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

Thomas, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

In July of 2016, while heading back to Atlanta, Ga from Texas I was pulled over. Never having done so before I didn’t know what to do or expect, especially with the recent shootings of Alton Sterling & Philando Castile at the time. The officer said I “looked to have been going over the speed limit” although he did not have a speed radar.

After gathering all of my information and running everything I was still asked to step out of the vehicle and to keep my hands visible. Hesitantly I complied, the officer continued to ask me questions about if the vehicle was actually mine, where I was going, did I have anything he needed to know about, all while trying to search my car. Once done walking around my car, the officer asked, “What’s wrong?” That I seemed nervous and scared. “If you didn’t do anything wrong, then you shouldn’t be nervous or scared.” What was only about a fifteen minute “traffic stop” felt like a recap of my life. I felt like I was a target for being black while driving a nice car.

A few months later I took that moment to turn it into something beautiful and started TargIT Photography. Later coming out with my first t-shirt line #ImNotATargIt, and altogether changing the name to TargIT Creations as a pun for a camera since a “target” is your focus point.

Thomas, 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?

My grandparents brought me my first camera in grade school. It was one of those little Disney Digital Cameras, I took that camera everywhere I went to capture as many memories as I could. I actually still have it to this day.

In middle school, I decided to join the yearbook committee. A few of my friends were doing it and I figured it’ll be kind of cool. All I knew was to point and snap at the time, but learning about angles, lighting, and edits is when the love of photography started.

By high school I had upgraded my camera and editing skills and again took it everywhere with me. I was able to work with a local photographer in the area who educated me on different skills, edits, and prints. It was just like having a high school job and I am so thankful to my family and friends for always being my models.

In college to help get my name and face out, I started shooting at different campus/local events, parties, graduations, etc.

One day it payed off. I was invited to a fashion show hosted by Dior and was able to network with a lot of great photographers and models alike. From there, I knew I wanted to take this serious and make it my business. I stayed up all night that day and I started playing around with names, logos, colors until I was satisfied.

The following week I launched TargIT Photography now known as TargIT Creations LLC. It’s not just photos but everything creative from custom apparel to sweet treats.

What started as a hobby has truly turned into a second source of income. I really haven’t put a camera down since and can’t imagine life without it.

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

I live by the motto of “find a way or make one”. As a teacher of young minds I push that same motto to my students. Life is hard, especially for our black and brown babies but that does not mean to give up. In my classroom I unteach racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and other learned behaviors everyday. It’s not always easy or pretty but it is necessary.

I have learned to do this from my mom and sisters, they makes are the perfect examples of what it means to be resilient. You just never know how that one “push through it” you get could change the whole trajectory of your life. My family moved from North Chicago, IL to Palestine, TX the beginning of my freshman year of high school. It was tough dealing with the culture shock and trying to navigate through already established friend groups. I was forced to come out of my comfort zone and except the change. That one move has introduced me to new experiences and people that has helped shape me into the man I am today.

Being resilient is risk taking. My first time really taking a risk for myself was turning down two full-ride scholarships to attend Morehouse College. Some family and friends could not understand my choice but, I believe it was the best decision of my life. By taking that risk I have walked through many doors of opportunities, built unbreakable bonds, and made various connections across the world.

To be resilient is knowing that you might hear ‘no’ a million time’s, but what are you going to do differently for that one ‘yes’. That’s why I do what I do inside the classroom as well as outside with my own business.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Simple word of mouth. I strongly believe in quality over quantity and it has been working for me. Having someone else refer my work is so rewarding and the best feeling ever. Thank you to everyone who has referred my sweet treats, shirts, and photography service.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://targitphotography.smugmug.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/targit_creations/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pg/TargitCreations/posts/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/targitcreations?lang=en

Image Credits
Thomas Jones- @TargIT_Creations Paris Lovette- @Vettephotography