We recently connected with Teko Lewis and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Teko, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I was working as a 1st assistant manager when I was 21. I was making pretty good money and had numerous opportunities to make more if I accepted the promotions to become a GM. During this time I was conflicted because I knew that I didn’t want to work there for the rest of my life, but I also knew that this could be a great financial decision for my future. I knew this would take away from me pursuing my dreams but was it worth the risk. I prolonged the decision for months until I realized that my happiness mattered the most and I took a chance and bet on myself. I was terrified of losing everything I worked towards but I had to pray and work harder. In taking that risk and leaving that establishment I realized pretty quickly that I made the right decision. Other opportunities began to open up for me for modeling, music, and photography and I’ve never had to look back.

Once you take that first step you realize that it’s possible, your fears are what’s holding you back. That’s not to say that it’s easy and everything will go as planned because it might not, but as long as you never give up on yourself you’ll be fine. I gave myself six months, and it’s going on six years. I truly believe if I stayed at that job I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Teko, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Music was a big thing in our house from choir rehearses to karaoke nights, and by the time I was in 12th grade I was playing the saxophone, producing, engineering, and writing my own music. Over the years I began to branch out and do the same for others. While I was working on music I began to pick up a camera and soon realized I was pretty good at it. It started with me lending a hand out to my fiance because she needed a 2nd shooter and now I’m a full-blown wedding photographer. Between music and photography, I have been able to work with the likes of Dj Camper, B. Slade, Letoya Luckett, Katlyn Nichol, and Big Sant just to name a few.

I’m currently working with Champagne Campagne management, where Co-founder Big Sant reached out to me on Instagram and I invited me to a writing camp and things came together perfectly. They understood my vision and for the last 2 years, we have been working on rebranding and properly introducing myself as an artist. There’s so much content that we will begin to release in 2023 and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to do what I love under a company that believes in what I do.

All wedding and branding photography services are under LaJoy photography. My fiance LaJoy is an amazing photographer that’s been in the industry for 15+ years, and we’ve been working and building together a husband & wife team for the past five. We also provide videography services where I will list all of the contact and business information in the links below, (Including links to my music where you can find streaming on all platforms)

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In the beginning, I was creating and releasing with no real direction. All I knew was to produce, record and release. I had trouble finding a way to gain the audience and connections I needed to grow. So I began to just release more. During this process, I learned that you truly have to find the best path for yourself and your career. I began to use all of my talents to get into other doors where I built relationships. Passing around cards and Dms didn’t work for me, but using, modeling or photography services I was able to build a relationship where I was no longer looked at as a “starving artist” but as someone who can provide something beneficial to the connection I was trying to get. In this industry both in Music and Photography, you have to find a way to help others before they help you. My advice is to take the time you have to learn as much as possible about your industry and craft and then give help. Everyone is trying to build something for themselves, so set yourself apart. Especially in a time where content is king and the resources are easier than ever to access. As soon as I realized that I had something to offer other people my success rate in building relationships have become very successful.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is watching people/clients react to your work. Art is personal and as free as it is to create there’s a vulnerability that you have to be confident enough to allow people to see and hear your art. So when someone confronts you and says they love your work it’s one of the best feelings in the world, especially when you’re working with a client, itsimportant to make them happy, and for me, in photography and shooting weddings, that’s an important day that you the client gave you the responsibility to capture. Once I was shopping at H&M and one of the employees stopped me and said hey I follow you on Instagram and your music is dope! I’m still very much a new artist and I was shocked that someone I never knew, in a city I’ve never been to actually recognized me and liked what I did. It’s moments like this and DMs from new fans that make me continue to follow my dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Tekolewis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamteko/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamteko
• Other: All other links including photography: https://bio.site/TekoLewis

Image Credits
LaJoy Cox Teko Lewis