We recently connected with Jkevya Garrett and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jkevya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I aspire to leave behind a legacy infused with love, community, education, and art. I pray my influence ripples through my bloodline, like a never-ending river, inspiring generations to come. I aim to be a beacon of inspiration for my descendants, serving a reminder to them that they possess all the necessary qualities to fulfill their God-given purpose, despite any obstacles that may arise. I want my name to stand as a testament to the idea that art can be a viable career, and that one can pursue multiple passions in a lifetime. The societal rules and limits are mere illusions. We can forge our own paths. We can decide what we want to do, and most importantly, who we want to be. All it takes is courage and an unwavering belief in self. Above all, I want to instill in my son the conviction that no obstacle is insurmountable and that he can do all that his heart desires.

I lead with love in everything that I do. I believe that when I transition on to the next realm of life, people will remember me as someone who truly and deeply cared for others. I have poured my heart not only into those closest to me but also into the lives of strangers.

Jkevya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

From the moment I received a point-and-shoot camera from my mom in elementary school, something clicked. While my siblings showed little interest, I was drawn to it. Despite my natural shyness, the camera became my voice, pushing me to view the world through a unique lens. In middle school, the creative atmosphere of Tumblr fueled my passion, inspiring daily photo shoots with sister. By high school, I had my first paying clients. Although I initially pursued a photography major in college, advice from seasoned graduates steered me away, suggesting I could hone my skills independently.

During the pandemic, while diving into YouTube for financial insights, I discovered real estate videography and photography. Intrigued by my past internship in real estate and my enduring love for photography, I was convinced I’d found my niche. However, I was offered a wedding photography opportunity, leading me down a different path.

Now specializing in beauty and portrait photography, my inquisitive, meticulous and detail-oriented nature drives me to connect deeply with each client. For me, photography is not just about capturing an image, it’s about forging a connection to people and things around me.

Beyond client work, I’m passionate about personal projects. Currently, I’m unveiling Season 1 of my series, “J-day,” dropping projects every other Sunday. These projects, meticulously crafted by my team and I, are building towards an exciting reveal. My journey has taught me that all dots truly connect.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I have a deep passion for reading that has been with me since elementary school, second only to my love for photography. I even lead a book club called “Books By the Bar.” One book that profoundly shifted my perspective on business and my approach to it is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. In it, she emphasizes that audacity is the only thing separating doers from dreamers.

Previously, I had admired many artists, believing they were born with innate talent and creativity, feeling I could never reach their level. However, this book taught me that to join the game, I simply needed to step off the bench. I transitioned from dreaming to doing, and the results have been transformative. Though I’ve only just begun to realize my potential, I’ve made significant progress, attracting a growing clientele, followers, and community, all because I dared to simply put in the work.

Life changes dramatically when you decide to pursue your dreams wholeheartedly. There’s nothing anyone else has or does that you can’t achieve. So, lace up your shoes and start running your race!

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

In addition to managing my expanding photography business, I’m a devoted mother to my wonderful three-year-old son. I am committed to lifelong growth and education, I lead a book club, fulfill work-related commitments, and I am training for a marathon. Essentially, I’m juggling four major pursuits alongside motherhood. I’ve vowed never to complain or use the excuse of being “too busy” as a reason to neglect my community or give anything less than my best to my son. I deeply respect the souls, gifts and opportunities God has bestowed upon me and honor them daily with my best efforts. I’m constantly seeking ways to optimize my efficiency, ensuring I make the most of every moment.

I’ve faced countless setbacks and failures on my journey, but I’ve never allowed them to deter me. My resilience and tenacity are among my favorite traits. I’ve come to understand that failure is an integral part of the journey. It is not the opposite of success but rather intertwined with it. I no longer shy away from my mistakes or feel ashamed of them. They’ve shaped me and propelled me forward. They’ve brought me this far, and I’m confident they’ll carry me all the way to my destination.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jkevya.com
• Instagram: Jkevya
• Tiktok: @jkevyag