We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hassan Hilliard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hassan , appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

When I was a young college student, pursuing my studio management certification and graphic design degree, I began doing artistic photography projects in my free time. After going through all the ideas and concepts, I could’ve thought of outdoors. I decided to start reading studio space. That pursuit led me to meeting the owner of Houston Skyline Studio, Bob Warren.

Beyond the scope of me being a regular customer for studio rental space, enjoyed discussing ideas with me. Eventually, he invited me to my first photography workshop where I learned more in real time than I ever did in classes.

But ultimately, the best thing he ever did for me was to invite me to lunch with his business partners. There I learned how to discuss business opportunities. He was the first one to invite me to the table.

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.

My name is Hassan Hilliard, I am a native Houstonian, and the owner of P3 Media. P3 Media is a multifaceted company that I formed after deciding not to dedicate myself to one medium. I have over 20 years of experience in photography (both film and digital – multiple formats) and graphic design, and most recently have moved into film and videography. My work has been published, exhibited, sold, ranked; and I’m extremely proud and grateful of the creative journey thus far.

At heart, I’m a problem solver. I extend that to business as well. I understand that most people have an idea of what they want in the end, but not necessarily a road map of the steps to get there. That’s where I come in. Logistically creating a structure around the service that will ensure progress updates, and ultimately satisfaction ratings. I find this is most helpful for both the client as well as the creator.

Most recent project was wrapped last year and finished its run on the independent film circuit. “The Art of Writing, with Daniel Anguilu” is a short film featuring an interview with Daniel, a local mural artist with international fame, discussing two of his most prominent works. This piece garnered 4 selections and 2 awards and has also been featured locally at the Aurora Picture Show and Axelrad.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Cheers Do Not Equal Profit:

There’s so many instances where this mantra had relevance to me. My father was the proudest of me; always interested in what I was doing or what project I was collaborating on. One day he asked “Are you getting paid for this?” At the time, I wasn’t so I answered no. His reply hit me like a brick, “Then you have a hobby. Don’t let them use your ambition against you.”

Even Terry Halsey, my first photography teacher and informal mentor, gave great advice. This was when I was a freshman and he was an instructor at Houston Community (City) College. Paraphrasing, but he said, “This is a job that requires constant attention. You will miss family events and fun, but stay with it. You may start taking a job for $50 from your family reunion, but take SOMETHING and never take less than the last.”

In the social media controlled world that we live in now, it’s easy for up and coming entrepreneurs to confuse popularity with profitability. My experience and education helps me identify tell-tale signs easier so it helps with my discernment in business decisions.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I am a tad all over the place. But two books I enjoyed and felt helped my business mindset is “Busido Business” by Steven Covey and “Shut Up and Listen” by Tillman Fertitta.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://popl.co/card/Z4f5ynK9/1/s
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p3mediallc
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@p3mediallc?si=NYHyV0PyFEQappqX

Image Credits

Grexsys Photography
Roderick Robinson
Trey Tippens