We were lucky to catch up with Tyshone Peterson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyshone, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Growing up in a small country town, I always had big dreams of sharing my art with people. My environment was pretty dysfunctional, and creativity, art and music became my outlet, my first love, and my therapy. It was the one thing that made sense to me and eventually turned into my profession. Despite my passion, I always lived in fear and preferred to play things safe.

That all changed on Independence Day in July 2023. I decided to walk away from my 9 to 5 job, where I’d been a team lead for six years. It was a huge decision, but I wanted to set an example for my son and, more importantly, for my inner child. I wanted to show that it’s okay to follow your passions and take risks.

Since then, I’ve been pursuing my dreams as a visual artist, photographer, and videographer. Taking that risk was the best decision I’ve ever made. I no longer let fear dictate my choices, and I’m finally living the life I’ve always dreamed of.

Tyshone, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve definitely had my fair share of moments where I didn’t feel confident and dealt with imposter syndrome. Growing up in a tough environment and stepping away from a secure job to pursue my passion were huge challenges. There were times I questioned if I was good enough or if I deserved to be where I am. But pushing through those doubts and continuing to create helped me build my confidence.

When I notice my clients feeling unsure during a photo shoot, I make it a point to pause and reassure them. I remind them of their unique beauty and worth, helping them feel more at ease and confident. It’s amazing to see the transformation that happens when they start to believe in themselves. They leave the session feeling empowered and often, a whole different person.

What makes me incredibly proud is seeing my work pop up on social media years later, knowing that those photos still hold meaning for my clients. When they continue to use and share those images, it’s a testament to the impact that session had on them. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do – to help people see the best in themselves and capture that forever.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission that drives my creativity is deeply personal and rooted in my journey of healing my inner child. I often reflect on the dreams I had as a kid and how I’m now making them a reality. This isn’t just for me, but also for my son. I want him to grow up without feeling restricted, and seeing his fearless approach to life inspires me every day.

My son is incredibly talented, playing seven instruments and being a church musician. He does everything so effortlessly and without fear. Watching him live so freely motivates me to keep pushing forward on my own path. Before I quit my job to pursue my passion, the first person I called was my son. I asked him if he believed in me and if he trusted me. His response, “Mom, you got it, you can do anything,” gave me the courage to follow my dreams.

Seeing him thrive and live without fear fuels my mission. I want to continue to create and inspire, not just for myself but to show him that anything is possible. His belief in me is what keeps me going and striving to be the best version of myself.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Another big part of my journey is fulfilling my childhood dream of joining the military. I’m proud to say that I’m an Army reservist. This role has given me a unique platform to share my creativity within the unit. Whether it’s through photography, building morale, or making people feel celebrated, I’ve found ways to integrate my passion into my service.

Being able to pursue my dream of being in the military while also nurturing my creative side has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing to see how my skills can uplift and inspire my fellow soldiers, creating a positive and supportive environment. This balance between my military duties and my creative pursuits keeps me motivated and driven to continue on this path.

It’s so rewarding when I step out of fear and choose to share my gifts, no matter where I am—whether it’s at the unit or just out in public. Overcoming that self-doubt and just putting myself out there has led to some amazing opportunities. It’s wild how many doors can open for you just because you decided to share something with someone. It really shows the power of connection!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyshonemona/profilecard/?igsh=MTluYnRtczA0cmVlbg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15PgGG3pTH/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyshone-peterson-0089a4166?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Photo credits : Tyshone Mona (self)