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

Karissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Before I ever started my businesses, the legacy I wanted to build through them was my first step in the brainstorming process. I didn’t want to simply start a business, and make some money. I wanted to create something that would help me leave a lasting impression on not only my community, but also the world. My journey from the start has never been conventional. There have been many obstacles and trials stacked against me even starting with myself. It took time for me to realize that my business is a ministry before it is a means for profit. Once I had that shift in mindset I knew what my purpose was. As a photographer. I go into every shoot trying to be a light to those I shoot. I ask questions to get to know them leaving room for them to feel safe. People would be surprised how many shoots have turned into mini therapy sessions, lessons in business, and moments of encouragements. One day when it’s all said and done I want people to remember me for my serving heart, encouraging spirit, and authenticity.

Karissa, 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?

My name is Karissa Harris. I am a photographer & also a clothing brand owner. I have been taking photos for 5 years now. I have owned my clothing brand for 4 years. I got into photography during Covid-19. When we were all inside with nothing to do. Initially my mother bought a camera to take up photography courses and learn for herself, but once I got my hands on it and started to practice the rest was history. It became MY camera, and i started to perfect my craft more and more everyday. As far as my clothing brand, I had always wanted to start one, since I was a kid. Even as a girl I grew up in love with all of the streetwear brands at that time; Supreme, Bape, Fubu, and the list goes on and on. I was heavily invested in clothes because I realized the level of confidence a good outfit gave me. It’s kind of like night and day. I picked up one by accident and fell in love with it. I finally faced my fears on the other, and once i picked it up the love i always had for it grew even more. I learned everything there was to know about both industries primarily on my own in a trial and error sort of way. I think that’s what sets my businesses apart. I’ve been through all of the errors one could possibly be faced with so i have so much resilience, and it made me the master problem solver.

What am I most proud of ?
I am proud to simply have come this far with so much more room to grow and experience along the way. I’m also proud to say that God has allowed me to positively impacted so many lives. My most cherished shooting experience I have ever had came about when I shot my first physically disabled client trusted me to do her first standing shoot since becoming disabled. She was so afraid to do the shoot. Throughout the entire process of planning we discussed daily how we could make it the most comfortable for her. I constantly reassured her that WE could do this! During the shoot when she finally stood on her stands, I was moved to tears. After we finished shooting we sat on the floor to talk about it, and the words of gratitude she expressed to me for simply reassuring her that she could do it, changed me forever. It created such a sense of intentionality for me with every client going forward it was really a turning point for me, and that is what I would want any new potential client of mine to know. You aren’t just booking a photographer to take your photos. You are booking an experience. We will craft and build the perfect safe space for us to come together and create your memories as a team. It takes equal parts me as it does you! I always strive to give them more to remember than just the images sent after the session.

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

The passing of my grandfather was probably the time in business where I had to pull my resiliency out the most. I had never experienced grief before of a loved one, especially not one so close to me. My grandfather played such an essential role in my support system. I lost my want to create. I lost my will to shoot. For months I had convinced myself that I was done with both businesses all together. One of my old clients eventually reached out asking if I could do her daughter’s graduation photos, even though i was hesitant I was so grateful that I did it. Because during that shoot it was almost like my client knew what weight I was carrying. Whereas i am usually the one listening and being helpful to my clients, this day she did that for me instead. Her words gave me the encouragement i needed to realize that I couldn’t give up on myself. I couldn’t stop watering the plants i worked so hard to grow up to this point.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I think every business owners first and most important lesson is to realize that friends and family are not your target audience. Support from strangers will take time and effort on your part. The more effort you put into making sure you have the best quality & provide the best experience it will give your clients a reason to return.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pocketsuite.io/book/shotbygv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotby.gv?igsh=MXR2dDg4M3FnaWhvbw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BLV9kktsx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/vintagevisionsco?igsh=dnJ5dTI5MzZlbXJk

Image Credits

You can use any of the photos in the before slide . Some are for my brand other for photography. I shot them all so no photo creds needed