Today we’d like to introduce you to Ms. Precious.
Ms. Precious, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally born and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland also known as the D.M.V. I moved to Atlanta in October of 2014. Before I moved, I was working my first photography job at the Smithsonian Museum taking family portraits. From there, I knew photography was something I wanted to pursue as a career. When I got to Atlanta, I started my career as an actress in productions like “The Walking Dead”, “The Quad”, “Merry Ex-Mas”, “Come Sunday”, etc. After mastering my craft, I quit my 9-5 in 2016 to pursue my career as an entrepreneur. Ever since I graduated from high school, all I wanted to be was my own boss. I’m glad to say I’ve done just that. I got my first big break last year doing photography and videography for my current client Romeo International of Rolling Out Magazine. From there on, I landed my first interview with the cast of “Creed 2.”
Fast forward, I worked my first red carpet as a videographer for the premiere of “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. Months later, a few of my photos were published in magazines such as Rolling Out, Sheen, and Voyage ATL. Currently, I’m a freelance photographer for Magazine Muzic. To me, I’m the best-kept secret and I’m enjoying my journey to becoming one of the biggest and most talented photographers in the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
Hard work and dedication is my fuel. I’m not going to make up a sob story or dramatize a rejection or failure. Even when times were hard, I never gave up faith. I had internal struggles to stay motivated at times. I had self-doubt and lack of confidence but learning to overcome and step up out of my comfort zone was a huge step into building the person I am today. Throughout the years, I’ve learned to change my mindset, maintain positivity, keep good energy, and accept that I’m just as good or better than the next person ahead of me.
This is my advice to women:
Everyone’s process is different. Stick to your path and stay in your lane. Mind your business. Keep your head up. Never give up, because that offer you’ve been waiting for is waiting for you to come to claim it. Do what you came here to do! You are not your past or your failures, you are the success that you work towards. You are talented, smart, beautiful and confident. So take pride in the fact that you will have ups and downs in your life. The struggle is real. Only you can overcome your challenges. You want things to work in your favor, manifest it! You must first ask for what you want, believe you already have it, and you will receive it in due time. The law of attraction is real.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
What I’m most proud of is being able to obtain so many opportunities to build and create fresh new content and getting paid to do what I love. By looking back at the work I’ve done, that’s what motivates me to continuously push myself to keep shooting dope work. “Great work equals happy customer!” I’ve worked hard and invested in my brand to make it what it is today. Being able to expand in different ways with multiple top tier companies is also another perk of being committed to the life of photography. From my 12+ years of experience, I understand every aspect of being in front of the camera as a model to being behind it. I mentor, coach, and motivate other women, as well as they brand themselves into the modeling industry. My determination helps me rise above my competition and it shows. I’ve learned to accept that my natural strides to accomplish my own goals, set me apart from my peers.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice on finding a mentor is to find a mentor that fits what you got going on. You can network with millions of people and still be in the same place you are right now. It’s not what you know it’s who you know! “If you’re trying to make it in this industry, know the business side first. Don’t get cheated out your money because the opportunity sounds good. If you are unsure, get a lawyer to involve. Do your research. That one decision can make you or break you.”
Contact Info:
- Email: Dopeshotsbyprecious@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dopeshotsbyprecious
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dopeshotsbyprecious
Image Credit:
@DopeShotsByPrecious
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