Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deaune Boyd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Deaune , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind my mission is actually quite amusing, filled with moments of self-discovery and personal growth. It all started with my famous slogan, “you are perfectly imperfect,” which has become the guiding principle of my life. However, there was a time when this mantra was far from my reality. Picture me in middle school, riddled with insecurities about my body. Like most adolescents, I was going through significant changes, both physically and emotionally. But instead of embracing them, I felt an overwhelming sense of shame.

To cope with these feelings, I turned to my trusty companion, McDonald’s. Yes, every day after school, I found solace in those golden arches. A McChicken and fries became my way of escaping the judgment and scrutiny that I feared awaited me. I would wrap myself in oversized hoodies, hoping they could shield not only my body but also my vulnerable self from the critical eyes of others. Deep down, I knew that I was succumbing to societal pressures, questioning why beauty standards were set so high, why we were compelled to change ourselves for acceptance.

Nonetheless, life has a funny way of teaching us important lessons when we least expect them. As time passed, I realized that if there was something about myself I didn’t appreciate, I had the power to change it. I began to focus on my well-being, starting with my nutrition. Fast food was no longer a daily fixture in my life. I educated myself about proper nourishment and embarked on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Little did I know that this decision would not only transform my body but also my entire outlook on life.

The changes were extraordinary. As I altered my diet, I noticed a profound shift in both my internal and external self. The fog of depression lifted, and I became more social, more eager to experience life to its fullest. It was a revelation to understand that my self-worth shouldn’t be determined by the opinions of others or society’s rigid standards. Instead, I found empowerment in the fact that I was taking care of myself, lovingly and wholeheartedly. It wasn’t arrogance; it was genuine pride in my progress.I no longer craved validation from external sources because I had learned to love and appreciate myself.

The mirror reflected a person who was strong, resilient, and beautiful in their own unique way. I had come to understand that perfection was a subjective concept, and it was our individual interpretations that truly mattered. From that moment on, I made a promise to myself, repeating the words “I am perfectly imperfect” as a daily affirmation.This journey of self-discovery taught me an invaluable lesson: true beauty lies within. It took embracing and accepting my imperfections to unleash my inner confidence and self-assurance.

It was a revelation that could only be experienced, a personal transformation that required seeing my worth, inside and out. And now, armed with this newfound perspective, I am on a mission to spread this message of self-love and acceptance to others. Because we are all perfectly imperfect, and it is in embracing our unique qualities that we can truly shine.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My passion for photography started long before I even realized it. Growing up, my family had a deep appreciation for capturing moments through photographs. Every occasion, no matter how big or small, was documented, and I always loved being a part of those memories. My mom had a photo album filled with memories from her younger years, and I constantly asked her to pull it out so she could share stories of her life before I came along. When I turned six, I asked for my own disposable Kodak camera, eager to start my own photo album.

Photography became a hobby for me, and throughout high school, I took every opportunity to delve into the world of photography. I enrolled in photojournalism, film, video storytelling, photoshop and digital media arts classes. Yet, at that time, I never considered the thought of pursuing it as a career. After graduation, I initially set my sights on becoming a registered nurse. However, deep down, I knew that wasn’t the path I truly desired. I needed time to find a career that would bring me genuine joy. In 2019, I found myself working as a security officer, feeling disappointed that I was doing exactly what I had never wanted in terms of my career.

Thankfully, it was during this period of doubt that my best friend proposed an idea that would change my life. They suggested that I try my hand at being a photographer. However, I quickly dismissed the idea, feeling inadequate compared to the countless talented photographers I had seen. Instead of continuing to doubt myself, I decided to take action. On my next shift as a security officer, I devoted my time to creating a business plan. I wanted to understand what it would take to become a photographer and make a name for myself in the industry. With sheer determination, I spent the next two years building a clientele, capturing breathtaking content for my portfolio, networking with fellow photographers, and honing my craft.

Today, I proudly call myself a self-taught Published Portrait Photographer. The recognition I’ve received, such as being awarded 40 Under 40 Black Entrepreneurs and becoming a member of the 2024 business cohort at the Jacob Center Family for Neighborhood Innovation, is a testament to my dedication and growth. My niche lies in capturing those genuine, natural moments that speak volumes. My work is becoming known for its ability to seize one’s excellence with an eye-catching and intimate intensity. I offer a range of photography services, including business headshots, corporate portraits, couple portraits, family portraits, engagement proposals, maturity portraits, and event photography.

Each click of my camera captures the essence of the moment and tells a story that will be cherished for a lifetime. From that little disposable camera I had as a child to the professional equipment I use today, photography has evolved from being a mere hobby to a fulfilling and successful career. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but the rewards have been beyond what I ever imagined. I am grateful for the support and encouragement that pushed me to pursue my passion, and I am excited to continue creating memories through the lens of my camera.

As a photographer, what sets me apart from others is not just my technical skills or my eye for composition. What truly sets me apart is my deep understanding of what it feels like to be unsure of oneself. I have walked that path, and I know the struggles and doubts that can plague a person’s mind.It is this empathy that drives me to use my talents behind the camera to help people radiate their true beauty. I believe that each person possesses a unique and captivating essence that is waiting to be unveiled.

My mission is to capture that essence and showcase it through photographs that are not only visually stunning, but emotionally resonant.In an era of superficial filters and carefully curated social media profiles, it can be easy to lose sight of our true selves. We often doubt our worth and compare ourselves to unattainable standards of beauty. But I want to change that narrative. I want to create a space where every individual feels celebrated and empowered. When I photograph someone, I seek to capture the most authentic moments of real emotions.

Each scar, each wrinkle, and each imperfection tells a story, and it is my privilege as a photographer to help tell that story visually. So whether you are a young woman grappling with low self-esteem, a man who struggles to see his own worth, or an individual searching for their true identity, know that I am here for you. I am here to capture your essence and show you the beauty that lies within. Let us embark on this journey together, where vulnerability becomes strength, self-doubt turns into self-acceptance, and every photograph becomes a testament to your radiance.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This is a timeless story that continues to resonate with me, serving as a constant reminder of the challenges that ultimately led me into the captivating world of entrepreneurship. It feels like just yesterday when I mustered up the courage to confide in my dad about my desire to pursue a career in photography, instead of following the traditional path of attending college. To my surprise, he not only embraced my dream but offered to invest in my passion by purchasing my first camera. As ecstatic as I was, he cautioned me against treating photography as merely a hobby and emphasized the importance of committing fully to it as a legitimate profession.

Thus, in March 2020, my entrepreneurial journey commenced, throwing me into a whirlwind of inspiring highs and dreadful lows. Along the way, I encountered numerous obstacles that served as pivotal moments in shaping me into the determined and resilient individual I am today. There were periods when potential clients were seemingly scarce, leaving me questioning my chosen path and testing my stubborn determination. Additionally, I experienced the bitter sting of being scammed by dishonest clients who sought to exploit my creativity and hard work for their own gain. However, through it all, I refused to allow these struggles to define me or deter me from my ultimate goal. Instead, I persisted.

I pushed forward with unshakeable boldness, utilizing each setback as a stepping stone towards personal and professional growth. Each failed project presented an opportunity for me to refine my skills, expand my network, and establish myself as a respected entrepreneur in the competitive field of photography. With every hardship, I tapped into an inner source of persistence and unmatched determination, proving to both myself and the world that I possessed the spirit necessary to conquer any obstacle that came my way.

So, as I reflect upon my journey, I can proudly attest that the challenges I faced during my descent into entrepreneurship were not only the catalyst for my personal and professional growth but also the inspiration that fueled my unwavering passion for photography. Through it all, I have emerged as a strong and accomplished individual, ready to continue creating timeless visual stories that captivate and inspire all who have the privilege of experiencing them.

I am extremely honored to share that I recently received the prestigious “40 Under 40 Black Entrepreneurs” Award from the County of San Diego Black Chamber. This recognition serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit that I have poured into my entrepreneurial ventures. The award not only acknowledges my success but also highlights the significance of diversity and inclusion in the business world. In addition to this remarkable achievement, I had the opportunity to contribute my insights and experiences by writing an article with esteemed platforms such as ShoutOut SOCAL and SD Voyager. Sharing my journey and lessons learned with a wider audience is both humbling and gratifying, as it allows me to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and contribute to the conversation about entrepreneurship, persistence and growth.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn was comparing myself to other photographers. As a budding photographer, it was natural for me to look at the work of other photographers and compare it to my own. But this constant comparison became a source of self-doubt and hindered my growth.

This pattern emerged when I first delved into photography in 2020, when I first began to photograph family and friends. However, when I began editing and preparing to share my photos, the shadow of comparison emerged large. Following plenty great photographers led me to question the worth of my own work, hindering my confidence and suffocating my desire to share my creations. It took time for me to realize that every photographer possesses a unique style, vision, and journey.

In understanding this, I learned to focus on honing my skills and expressing my individual creativity, instead of feeling the need to emulate others. Letting go of comparison allowed me to embrace my individuality and embrace the joy of capturing moments through my own lens.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://elysianvisions.co
• Instagram: @elysianvisions.co
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elysianvisions.co
• Other: https://elysian-visions-by-deaune-boyd.square.site

Image Credits
Laura Johnson, Alexis Reed, Markus Fulford, Armani Rogers, LaShay Daniels, Rusia Ibarra, Eddie, Dionnejanae Riley, Kwal DeVille and Amariyah White