Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teonna Daniels. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Teonna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
I always knew I wanted to be a business owner, just never knew what kind of business I wanted to own. I had a love for photography since high school, but it took me a couple years to realize my true passion for photography. After completing my very first photoshoot, I knew then that I wanted to dive deeper into the photography world. Crazy thing is, I couldn’t understand how I even got put into the position to take someone’s professional pictures when I had never done that before. I really just used my camera for fun, but what I didn’t realize at the time was that my family already seen the potential in me and my work that I didn’t know existed. My next steps were to find someone I could learn from and help with preparing me for my official business launch. Through my research, I found Erica Clayton, Through Her Lens, who is a well-known photographer here in Indianapolis. She offered a one-on-one session that I knew would be perfect. I found her information in May and immediately made a plan to stack my money. Throughout my summer break, I worked two jobs. I’d spend the first half of my day at my first job from 7:00am to 2:00pm. I was clocking into my next job by 3:00pm working until 10:00pm. My goal was to be registered by August and officially started mid-August before I went back to school. It was a 5-week program where I would learn everything about being a photographer. From shooting to editing and all of the behind the scenes work as well. My very last week, I got some professional pictures taken and launched my business. From there, I set up my website and got my business off the ground. After that, my long-term goal remains to be dedicated to perfecting my craft.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For those who may not know who I am, my name is Teonna Daniels, and I am a local photographer here in Indianapolis. In the photography world, I am better known as TeeShotIt. My business journey started from a simple referral that has taken me so many places I never would’ve imagined. I doubted myself in the beginning, but had I not believed in myself I wouldn’t be where I am today. I offer a variety of photography services, for birthday’s, engagements, families, businesses, maternity, or even just because pictures. When completing a shoot for a client, I am not just taking their pictures. I am helping to bring their confidence back to life and capturing memories that’ll last a lifetime. Although the photography world is very saturated, I would say that the experience my clients have with me sets me apart from everyone else. It is a priority of mine to ensure that my clients are comfortable and feel like the star that they are. When they leave from their session, they can confidently say that they love their images. I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come and everything that I’ve been accomplishing. I started my journey three years ago and today I am running my own studio, TD Photography Studios. You can find me located Downtown of Indianapolis in the Stutz Building. I’ve built a community by providing a space for other artists and creatives to have the freedom to create. There is no greater feeling than seeing all of the people I’ve encountered and gotten to meet as well as the impact I’ve made. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone somewhere, and someone stops me to tell me how much they love my work or have seen my content on their timeline. It is always a pleasure to meet new faces outside of the social media world. At TD Photography Studios, it is a goal to ensure that you’re walking away with confidence, memories, and a great experience. All you have to do is show up ready to have a great time and bring the brightest smile. When booking with TeeShotIt, we will thoroughly discuss your visions and bring that exact vision to life. When you arrive for your session, that is when the real fun begins. No need to worry about how to pose because that is what I am there for. As long as you trust in me as your photographer, you have nothing to worry about. If there is anyone out there looking for a space to take their craft to the next level, you’re more than welcome to rent out my space as well. The studio crew is continuously growing. I also host monthly workshops that are made for everyone to participate in and network. Each workshop has a specific thing that we’ll focus on and is not just made for one specific craft. I’ve made each workshop to welcome all creators and artists on all mediums. I plan is to continue to build my community and do what I love as a photographer. I look forward to the new faces I meet along the way and connections I make.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Since starting my journey, the most common question I got was “when are you going to get your own studio?” My answer was always the same, I didn’t plan to. Yes, years later down the road it was a long-term goal for me; however, it wasn’t in my plans right now. One thing I’ve learned over the years as I enter this new world of life called the “Adulting World,” our plans are never the true plans for us. Of course, we have our own goals and desires that we set for ourselves to accomplish, but God will always show you the plans that He has set for you instead. Sometimes you can recognize it easily. Other times, you try to steer away and deviate from the plan until He forces you to follow the true calling He has for you. Last year, I was pushed to follow Gods plan for me and my business. As much as I tried to deny the reality and ignore what was being said, it didn’t stop. He repeatedly told me to open my own studio. How was that possible for me to do if I don’t have a steady clientele? My space would sit empty more than anything. It would be a wasted space that I pay on monthly. Those were all of the thoughts and doubts I had when all along God was showing me it was possible. There’s no way He’d bring the vision to me without providing me with everything I needed to bring the vision to life. I took the leap of faith and purchased my very own studio. As of right now, we are almost a year in and my studio has not sat empty since I moved in. I have a steady flow of clients, plenty of other people rent out my space for their craft, and I have two other businesses that rent booth spaces from me as well. I could’ve gotten discouraged with my situation; however, the love I have for my passion overrides everything.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
It has always been a goal of mine to take my craft beyond measures of my imagination. My drive and motivation have always been my support system of friends, family, and my clients. Seeing what I’ve accomplished thus far keeps me motivated to work harder to do more. From seeing my clients fall in love with their pictures to having a studio filled of artists for a workshop networking. Seeing the impact that I’ve made on so many people keeps me showing up not only for myself and my business, but for others too. As of right now on my journey, my biggest drive and motivation has been my grandmother. My nana was one of my BIGGEST supporters no matter what it was. I could go outside and tell her that I wanted to sell some rocks to people and she’d help me come up with a game plan to get it done. She’s taught me everything that I know when it comes to running a business and taking my creative skills to a new level as she ran her own business as well. She pushed me to go harder in everything I do. As long as I stay focused and trust in God, there is no way for me not to succeed. When I started my business, she was so excited and ecstatic. Her favorite thing to do was to brag to her friends about her grandkids. Celebrating the grand opening was such a happy day for the both of us, but having her along my side throughout the whole process was even better. Losing her back in June has only made me go 100 times harder. She will always and forever be my drive and motivation to continue to do great things not only through my business, but in my life as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teeshotit.com
- Instagram: tee_shotit
- Facebook: Teonna Daniels
Image Credits
The image of myself was captured by the AMAZING MPOV Photography