We were lucky to catch up with Natasha Rose Jordan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha Rose, thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

The best boss I’ve ever had was Adalia Espinosa when I worked at the University of Houston Career Services. When I first started, she asked me what my learning style was, I’ve never had someone ask that before. During my time there, Adalia modeled what proper communication looks like between supervisor and employee. My position was created to start the free student headshot program, and I was practically given free rein to see my vision through. That level of trust she gave me is what I hope for in every future boss I have. Lastly, Adalia went above and beyond to teach me how to navigate the job market after I graduated. It was a dark cloud looming over me and she made the inevitable not so scary. We still talk about it years later. Adalia was not only my boss but is my mentor, and I’ll always be in her debt for everything she taught me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Natasha Rose Jordan, I’m a photographer and graphic designer based in Houston, Texas. I have always loved art since I was a child, but I didn’t think I was good until I discovered I could do it digitally. I started designing for fun using a website called Pizap back in the early 2010s, and once I got to high school I had the opportunity to take classes at an early college school called the Guthrie Center. I took commercial photography and fell in love with it. My teacher, Mr. Radler, gave me all the tools I needed to not simply pass the class but to truly become an artist. I was always known for my wild ideas and narrative portraits, and instead of telling me to think smaller, he would stand back and let me create. At that time, I would always say I was going to become a graphic designer because it was the practical option, and I tried to pursue it in college. After failing my BFA review for the school I was in, I had nothing left to lose. It may be taboo to admit to that, but I am so happy I failed because my life became so much better than I imagined. In 2020, I packed up my life, moved home, and pursued a degree in photography. I got my BFA in Photography and Digital Media in 2023 from the University of Houston, and I consider that as one of my greatest accomplishments.

My art is very story-driven, I believe the difference between a good and great photo is narrative. I don’t necessarily need to convey an entire novel one one photo, but my goal is to evoke a specific set of emotions, and if my art also gets people to think critically then I succeeded. I used my time during the pandemic to “train” myself in self-portraiture. It was a hard process, especially as someone who has dealt with body issues forever. Now on the other side of that season, I can say that I not only know how to pose my body, but I truly see myself as a work of art — a concept I could never have imagined possible a few years ago. I like to say that I’m “in front and behind the camera” because I will never choose a side. Being my own model has made me a better photographer because I understand the vulnerability subjects experience, and my mission is to take that feeling and prove that they are works of art as well.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

You decide if you are an artist, no one else.

During my last year in college, I was struggling mentally for various reasons. My work changed because of it. What I did make was good, but my drive to create was running dry. I had one teacher who initially was very supportive. It was during his class that I finally felt like I earned the privilege to call myself an artist. Cut to a year later — the second time I had his class, he was dismissive of all my ideas because they weren’t as grand as what I was known for. After the final, he called me in for a meeting and said I was not cut out to be an artist. He didn’t understand “what happened.” It was like a stab in the back, gaining confidence in his class just to have it taken away so easily. That call still haunts me years later, not because I still believe what he said to me, but because I morn for that version of myself who didn’t deserve to hear that. I am an artist because I want to be one. It’s that simple. My journey will not be a traditional one, and that’s okay because if I rely on tradition, I will stop challenging myself to innovate.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland. It was exactly what I needed to hear as a creative about entering the job market. The authors voice concerns so specific I thought they were in the room watching me. It is comforting to know that my fears are not special. Artists are always told they’re unique people, and sometimes we embrace that identity to a fault. I’m glad society is moving past the idea of being — to put it plainly — not like other girls” because it creates division where community should be. Especially in the art community, it’s refreshing to know that my concerns are not new. If other artists have succeeded while fearing the same things I do, then I will as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://natasharosejordan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashashotme/