We were lucky to catch up with Rayanna Burse recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rayanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Personally, my happiness as a creative comes from the freedom to creative whatever and wherever I want. Most of the jobs that I had were limiting to what I could do and where I could do it at. Growing up society teaches you that you need a job in order to be successful and have a certain status in society. After college I realized that having a regular job wasn’t fulfilling to me. I had money but a what cost to my mental, emotional and creative needs. Transitioning from an employee to a full time creator is going to be different for everyone. I tried to balance working a regular part time with freelancing and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. The main thing that being a creative teaches you is how much your time and energy is worth. I currently have a part-time job to get extra income. Everyday I’m there I think to myself I could be making a days pay doing photography in a quarter of the time I spend there. I know that it’s temporary and I know that I’ll always choose my creativity over having a regular job.
Rayanna, 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?
Ever hear of a “Jack Of All Trades”? If so that perfectly describes my skill set. In high school I received my Cosmetology License in 2013. In college I studied Media Production and graduated with my Bachelors in 2018. For most people, those are completely different career paths, for me I use the knowledge and experience in both fields to help the other. If I’m doing anything involving a camera in my hand, Im operating as Rayvyzn ( Ray-Vision). Other people know me for my body waxing business, Wax The Box LLC. While acquiring my camera skills in college, I worked in the cosmetology field in a hair salon, beauty supply store, and practicing on my own. I always had an interest in body waxing but never got hired to do it until 2020. I got hired and fired in less than 3 months. The woman who trained me became my business partner and we’ve been in business ever since. Most of our clients are friend, family and people who genuinely believe and trust in us. The say that strangers can become your biggest support system and its so true. There are so many girls that we’ve waxed who didn’t know us prior to opening our business and refer their friends and family to us. Funny thing is we don’t market and advertise like most professional would suggest. We’re operating our business at our own pace and learning new things every step of the way. The biggest reward that my business gives me is the loyalty and trust my clients have for us. It’s a constant reminder that I’m on the right path on the days where I question if I am. Providing the services is only one portion of it. We’re able to give advice on skin care, health, business and personal issues. It’s a blessing to have the capacity to help my clients on more than one level in their lives.
When I graduated college, I had no idea what I was going to do. Media Production has so many path and areas to go into. I did an internship in the music video industry and brought my first camera. I learned how to use my camera properly and got to learn more about the industry before settling into one specific area. I networked my a$$ off! I was eager to just learn and practice my skills wherever I could. The main thing that propelled me into freelancing with Photography/Videography, was assisting my friends who were doing it before me. I learned so much by watching them operate and they were able to show me where I needed to make adjustments for myself. It took me a few years to find my niche because I was interested in so many avenues. Eventually, I started doing my own photoshoots and videos. My favorite things to shoot are: Behind The Scenes, Outdoor, Passion Projects. I’m not like the typical shooter, I’m very selective on who I work with because it is an energy exchange and I want to make sure my work is being used in the proper ways. My goal isn’t to become the best photographer or anything like that. My goal is to capture moments and create art that’ll last a lifetime.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
A lot of times people ask me “Why can’t you just stick to one thing?” or “Maybe you should work in the corporate side of the industry”. Throughout my journey I’ve had so many jobs and things that never felt like I belonged there. I truly believe that God gives everyone talent and abilities in order to live a life that feels fulfilling. We all have dreams, the difference is some of us are going to take the path to reach them. Chasing your dreams is viewed as taboo for many and for me I knew that not chasing them was never an option for me. Sometimes it looks like job hopping or not being able to do the things your peers are able to do. Chasing your dreams isn’t an immediately rewarding path but the journey is a huge part of the reward. I know that I’m capable of doing so many things. I wouldn’t be using my God given talents if I limited myself to fit the societal norms.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Being in the entertainment industry as a photography/videographer having the opportunity to work with a celebrity or influencer is sometimes viewed as the target goal. Early in my journey I was working with people who were in that category and I would get praise from it. Overtime I realized that statues doesn’t equate to fulfillment and happiness. I noticed that people would see who I worked with versus my art. My art will always be my main focus regardless of who’s in my resume. I learned that when you work with celebrities/influencers, you’re considered more reputable vs someone who hasn’t. I also learned that regardless of who work with, your art should speak for itself, no matter what. For example: Am I a good photographer because I shot with Nicki Minaj? Or am I a good photographer because Nicki decided to shoot with me? (I haven’t shot her but just and example)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayvyzn/