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

Hi Derek , thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Owning a business is like painting on a vast canvas where each stroke reflects my dreams and aspirations. As a business owner, I’m not confined by the rigid frameworks of a traditional job. I’m free to explore and create, forging my path with the colors of my passions and ambitions. There is a profound happiness in this freedom, knowing that my work is a direct reflection of my vision and values.

Yet, there are moments when the challenges of entrepreneurship weigh heavily on me. I find myself wondering what life would be like with the stability and predictability of a regular job. These thoughts often arise during moments of doubt and uncertainty when the path ahead seems unclear, and the support I crave from friends and family feels distant. Their lack of belief in my ventures sometimes casts shadows on my resolve.

I think about the security that a traditional job might offer, but then I remember the stories of those who have devoted years to roles they never truly loved. Despite their commitment, they find themselves let go one day, wondering why they didn’t pursue their true passions. The realization that even a “safe” job can lead to failure pushes me to embrace my entrepreneurial journey with renewed vigor.

The last time I faced this crossroads, I found myself reflecting on my values and dreams. I realized that I would rather take a leap of faith, pursuing what sets my soul on fire than spend my days in a series of roles that don’t resonate with my heart. It’s not about being reckless but about trusting myself to navigate the uncertainties with creativity and resilience.

Ultimately, I want my money to work for me, not the other way around. I want to build something that reflects who I am, leaving a legacy of passion and purpose. While the road of a business owner is fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the exhilarating possibility of creating something truly meaningful. And in that pursuit, I find a happiness that no regular job could offer. While learning that those who criticize you are the same ones doing less thank you.

Derek , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the world of art and storytelling began as a self-taught photographer and videographer, driven by a deep passion for capturing life’s fleeting moments. This passion led to the creation of Innovative Motion, a company that thrives on transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary visual stories.

At Innovative Motion, we specialize in a wide array of services, from wedding cinematography and commercial video production to creating evocative photographic works. We pride ourselves on our unique ability to immortalize the essence of our clients’ stories, whether they are stars, athletes, or everyday individuals or nonhuman subjects such as real estate.
We strive to go beyond the surface, capturing the whispers and glances that truly tell the tale.

What sets us apart is our dedication to innovation and creativity. We’ve developed a photo technique called Scanorama, which comprises a thousand or more photos stitched together to create a stunning, immersive image. Our work with major platforms like Netflix, Amazon, Discovery, History Channel and NBC Universal has enriched our journey, showcasing our commitment to excellence and storytelling.

I am also proud of my “Big America Project,” a nonprofit initiative aimed at supporting and showcasing women of color across the United States. This project, “Big America” (Black Is Gorgeous), is a testament to my dedication to fostering community and empowerment.

In my journey, I’ve learned to embrace the challenges, drawing strength from the setbacks to fuel my creativity and resolve. I want my clients and followers to know that I am passionate about creating meaningful, inspiring content that resonates deeply with them. My work is more than just a job; it’s a reflection of my life’s purpose, and I am committed to sharing this passion with the world.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The journey to fund my business was truly a testament to perseverance and dedication. Initially, I juggled full-time work at an armored truck service while attending school full-time. On my days off, I spent one day attending classes for over 13 hours and the other dedicated entirely to homework. Afterward, I worked for my Pops’ painting business, building up savings in two separate bank accounts—one for bills and essentials, and the other for personal enjoyment and investments.

I took on filming weddings, small commercials, and other gigs, gradually amassing the capital needed to fund my passion. Eventually, I received a call to work as a production assistant for the History Channel. Although my dad was initially upset at my leaving the family business, his attitude changed when he saw my name on the TV screen. From that moment, he became my supporter writing checks in my business name as I worked for him Painting . This transition from uncertainty to independence was the launchpad for Innovative Motion, where every challenge became a stepping stone to success.

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

For Innovative Motion, I envision a future where grand glass doors welcome creators and dreamers, each handle engraved with our logo, symbolizing our open invitation to explore creativity. Our mission is to capture fleeting moments and weave them into timeless narratives, whether it be for weddings, social media content or commercial projects.

For the Big America project, our goal is to empower women of color across the United States, amplifying their stories and contributions. Through art, mentorship, and community engagement, we aspire to create a world where every voice is heard and celebrated. We aim to raise funds for youth in underprivileged areas, providing them with skateboards, bikes, blades, and scooters to inspire future generations to skate through life with confidence as well as help women of color along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://innovativemotion.tv/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nahimastay_
• Facebook: https://Www.Facebook.com/InnovativemotionIM
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nahimastay
• Other: Professional IG:
  https://www.instagram.com/innovative_motionBIG America IG: @bigamerica

  Profressional YouTube : https://youtube.com/@innovativemotion

Image Credits

Behind the scene images: derek mastay