Today we’d like to introduce you to Kebriana Rogers.
Kebriana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In high school, I knew in my heart that I would be a cosmetologist but I was determined to go to a four-year university and get an education in business FIRST. So, I started my college career at the amazing Georgia State University in 2011, where I enrolled as a Marketing major. From there, my journey really started with a rented camera from the digital aquarium at GSU. Although I was the photo-taking and editing (myspace-style, haha) friend in high school, I had no real intentions of getting into photography. For a year, I played around with the camera, and Christmas of 2012, I was gifted with my very own Canon Rebel XT. From that point on, I was harassing my closest friends with photo opps in our door rooms and cool spots around campus which led to friends deeming my work #KapturedbyKeeek.
In 2013, I was entrusted to do a friend’s graduation photos and it was a beautiful history from there. I was blessed with the opportunity to do a lot of grad shoot sessions, then came lifestyle shoots and then I got into what I call the “special moments” realm of photography which includes occasions such as birthdays, engagements and maternity. Suddenly, I was graduating from college in 2015 with degrees in Marketing and Managerial Science and photography had become the forefront of my dreams while cosmetology took a back seat. However, I refused to give up my cosmetology goals.
So, a year and a half after graduating from GSU, I enrolled in the Master Cosmetology program at Paul Mitchell The School Esani in Roswell, GA. Working a 9-5 corporate job in Alpharetta, the night program at this school made the most sense with my schedule even though it was Monday through Friday, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. For 15 months, I juggled a full-time day job, full-time night school and part-time photography on the weekends. Those closest to me know how exhausting, yet persisting, of a time that was in my life but in December of 2018, I graduated from Paul Mitchell. In the state of Georgia, you have two years from your graduation date to take your exams and apply for your Cosmetology license. As I come upon a year of graduation now, I have taken one of two exams I need to get my license! Although I thought I would take my exams right after graduating, life came fast, anxiety crept in and I’ve been able to use my growing photography books as a poor excuse. So up next for me is taking and passing my practical exam and getting my Master Cosmetologist license in GA so that I can dive deeper into my passion for hair. My fingers are crossed that I can get it done before this year is out. That’ll be beautiful for me as late December will also commemorate my first year as an official business as The 8th Frame.
KapturedbyKeeek was cool in college but as I got older, I realized that I wanted an all-encompassing brand that represented growth and maturity; something that translates within and beyond my close social group or generation. In 2018, God put “The 8th Frame” in my heart and I spent a year trying to understand what it meant. My birthday is July 8, which is 7-8. Seven is the number of completion and 8 is the number of new beginnings and evolution. It was then that I realized that whether it be through doing someone’s hair or taking their photo, I want them to feel both COMPLETE and NEW. A frame represents the foundation of the realm of which one remains the same. The photo (phase in life) may change but the essence of one’s being (frame) generally stays the same.
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?
It has not been an easy road thus far and I must credit that only to my own doubts. I’ve never dealt with naysayers, nonbelievers or a lack of opportunity; it’s always been an internal doubt battle for me. I think my personal experience relates most to those who feel their worst enemy is themselves. I’ve learned, and continue to learn, that there are people who will see your potential and your worth more than you do. Those people genuinely care and they sow into you (personally and professionally), molding and pushing you into the maturity of your gifts and purpose. But there are some people who will not empathize or rise to the occasion when you sell yourself short. They will take advantage of a good deal and not think twice if you don’t stand up for what you deserve.
If I had to give any advice, I would advise that you don’t overvalue or undervalue either of those two type of people. Don’t use your motivators as constant crutches and do not be easily offended when others do not motivate or support you and/or your business. There is gratitude to be had for both types of people because I believe that you find yourself right in the middle. Be confident in yourself and your work so that you may attract people who are confident in your ability to deliver. Be reminded by those who will challenge your price points, services and your work, that you are running a business and there is value to be gained in articulating the value of what you bring to the table.
Friends does not mean free. After so much practice, give yourself grace and start putting a price on your work so that you can put a dollar amount to your growth as you go. Give yourself raises; just as a corporate job would do during an annual review. You are your own boss and your business deserves growth year after year.
Never stop getting educated and don’t ever grow too good to ask others for help or feedback. You are a human before anything and that is what others can always relate to you on when you are honest. Sometimes client and/or colleague expectations or perceptions of you can seemingly quiet your right to say “I don’t quite know how to do that” or “Can you help me figure this out.” Pride says that is weak but humility says that is smart. Discern who you can trust with your honesty and vulnerability, and allow them to help you if they are willing.
Please tell us about The 8th Frame.
I specialize in lifestyle and portrait photography. I also am growing in my craft of natural hair care.
Getting your hair done/cut is usually a self-care, rejuvenating experience that has the ability to help restore one’s mental and spiritual state. And when someone sees a photo of themselves, they are able to pause in a real-life moment to commemorate who they are and sometimes they are so amazed at what they see (as if they haven’t taken time to admire themselves often enough). My goal, through both hair care and photography, is to be a part of making people feel good by commemorating who they are while also honoring who they are becoming. Life is about appreciation and growth, and anytime that I can be a part of either for someone, my life is blessed. My clients become family of whom can confide in me, trust me and count on me to deliver for them beyond one appointment or session. I want to be their stylist and/or photography for life! I believe that is what sets me apart from others. I honor the person and the relationship before just seeing the business opportunity. I know most would not advise acquainting my business so close with a relationship but I cannot neglect the fact that my clients handpick me and my accommodations over the many other amazing professionals in Georgia. They are blessings to me so it is my mission to make them feel as equally blessed through my presence and work as often as I can.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Evaluate your worth. Set the bar of expectation for yourself and your clients. Deliver. Determine your next level. Evaluate how you will obtain that level. Execute the elevation. Then repeat everything again.
Also, throughout every step of the way, give yourself grace and appreciate the journey. Schedule time for you to decompress and re-energize. You are your most important investment so if you are not taken care of emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, your business will inevitably reflect this.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.the8thframe.com
- Email: the8thframe@gmail.com
- Instagram: @the8thframe and @keeek101
Image Credit:
My personal photo is by Eric Jordan (@jordanviision on IG)
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