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

Derrick, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Taking risks in life is a necessity, but the biggest risk I believe we can ever take as a person is learning who you really are inside. No fluff, no lies, just deep self reflection and knowledge of oneself, Really looking within ourselves and really being honest about the mistakes we make, the choices we decided to make that affect others around us, what we really and truly like, love, feel, desire or what solely fulfills us without relying on any another person to do it for us.

Taking this risk gives clarity of the mind and soul, this eventually led me back to what I truly loved doing after a decorated medical and military career, which is creating art. Too often do we loose ourselves and our path while growing from a child to an adult. Truly knowing oneself will always lead you to the way of finding your purpose and being happy living in your purpose.

Risks for me have been a tremendously helpful guide, I couldn’t have become an entrepreneur, nor made any of my art works without it. I still find myself even now wanting to push the limits of bringing the art that I have in my mind into reality against the cautions of society; but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

I believe in building a legacy, everything I do Is motivated by leaving something behind that all my sons can look up to and give the motivation to create their own legacies.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to introduce myself and share the story behind Exuberant Mind Media. As the founder, photographer, videographer and creative director, my passion for the art of visual storytelling and my unwavering commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind the establishment of this dynamic company. From a young age, I was always engulfed by art, I took art from day care to high school graduating with 2-3 art classes on my schedule every semester. I started photography around the age of 7 or 8. I was captivated by the power of images and their ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire action. This fascination led me to pursue a career in photography and videography, where I immersed myself in the craft, constantly honing my skills and exploring new techniques.

The journey to creating Exuberant Mind Media began when I found myself wanting to do something I truly loved doing, once I made that decision I recognized the need for a media company that goes beyond simply capturing images or recording videos. I wanted to establish a creative hub where the art of storytelling and the transformative impact of visuals merge seamlessly. I excel at helping those who shared the same passion for pushing boundaries, and together we create what was once a thought in the mind.

At Exuberant Mind Media, we offer an extensive range of products and services designed to cater to the diverse needs of our clients. For businesses, we provide compelling commercial photography and videography solutions that elevate brands and captivate audiences. From captivating product imagery that boosts sales to engaging corporate videos that establish a strong brand identity, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to meet our clients’ marketing objectives. Additionally, we cater to private clientele, providing exceptional photography and videography services to capture the most precious moments of their lives. Whether it’s a heartwarming family portrait session, or a milestone celebration, we aim to create images and videos that immortalize these special memories with authenticity and artistic finesse.

At Exuberant Mind Media, we pride ourselves on being problem solvers for our clients. We understand that every project is unique, and we approach each one with a fresh perspective, carefully crafting visuals that align with our clients’ visions and exceed their expectations. We solve the problem of effectively conveying brand messages, emotions, and stories through our art, helping our clients make a lasting impact on their audiences. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work. We seamlessly blend technical expertise, artistic flair, and an in-depth understanding of our clients’ needs to create stunning visual narratives that leave a lasting impression. Our team is not only skilled but also deeply passionate about what we do, and this passion permeates every project we undertake.

I am immensely proud of the collaborative and dedicated team at Exuberant Mind Media, whose exceptional talent and commitment to delivering outstanding results have helped us build a strong reputation in the industry. We have had the privilege of working with diverse clients across various sectors, and seeing their brands flourish and their personal moments immortalized brings us immense joy and satisfaction.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Exuberant Mind Media is more than just a photography and videography company. We are a team of passionate storytellers who are committed to transforming your vision into reality. Our dedication to creativity, innovation, and delivering an exceptional client experience sets us apart. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a service provider; you’re joining a journey of collaboration and inspiration, where your story becomes our passion.

We invite you to explore our portfolio, immerse yourself in our captivating visual narratives, and witness the transformative power of Exuberant Mind Media.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Along my journey in life I’ve been faced with many obstacles that definitely tested my resilience. Some obstacles I still hurdle today. Often times as an artist/creative you have to deal with obstacles and personal issues that try to hinder your progress. a few years ago I decided to go back to college, this decision was to earn another degree So I could give my sons advice on whether they should go to college or work their way up without a degree. It was very important to me for my children to have a parent with a degree in higher education so that they can go to with questions about their future. With the current social narrative of African American men being circulated in our society, I felt it was imperative for me to write my own narrative so that my children can believe in themselves and see that no matter what narrative anyone tries to depict of you, you have the power to create your own. Like my wise friend Chris Grant once told me ” Why be the echo, when you can be the voice!!”

My story consists of a college journey was filled with hurdles, but the funny thing was that the school work wasn’t hard at all. The outside issues that I had to deal with are the things that offered me a sure derailment from my path. During my time in college I often found myself in situations that would be consistent with a triumphant underdog movie. Let’s just say I experienced a series of unfortunate events. Along with college I was also building the foundation for a creative business that I would lead once I graduated at the same time. Those 4 years in college taught me that even at the hardest times, even when no one believes in you or what your building; continue to rely on fully knowing oneself and to be resilient in your pursuit to accomplish your goals no matter obstacles appear to be in your way. A strong mind, sense of self and not giving up can be the most powerful assets to you, as long as you keep your self aligned with that mindset, nothing can stand in your way.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

As an artist who sells photography prints and other media assets online, I have made the choice to sell on my personally owned website rather than using platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, or others. This decision is based on my desire to retain control over the value and distribution of my creative assets. Allow me to elaborate on the pros and cons of this approach:

Pros:

Retaining value and exclusivity: By selling exclusively on my website, I can maintain full control over the pricing, promotion, and availability of my art. This helps in preserving the perceived value of my work, as customers won’t find it easily accessible or discounted on other platforms.

Enhanced brand presence: Selling on my own website allows me to build a unique brand identity and maintain a consistent visual presentation. I can tailor the website to reflect my artistic style, making it a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors. This branding opportunity can help me stand out in a competitive market.

Direct customer interaction: By handling sales through my website, I have the opportunity to directly engage with customers. This means I can provide personalized customer support, address specific inquiries or requests, and build lasting relationships. Direct communication fosters a sense of connection and trust between the artist and the buyer.

Flexibility and creative control: Operating my own website grants me the freedom to experiment with various marketing strategies, promotions, and sales techniques. I can showcase my work in any manner I choose, allowing for creative presentation options that align with my artistic vision. This level of flexibility is valuable for artists who want to have complete control over their online presence.

Cons:

Limited reach and discoverability: One of the challenges of selling solely through a personal website is that it can be more difficult to reach a wide audience and gain exposure compared to established platforms. Platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Cratejoy already have a large customer base and built-in search functionalities that can help potential buyers discover your work more easily.

Additional responsibilities: Managing an independent website requires time, effort, and technical know-how. I must handle tasks such as website design, maintenance, payment processing, and security. These additional responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially for those who prefer to focus solely on their artistic pursuits.

Trust and credibility: While a personally owned website offers creative control, it may lack the perceived trust and credibility associated with well-known online marketplaces. Buyers may feel more comfortable purchasing from established platforms that have a broader worldwide established reputation currently.

Marketing and promotion: When selling exclusively on a personal website, I am are solely responsible for marketing and promoting their work. Generating traffic and attracting potential customers requires strategic digital marketing efforts, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and content creation. I must invest time and resources in promoting the website to ensure a steady stream of sales.

By choosing to sell prints and other media assets on a personally owned website can provide artists with greater control, exclusivity, and branding opportunities. However, it comes with challenges such as limited reach, additional responsibilities, and the need for effective marketing strategies. Artists must carefully weigh these pros and cons to determine the best approach that aligns with their artistic goals and business aspirations. In my case I love business as much as I love art; I like knowing every detail of my business and creating changes as needed. I feel its important for me to take this approach as I build my company into a well know brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.exuberantmindmedia.com
• Instagram: @exuberant_mind
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExuberantMindmedia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-h-57740b36
• Twitter: @exuberant_mind
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Exuberant_Mind

Image Credits
Alison ~ Alison Jones / Exuberant Mind Media LLC. © All images credit & rights belong to ©Exuberant Mind Media LLC.