We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cameron Elyse . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cameron below.

Cameron , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of my biggest risks started with the act of pursuing my creative journey. Since middle school, I was in a one-track mindset of cheerleading and nothing else. Growing up my parents always reinforced being in some type of extracurricular activity, so cheerleading became a norm. Throughout my years of cheerleading leading into high school, there was always this growing pain of knowing “you’re not where you’re supposed to be.” In my experience, there were always internal conflicts within the squad, cliques, etc. that created a toxic environment. The turmoil came to a boiling point when I was a sophomore in high school. During this time I had already been dabbling into the creative world by creating my first brand project at 15 and going to New York Fashion Week as an intern only a year later. I was continually proving to myself that “I can do this” – “this can be your life.”

Usually as an athlete, the decision of continuing the sport for next season was made during spring semester or the off-season. I had to make the realization that “you know what? cheerleading is not serving me” – I made the decision to quit cheerleading and invest fully in my aspirations. From that moment on it was like the world opened up. My life flowed with consistency and progression when being in alignment with your calling. Every step to where I am now leads back to that one crucial decision of choosing my dreams over the all the noise. Leaving cheerleading was the reinforcement to myself that “Cameron, if anyone believes in you.. it’s me.” Being that I believed in myself so much, I was able to step out against the norm and grow with my artistry. I believe the biggest aspect that comes from taking the risk is trusting yourself, and more-so God. Because when taking a risk you may not know where the road will lead, but that’s where faith steps in. When you have faith coupled with belief that the world is yours, it takes you from merely following the crowd to now having the opportunity to be featured in an article at 18 years old. Yet, this is only the beginning – within each level of life there’s always a risk that’ll take you to the next height. So, take each risk or decision as a stepping stone because when you take a moment and look back you’ll, see that you’ve paved a road for others to follow.

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

Creatives. Community. Culture.

“Why is it so hard to get in the door?” a 16-year-old-me thought to myself. The pathway was crystal clear to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, but yet when it came to the creative industry, I felt like I was going through a maze. I had been doing creative projects for two years with what seemed like no real progress in the industry except local exposure. I realized that to get into the “door”, there is no proper formula – just consistency mixed with purpose, vision, and execution. Though the formula may work for some, it’s no guarantee for many working 9-5s, single parenting, etc. with only expired dreams of making a living off of their creativity. I knew I had to be the change I wanted to see.

Cameron Elyse Productions is a multidisciplinary production company specializing in fashion, film, music video, and creative productions. Our production company is focused on building the bridge to the creative industry by investing in those that produce the bodies of work we see on the major screens. Our company’s mission is to tell the stories of the unheard, underrepresented, and underserved across all walks of life. Our goal is for our clients and supporters to understand that a “creative” is within every one of us. Through means of creative productions, we collaborate with clients in the creative disciplines including, but not limited to: acting, art, music, photography, art direction, etc. to bring any creative vision to life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One of the biggest aspects that drives my creative journey, is that there was never a pathway lined out for me. When I first started my journey I came in with the intention of “oh yeah, I’ll be on Oprah in like a year” which is so unrealistic, but I never knew how much it took just to get a toe in the door. Also, going by the fact that there is no written pathway to get into the industry if you don’t already have a name, parents, financial backing, etc. I realized that my journey is not just for me, but for those coming after. I never want anyone else to experience what I went through while knocking down the door. I don’t want others to be looking for a way up, and end up being taken advantage of. When you don’t know the playing field you’re vulnerable to those who do. Those who do know the ins and outs of the game and will move their chess pieces as another conquest. I don’t want others to fall into the trap of being a string on a puppet while not being in control of their narrative as a creative. Additionally, as I’m growing through my journey, I’m taking notes and learning what to do and what not to do. Learning through others and myself, while creating a pathway as I develop.

Another huge drive of my journey is my community. In the majority of POC households, creativity is frowned upon as art isn’t a “real job.” When I told my parents I’m going to be creative I was always met with projected fears that come with wanting the best for their child. Yet, had I said I’m going to be a doctor or lawyer I would’ve been praised. I believe there’s a huge misconception that you can’t make a living off of art when you can. I believe we’re all creators in our own right. The world wouldn’t be as we see it today without creatives – cars, houses, buildings, etc. all started with an idea – creation. My mission is to spark the lightbulb within others to pursue their wildest ambitions strategically to make a difference in the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding experiences of being an artist is knowing that people feel you. As creatives/artists we produce our work, but knowing that what you produce touches people is a feeling I can’t fathom. One of the great things about social media is that it’s a global connection to people all over the world. When you have others from different states, countries, and languages, telling you that what you’re producing is inspiring to them – It’s the most rewarding experience because you realize the work is bigger than you. I don’t produce for the sole content of Cameron Elyse, but for others to be inspired by and be a part of their creative process by acting in my highest creativity. As you act in the confidence of following your dreams, it makes others more confident to believe in themselves and follow their passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cameronelyse.com
• Instagram: @cameronnelyse | @cameronnelyseproductions
• Twitter: @cameronelysepro
• Youtube: @cameronelyseproductions | @cameronnelyse

Image Credits
Image 1: Cameron Elyse, Zahra Traore Image 2: Cameron Elyse, Cammy Cartier Image 7: Cameron Elyse, Julian Alexander Image 8: Cameron Elyse, Sinnersstorge