We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Morgan McKenzie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Morgan below.

Morgan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My journey started long before I ever thought about owning a business. As a dancer at just eight years old, I discovered my love for being in front of the camera. By eleven , I picked up my first camera and launched a YouTube channel. I was creative, curious, and completely in love with storytelling through visuals.

Life took me in different directions for a while, and it wasn’t until 2020 that I found myself drawn back behind the lens. At the time, I was stuck in a dental assistant job that left me emotionally and physically drained. In an environment where I constantly faced racism and felt undervalued. I knew I needed more. I began researching small business ideas, and although I had many creative talents, photography called me back home.

I started with no camera, no fancy equipment just a dream, passion, and a vision I couldn’t ignore. Eventually, I borrowed my cousin’s camera and began shooting again. My first shoot was on myself my model didn’t end up showing up .That spark reignited my first love for photography and reminded me that my purpose was bigger than just taking pictures. I wanted to build something that left people with more than just beautiful images. I wanted them to walk away feeling seen, supported, and inspired. Eventually Motionpixbymo was officially established as the name for my photography business.

I also have to thank my boyfriend, Bryce Alonzo Goodwin, for believing in my vision. Becoming a videographer for the business. Fxmotionfilms was created as a platform to showcase intentional meaningful films. He invested in my vision, encouraged me, and helped me land my first five out-of-state clients. Together, we grew what began as a photography brand into something much deeper a movement centered on creativity, connection, and community.

As an artist and Bryce as a poet that’s how Painted by Poets was born. What started as a photography business evolved into a platform for storytelling, poetry, and genuine human connection. Today, Painted by Poets serves as an intentional safe space an open mic experience for creatives and like minded individuals to grow, build, and share their art and truth.

As the curator of this platform, I’ve learned that photography was never just about clients or images it was about creating a sustainable community where art, love, and purpose come together. And that’s exactly what we’re continuing to build today.

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?

Unlike most brands that focus solely on business, I focus on impact and authenticity. I’ve built my platform from the ground up with no fancy equipment, just passion, vision, and a deep commitment to helping others shine. Whether it’s through a photoshoot or an open mic night, my mission is to create experiences that empower, uplift, and unite

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

One thing about me is that I faced many health challenges after graduating high school. I felt like a lot of how I felt reflected in the decisions I made. I remember finally walking away from an abusive relationship definitely not the average high school sweetheart story. I was raped at the age of 19, and going through that was another level of trauma I didn’t know how to navigate. There was nothing sweet about experiencing that.

I ultimately wanted to bury everything that had happened to me and never talk about it again. It took me five years to find myself again. I think sometimes we focus too much on the wrong things when, in reality, we must take care of ourselves first. I just continued to pray for myself. I honestly wish I could say it was an easy path to navigate, but it was far from that.

I didn’t start to truly heal from those things until I met my partner. He showed me the soft love I needed and deserved most, allowing me and still allowing me to move through my seasons with his support.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my photography audience by creating my own content. I used models, family members, and anyone willing to help me bring my vision to life. I focused on creating the type of content I wanted to shoot.

I believe the most important thing as a creative is to take your time the best things ever created took time, and none of it happened by accident. My advice is to stay consistent and focus on producing quality content.

Remember, you are the brand. Shape and model your audience around the brand you want to build. Use trending sounds and stay aligned with trends that attract the kind of clientele you’re seeking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://morgandance2000.wixsite.com/motionpixbymo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/share/_d4aUFJ-P
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brycexmorgan?si=nvRocMj0C9l5gb57

Image Credits

Jade Dodd

Lauren Talley
Porcha Monique
Kandice Rodrigues
Alexandra Slear
Bryce Goodwin