Today we’d like to introduce you to Fly Ty.
Hi Fly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fly Ty’s entrepreneurial journey has been defined by creativity, innovation, and a relentless drive to push boundaries. He started out in the music industry, burning and selling CDs, carving out his space in a digital era while mastering the art of hustle.
As his ambitions expanded, Fly Ty transitioned into the fashion world, launching Distressed by the Best, a business where he took old, worn-out clothes – everything from jeans to graphic tees and dresses — and gave them a fresh, repurposed look. His eye for detail and knack for transformation turned the vintage pieces into one-of-a-kind, stylish gems.
Next up, Fly Ty took on the world of accessories, launching Big Steppaz Only—a sunglasses and accessories company. He built the brand from the ground up, designing a unique online experience with a fully functional website and serving at over 50 pop-up events. His hustle paid off as he quickly gained recognition for both the product and the personality behind it.
Not one to limit himself, Fly Ty then stepped into the spotlight of fashion events, producing and hosting three successful fashion shows that captured the attention of both the industry and the local community. His eye for style and his ability to bring people together cemented his place as a key influencer in the fashion scene.
Finally, Fly Ty launched Flicks By Fly Ty, his own photography business in 2025. January 2026 Flicks By Fly Ty celebrates 1 year in business and has flourished tremendously thought out this year
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any creative path, photography hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles early on was stepping outside my comfort zone socially. Event photography forced me to become more of a people person—introducing myself to strangers, navigating crowds, directing guests, and building instant trust. Over time, that challenge became a strength. Being in those spaces pushed me to become more friendly, more open, and more confident in meeting and connecting with new people.
Another major struggle was balancing creativity with business. Learning how to price services, communicate value, enforce policies, and still maintain a luxury experience didn’t come overnight. There were moments of undercharging, overdelivering, and learning the hard way how important boundaries are in this industry.
Consistency was another challenge—showing up even when bookings were slow, inspiration felt low, or self-doubt crept in. Photography requires believing in your vision before others do, and that mental discipline is just as important as technical skill.
There was also the pressure of performing under real-time conditions. Events don’t pause. Lighting changes, moments happen once, and there’s no redo. Learning to stay calm, adapt quickly, and still produce high-quality work was a growth curve that sharpened both confidence and skill.
Lastly, learning to handle feedback, expectations, and comparison was a challenge. Social media makes it easy to compare journeys, styles, and success. Staying focused on my own lane—my style, my growth, my purpose—became essential.
Every challenge shaped me into a more intentional photographer and professional. These struggles didn’t slow the journey—they refined it. Today, I don’t just capture moments; I create experiences, connect with people, and tell stories with confidence and purpose 💎📸
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Flicks By Fly Ty is a creative photography brand rooted in storytelling, community, and intention. At its core, the brand exists to capture real moments — the joy, confidence, love, and growth that often go unseen but deserve to be remembered.
I specialize in lifestyle, branding, portrait, and event photography, with a strong focus on working with everyday people, entrepreneurs, families, and community-driven events. My style blends a luxury feel with authenticity, making clients feel seen, comfortable, and confident in front of the camera while still delivering polished, high-quality imagery.
What truly sets Flicks By Fly Ty apart is the experience. I don’t just take photos — I build connection. I take the time to understand each client’s vision, story, and purpose so the images reflect who they genuinely are, not just how they look. My work is known for its warmth, emotion, and ability to make moments feel elevated without losing their realness.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Many return for multiple milestones — from personal portraits to branding sessions and community events — and that loyalty means everything. I’m also proud of how the brand continues to grow organically through word-of-mouth and community support, which tells me the work is resonating on a deeper level.
I want readers to know that Flicks By Fly Ty is more than a photography service — it’s a creative partner. Whether it’s capturing a life moment, helping a business visually tell its story, or documenting a community event, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel meaningful, empowering, and lasting.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building a strong network is to start by genuinely connecting with people whose work you respect, not just for what they can offer, but for what you can learn from them. Be curious, show up consistently, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. Authentic relationships always go further than transactional ones.
What has worked well for me is being present in creative spaces and allowing myself to learn from those who are already doing what I aspire to do. Two people who have had a meaningful impact on my journey are Cedric Searcy, the owner of My Studios in Columbus, Georgia, and Delontaye Taylor of X Studios of Columbus, Georgia. Being around them showed me the importance of professionalism, creative confidence, and building a welcoming environment for artists and entrepreneurs.
Delontaye Taylor, in particular, helped me become more comfortable in front of the camera, which completely shifted how I approach my own work. Experiencing that level of ease and encouragement firsthand taught me how powerful it is when a creative makes you feel seen and confident. I now carry that lesson into every session — my goal is always to make my clients feel relaxed, empowered, and confident, just as I was made to feel.
Overall, mentorship and networking have taught me that growth happens faster when you’re willing to learn, stay humble, and build within your community. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you creatively can open doors you never imagined — not just professionally, but personally as well
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flicksbyflyty?igsh=MTBiOWo2MTBieDlseQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AM8hQ9dLj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
All credit belongs to Flicks By Fly Ty
