Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaquaveya Brooks.
Hi Shaquaveya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Going into college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I picked the concentration my parents advised me to take: journalism. I knew I wanted to work in the creative field, but not journalism at the time. When I attended my freshmen orientation, I saw film & video production as another mass communications concentration, and it stood out to me over everything else. I chose that as my major and creative writing as my minor, and it was the best decision I made for myself. With film, editing, and writing I’ve been able to express my stories the best possible way. Thinking back to when I was younger, I realize that I’ve always been a movie buff. Television was always my go-to when I was bored, needed inspiration, was being bullied at school, and going through family hardships. My favorite movies were Titanic and BAPS, and my favorite shows were anything on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. As I grew up, I got more into BET, VH1, and other black entertainment channels. I realized I wanted to be a filmmaker because of the stories that weren’t being told and the people who weren’t being properly represented on television. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications in May 2019, and I’ve been working with amazing wedding videographers and photographers, and Christian-based companies ever since. I’ve also taken on more projects, and my clientele is growing. My goal for the future is to learn more creative skills and establish my own videography business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not. I’ve had to face rejection from internships, lack of communication during shoots, and continuity issues that affected the finished video, but my main obstacle has been myself. I can be my own worst enemy at times telling myself I’m not good enough or I don’t have enough experience. I even contemplated giving up videography at one point, but the more I tried letting it go, the more God blessed me with opportunities. As far as my current job at WRBL News 3, I almost didn’t apply thinking I wouldn’t get the job. I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied. I made it to the interview, and it was between a couple of other applicants and me. When I didn’t hear anything back after two weeks, I took the hour drive up to the station to ask if the position had been filled. Because of my dedication, I was given the job that same day. I have become more confident in my freelance work as well. Before, I would turn down projects, and this year I decided to stop limiting myself and accept more work. There were areas I was inexperienced in, like photography and lighting, but I am currently fixing that by taking online courses. I’m no longer telling myself I can’t do it. There have been some bumps in the road, but it’s coming together. I just have to continue having faith in myself and more importantly God. Family and friends have always said I possess a gift in storytelling; Even strangers who hadn’t talked to me for more than a few minutes told me they saw greatness in me. Now if all these people, especially complete strangers, could see my potential, I knew it was time for me to see it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelancer who specializes in videography and editing, and I am currently learning photography. I shoot and edit a wide range of projects, such as special events, weddings, short films, reels, YouTube intros, and more. My writing centers around minority groups like black women, especially brown and dark-skinned black women, and underrepresented individuals. I write content relating to life after college and overcoming mental and emotional struggles. My writing goes against stereotypes, especially the ones centered around the black community being angry, volatile, and lazy; It even talks about the problems we as black people create within our own community. That’s why I am most proud of my ability to form a story out of anything. I can look at a single item on the wall and turn it into a story because of the creative lightbulbs that go off in my mind. Also, I try to showcase different perspectives. As a society, we can get offended easily, and that makes some people feel like they can’t express certain opinions. That is why I want to showcase them more through my writing and videography.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For mentorship, I would first look towards family and community members who have successful careers. I believe it’s a necessity to know the business behind your passion. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t know how to market it, it can be hard for your brand to grow. I’ve been blessed to have people in my life like my parents, mentors, and various family relatives who have a strong work ethic, careers, and successful businesses. As far as networking, go to as many events as possible in your career field. What I like about my generation is how much access we have. If you aren’t fortunate enough to have someone in your personal life to mentor you or network with, find people on social media. Many trained and certified life coaches and entrepreneurs are on YouTube and Instagram striving to reach larger audiences of people who are looking for guidance. Facebook is a great resource to find out about events and networking sessions going on in your area.
Contact Info:
- Email: quayvideography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quayvideography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009483333440
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLlRr2qvjegdxaNYpSWUXJQ?view_as=subscriber
Image Credits
Jamillah Warner, Corey Brown, Kemar Wynter, KVPimages or Keesha Hooks
Mercedeez Byrd (she is the photographer of the picture with me in the blue shirt and black jacket holding up my nametag)
