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

Alright, Jennave thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

To be inspirational is to be powerful and possess a skill not everyone has mastered. One of my biggest inspiring heroes has always been Steve Harvey. His story is very inspiring and I look up to him because I can relate to his journey. I have learned lessons from Mr. Harvey related to love and relationships as well as faith and success. He taught me how important it is to find your gift(s). He says your gift is what you do best with minimum effort and that we all have at least one. He also taught me that once you find your gift, it’s connected to your purpose and you should pursue it relentlessly. Do not worry about the money, it will follow. I constantly keep hearing this idea, not only from Steve Harvey but other sources and decided to take a chance and pursue photography as a career. It had always been a creative outlet that came easy to me but making it into a living posed a challenge. Some of my favorite stories Mr. Harvey talks about are his childhood visions and his struggle. When he was child, he saw himself on TV despite issues with speech and coming from a low income background. He even battled homelessness at one point in his life. Today he uses Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attractions.” He basically envisioned himself making it big one day and today he accomplished just that and influences many people from around the globe, including myself. As a kid, I saw myself doing practically what I am doing now and more. Despite my struggles and facing disbelief from others, I kept pushing until I ended up where I am today. This journey has been years in the making and not an overnight success.

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.

At times, I find it hard to describe myself with just one title because I understand that we are deeply complex and limitless beings. I identify as a writer. model. photographer, and now small business owner but a good umbrella term you can use could be artist. I love challenging myself through learning new skills and trying new things. Everything I do for work today at one point started off as a hobby and creative outlet. As a kid, I got into poetry, creative writing, and journalism just for fun. I was really inspired by famous bloggers and fashion magazines like Teen Vogue. I found myself watching America’s Next Top Model religiously and studying Tyra Banks. I would practice my poses and facial expressions in the mirror with no intention of applying to the show or being a famous model but, there was something so intriguing in being just like the models. To me, the models were not only stunningly beautiful, but talented, ambitious, and brilliant. I wanted to be known for that as well. I started doing photography in childhood as well but did not decide to go pro until two years ago. I enjoyed photographing still life, landscape, nature, and self portrait. I loved learning the rooms of photography and then breaking them. Self portraits allowed me to combine my two loves for modeling and photography, the ultimate challenge. My first self portraits were not very good but I kept trying until I was happy with my work and later on went to achieve a Scholastic Gold Key in Photography.

While living overseas in Mali, West Africa in 2020, I started developing what is now today, TAILOR ROOTS. I had a huge passion for fashion and a desire to run my own business. I made the decision that I was going to work towards being my own boss. Life had a way of putting me in a poison where I did not have much of a choice and TAILOR ROOTS launched this year in 2023, turning out to be a huge blessing in disguise. TAILOR ROOTS offers tailor made clothing and hand-made jewelry imported from Mali, West Africa. The brand promotes pan-africanism and brings awareness to the small, French speaking country where the fabrics and jewelry originate from as well.

I also offer different kinds of photography services. I take photos for models and everyday people while specializing in portraits. I even photograph events, products, runway shows, food, and newborns. I believe I solve a problem of not enough local representation of Black women photographers. Many of my clients are women and/or Black American who want to give back to the community. I believe what sets me apart is my passion for the work as well as being a model. I understand what it is like being in front of the camera and I help my clients feel comfortable doing so. I am most proud of my belief in myself and my grit to keep going. A few years ago, I attempted photography and had a hard time building a career but I never completely gave up. Today, I like to inspire others and want them to know to never give up no matter what and that your faith and belief in yourself will take you far.

Last but not least, I provide freelance writing and modeling services. I am currently signed to Heyman Talent Agency but I do freelance modeling and influencer work for brands as well. I specialize in commercial modeling but occasionally do runway and boudoir.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is divided into three things. 1. I am happy doing what I love for a live. It brings me great joy knowing I took a leap of faith of leaving 9-5s I was comfortable with but in the same breath hated. 2. I get to help and inspire others. There are people who need photos for their business or personal reasons. I also help people get connected to West African merchandise. 3. My creative endeavors are profitable and help me maintain a living.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

There are many things that non-creatives struggle to understand about the creative journey. I often times feel misunderstood by those that are not pursuing the same lifestyle. I want people to know that this path may be fun and rewarding, but it is not easy. In the beginning of my journey, I found it hard to make a living off of my art. That means tight budgets and sacrifices. I also faced the challenge of people close to me not believing in me or trying to discourage what I wanted to accomplish with my life. I had to ignore many naysayers and keep believing in my vision. If you know someone who is pursuing a creative endeavor that is different from the life you live, I hope that you take the time to understand them and give them the support and love they deserve. We need more people in this world that love their jobs and inspire people while doing so.

One more thing, please always give your photographer credit and it is best not to put a filter on top of a photographer’s work. I feel that non photographers do not understand how hurtful it can be to have your work out there without giving proper credit to where it is due.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thefemininedevelopment.com
• Instagram: I have 3 Instagrams: @thefemininedevelopment @jennavetraorephotography @tailorroots
• Facebook: I have 3 Facebooks: Jennave Traoré, Jennave Traore Photography, and TAILOR ROOTS
• Other: www.tailorroots.com should be back online by the time this article is released.

Image Credits
Ernie Muller (ernieontheshoot) Jairon Robinson (litrevision) Joseph Stevenson (513.boudoir) Trevin Harris (tvisionphotos) Jennave Traoré (jennavetraorephotography)