had winged eye-liner (even to this day) just because it was “different.” However, I wasn’t different just for the sake of being “different,” it was truly innate. I grew up with a genuine inclination for fashion and lived in a world (by world I mean small country town with cows, chickens, and deer) where it wasn’t acceptable to push the mold. I made it a mission to always believe there is art in every aspect of life. I took on the mindset of Edgar Degas when he stated, “Art is not what you see it’s what you make other people see.” So I started learning ways to effectively create the art that I wanted people to see. I learned how to do makeup the right way at a Bobbi Brown makeup counter and worked retail to learn about trends and customer service. After I had equipped myself with what I thought were the necessary tools, I begin to apply my knowledge on myself. I’ve always been a person that was hungry for creative knowledge so I decided to pick up a camera to add to my arsenal and I haven’t put it down since!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been smooth for me at all. When you are a creative you constantly compare yourself to others, especially those you look up to. I QUICKLY realized that everybody isn’t going to share my vision, understand my drive or match my passion; and that is ok! If everyone were the same there would be no purpose of different businesses and visions. While I have figured that out, I find that I, oftentimes, am my worse enemy and my hardest critic. So, all in all, my struggle has been ME.
EYE’Monea Photography – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the photographer, visionary, and founder of EYE’Monea Photography. I specialize in fashion, editorial, beauty and bridal portraits. I’m known for my colorful, “vibey” and cutting edge photos. Not to mention, my innate tomboy mentality that pushes me to get on the ground and as Drake says, “…hit them ANGLES!” I’m most proud of how I share my vision with people. I love to see and hear my clients’ respond when they get to see themselves through my eye. What ultimately sets me apart is ME! I feel that God has given me the ability to see things in people that they may not otherwise see in themselves. It helps them maximize their potential and empowers them to be who they authentically are!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is in the consistency of my work ethic and time. Success to me is when I can use my platform to create connections for other people and challenge their eye to see the value in my art. I will know that I have reached success the moment that I don’t have to introduce myself!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3363028309
- Email: eyemonea@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyemonea_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyemonea/
Image Credit:
Personal photo: Model Shayla of EYE’Monea Photography; Photographer: Wonder Blue Creative MUA: Asia Stevenson Top: The August Ave Earrings: A Girl From the X; All other photos featured: Model: Kaela (model in colorful top and gold earrings MUA: Kelechi Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography; Model: Essence Sylvia Smith (model In grocery store scene) MUA: Nia Williams Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography; Model: Francheska Keke (model In Bantu knots) Hair: Francheska Keke MUA: Monica Nicole Beauty Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography; Model: Khalila Chandra (Model and light blue two piece) MUA: Asia Stevenson Earrings: Lemoni Blanc; Model: Alexis Mitchel (model in chair with flowers) Dress: The August Ave Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography; Model: Essence Sylvia Smith (model in all white attire) Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography; Model: Khalila Chandra (model in bridal gown) MUA: Monica Nicole Beauty Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography; Model: Briana Pressley (model in blue Jaguar) MUA: Kaity Ross Photographer: EYE’Monea Photography
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