Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hernandez

Hi Chris, 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?

I spoke before about my clothing brand and content creation. I want to shift my focus to what’s most relevant to my life now. I’m actually in the process of shutting down my clothing brand. I’ve spent the last 3 years learning all about the process of owning and operating a clothing brand and run a business. If I never started that process, I most likely would have never picked up a camera. I found a love and a passion for what I can do with a camera in photography and content creation. I’ve been able to use this skillset to tell a story, to highlight products/brands, or just capture moments in time that can live on forever. Since my last interview, I have been able to photograph a wedding. Being able to capture those moments showed me how powerful my skillset can be especially when I received such happy and appreciative feedback from the married couple. I have friends and other acquaintances that I’ve met through other avenues like sneakers and fitted hats that have clothing brands or companies, and I realized that all of my experience has become my business model. I’m able to design products, offer a variety of photography services, or even help clients build their websites. I pride myself on quality of work, and I can bring that same work ethic to the table to help others. I am given the opportunity to help clients connect the dots on their thoughts and their final products. My experience has been extremely valuable and is giving me the chance to create a positive impact on others.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

No, the road has not always been smooth. Starting a small business of any kind requires money, time, and effort. Life doesn’t stop for you just because you want to take on a new business venture. There were times where imposter syndrome set in. I didn’t know why I deserved to take on clients. I didn’t understand what I’ve accomplished to make others put their faith in me. I didn’t always find it easy to juggle the financial responsibilities of running a business and being a husband and soon-to-be father. It’s been a journey of introspection, growth, and learning how to be the best me possible for myself and those around me. I had to realize what made me “deserving” of taking on clients in any of these capacities was my passion for being better and helping others. The peaks and valleys of that emotional roller coaster sometimes make it difficult to drive things forward. The process really helped me find a way to understand me, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. The regular, everyday struggles can range from not being able to figure out a design to finding ways to make the artwork my own instead of just mirroring those that taught me or inspired me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I struggled for a long time to be able to say this confidently, but I’m a photographer. I started with lifestyle photography specifically around clothing, sneakers, and hats. I’ve grown to be extremely versatile to be able to shoot products, events, weddings, etc. I specialize in an eye for detail. I know how to capture the details that show the full picture. I’m known as a guy that loves sneakers and hats, but I want to continue to be known as a photographer. I want to be known as a multifaceted professional that will be able to assist in a many different ways. One thing I’ve always focused on and that I will continue to work on is being the guy that has resources and can connect those dots for others. I take pride in my ability to connect the dots for others, and I will continue to do so.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?

Spending time with my grandfather as a kid is one of the best things to ever happen to me. I have a very unique personal story that I won’t share now. To make a long story short, he’s my dad’s stepfather and they’re very close in age. He and my dad are polar opposites. So, along with my grandmother, I had my dad and grandfather there to guide and shape me. My grandfather was by far the most impactful person in my life growing up. Referring back to my personal story, I went through plenty of things that would break a lot of children down. I don’t say that to say I’m so strong. I say that to credit my grandfather for creating the strong mental and emotional foundation that I needed to navigate through those difficult times. Whether it was a walk around the neighborhood, going out to play sports or have a catch, taking me out to eat, or just forcing me to take a ride in the car with him, he always took the time to sit me down and have a talk with me about everything that was going on. He gave me perspective. He gave me clarity. He gave me support and peace that I needed. Without those times, I wouldn’t be the man that I am. So, what’s my favorite childhood memory? Anything that includes spending time with Poppop!

Pricing:

• Free Consultations
• $250 lifestyle shoots (1 hour)
• Monthly Mentoring (specific slotted time to meet) $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bychristopherkicks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.kicks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.hernandez.902/