We were lucky to catch up with Tinnisha Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tinnisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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 grew up in Guyana, where life often felt like a box—a space too small for the dreams I held inside. Each year felt like a repeat of the last. At 23, I realized that if I wanted more, I would have to create it for myself. So, with $1100 in my pocket and a vision of who I could become, I left everything behind—my family, my home, even the events company I’d built—and moved to New York City.

Since arriving in January, life has been a mix of struggle and revelation. I went from sleeping in a family member’s basement to sharing beds with strangers and even sleeping on floors, moving from place to place while I looked for stability. To make ends meet, I’ve worked as a supermarket clerk, part-time caregiver, and now a bartender—all while studying cybersecurity and building a content creation and photography career. I remind myself each day why I took this leap, and why I’m still here, and I keep pushing forward.

But it hasn’t been easy. Some days, anxiety sweeps over me, whispering that I should quit, that I’ll never make it. I’ve been at the edge of giving up more times than I can count. Yet each time, I’ve pulled myself back, determined to prove that I’m stronger than my fears. This constant battle has reshaped me in ways I never imagined, giving me a resilience I never knew I had.

Now, I’m finally starting to see the rewards of this risk. I have a place of my own—not yet my dream, but a space that’s mine. I get to work with brands, express my creativity online, and photograph the city I once only dreamed of visiting. Every time I capture a piece of New York or share my journey with others, I know it is all worth it. Taking this leap wasn’t just about moving; it was a challenge to see if I could become everything I’d envisioned. The hardest battles are always the ones within, but by conquering those, I’ve found a life that’s truly my own.

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

My name is Tinnisha Lewis, and I’m a photographer, UGC creator, and bartender with a diverse background in computer science and cybersecurity. I grew up in Guyana, where I spent years building an events company that allowed me to express my creativity. However, I felt confined by the familiar patterns of life and longed for new challenges and opportunities. In pursuit of this, I took a leap of faith at 23, moving to New York City with just $1100 and a dream.

This bold decision opened doors to a world of possibilities. I dove into various roles, including working part-time as a caregiver and now as a bartender, while pursuing my studies in cybersecurity. Throughout this journey, I discovered a passion for content creation and photography that has become the core of my professional identity.

As a photographer and UGC creator, I specialize in lifestyle and beauty content, focusing on helping brands tell their stories in authentic and engaging ways. My work includes product photography, brand collaborations, and social media content that resonates with audiences. I pride myself on my ability to create visually stunning images that capture the essence of a brand while connecting with the target audience.

What I am most proud of is my ability to blend creativity with technical proficiency. My background in computer science informs my understanding of digital media, allowing me to navigate the intricacies of content creation with confidence. Furthermore, I take pride in my resilience and adaptability, which have been honed through my experiences since relocating to New York. These qualities have empowered me to continually evolve in my craft while maintaining authenticity in my work.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want to emphasize that my brand is rooted in passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. I am dedicated to helping clients bring their visions to life through captivating imagery and engaging content. As I continue to grow in this industry, my goal is to forge meaningful partnerships that foster creativity and inspire others.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that success is linear and that it comes from following a prescribed path. Growing up in Guyana, a Caribbean country with strong cultural expectations, it felt strange to even say out loud that I wanted to be a photographer or content creator. Those fields weren’t viewed as stable career options, and the societal norms often dictated a more conventional route—pursuing a stable job and following a predictable timeline for achieving success.

In that environment, I felt immense pressure to conform. I limited my aspirations and told people what they wanted to hear, acting how they expected me to act. This mindset kept me from fully embracing my creativity and passions. When I decided to move to New York City at 23, I took a leap of faith that forced me to confront this limiting belief. The move was driven by a desire to break free from the confines of my previous life, but it also opened my eyes to a world where success looked different for everyone.

I faced numerous challenges—finding stability, navigating a new culture, and figuring out how to support myself while pursuing my dreams. In those moments of uncertainty, I realized that success isn’t a straight line; it’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. I had to unlearn the notion that if I didn’t achieve specific milestones by a certain age or in a particular way, I was somehow failing. Instead, I began to embrace the idea that every step, whether it felt like progress or a setback, was part of my unique journey.

This shift in perspective has allowed me to find joy in the process and appreciate the small victories along the way. I now see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Unlearning this lesson has empowered me to define success on my terms and remain open to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a powerful mission: to achieve financial freedom and repay my student loans by April. This goal is not just about clearing debt; it’s about reclaiming my life and future. I want to create a stable foundation for myself so that I can focus fully on my passion for photography and content creation without the heavy burden of financial stress.

Moreover, a significant part of my motivation comes from wanting to support my mom. She has sacrificed so much for me throughout my life, and I want to give back to her for all the love and support she has shown. My journey is not just about personal success; it’s about creating opportunities that allow me to lift her and ease the burdens she has carried.

By building my brand and working with various companies, I hope to generate the income needed to help her live comfortably and achieve her own dreams. Every project I take on is a step closer to this mission, and it fuels my determination to succeed not just for myself, but for the person who has always believed in me.

In essence, my creative work is a path to not only personal growth and expression but also a means to honor my mom’s sacrifices and build a brighter future for both of us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tinnishalewisphotography.pixieset.com/tinnishalewisportfolio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinnisha.lewis/
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiatonic?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits

Tinnisha Lewis