Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Blake. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vanessa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

In 1995, I faced an unexpected job loss. I spent a few years attending classes, workshops, and career fairs. However, nothing truly sparked my passion, so I decided to venture into entrepreneurship. Without a clear direction for my business, choosing a name proved challenging. I opted to use my own name – VBlake Consulting Group – as it was straightforward and encompassed a wide array of business activities under the consulting umbrella. Initially, I focused on administrative support for other businesses.

As my business began to evolve, I recognized that VBlake Consulting Group no longer properly reflected the direction of the organization. As I thought about options for a new name, a vivid memory from middle school surfaced: a Spring day when our class visited the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. It had rained earlier that morning and as we pulled up to the museum, I could see that the trees and the ground were still damp. The sunlight was filtering through the leaves creating shadows and light rays. As I stepped off of the bus and looked around I felt a sense of freedom and happiness. The air was filled with the scent of freshly cut grass.

As I explored various name options, I thought about that moment and how I still love how the trees and grass glisten and what the air smells like after a summer shower. It was clear – Summer Shower Productions.

Vanessa , 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?

In the early 2000s, my husband and I started attending a particular church in Brooklyn, New York. One of the first things that caught my attention was the presence of video cameras. It was unusual to see in churches in the early 2000’s. What I later found out is that they were also live streaming the service. There was a person mixing audio in the Sanctuary and another handling audio for the live stream. I was captivated watching the camera operators and audio engineers, so much so, that I soon joined the department. Fast forward about ten years, and I found myself in charge of this department, overseeing 20 volunteers. My responsibilities included scheduling, training, budgeting, motivating, and setting a clear direction.

As technology evolves, so must the way we present our services. We brought in a company to install two large television monitors and two projectors in the Sanctuary, which took about two days to complete. I asked plenty of questions during the installation. Once it was finished, the business owner asked if I knew how to operate PowerPoint. I found this question rather odd. However, I learned that in the corporate realm, companies hire someone to make minor adjustments and operate PowerPoint during their meetings.

In that moment, a new world opened up for me. I became an AV freelancer, taking on various roles in the audio-visual corporate sector, including PowerPoint operator, setup and breakdown assistant, audio engineer, and graphics operator. I had no idea this could be a viable career path.

One day, a friend asked if he could hire me to take pictures at an event he was hosting at Rutgers University. Initially, I declined because I felt unqualified. However, he insisted, saying, “You do video; you can take pictures. How hard can it be? Just point and shoot.” I rented a camera and a flash, set it to automatic, and ended up capturing some great images at the event. Yet, I soon realized that merely pointing and shooting isn’t enough to create compelling photos; there’s also composition, framing, lighting, shadows, depth of field, and so much more to consider.

Since then, I have produced works and content for The Newark Museum, Rutgers University, Essence, and many others. To date, I’ve also been involved in three documentaries, one short film, a web series, and an art show. Taking a chance on myself has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
Embracing this journey has not only enriched my professional life but also my personal growth. Each project taught me something new, and the variety of experiences kept me constantly inspired.

As I continue to explore this dynamic field, I hope to inspire others who may feel hesitant to pursue their passions. Taking that first step may be daunting, but the rewards of following one’s true calling are immeasurable.

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

Absolutely! My aspiration is to explore the globe while earning a living creating content. There’s an abundance of experiences and sights around the world, and I am eager to immerse myself in it all. I envision documenting vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the unique stories of people I meet along the way.

By capturing these moments and sharing them with a global audience, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey and appreciate the diverse beauty our world offers. Whether through photography or video, my desire is to create content that resonates emotionally and intellectually, fostering a deeper understanding and connection amongst different cultures.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2019, business was a bit sluggish, prompting me to venture into the apparel industry. I wanted to create something that would be simple and efficient to manage. I decided to design a t-shit. Self-expression was the motivation behind the design. Every shirt would have the title “My Style Is,” and you would select from a list of descriptive words, such as “My Style Is ‘Undeniable,'” “My Style Is ‘Free,'” or “My Style Is ‘Genius.'” The shirts would only be available in black.

As interest grew, customers began requesting their own words, inquiring about additional t-shirt colors and hoodies. Fulfilling these requests required new designs and more time dedicated to the creative process.

I seriously underestimated the time needed for content creation and marketing, especially since I was managing everything on my own. Ultimately, I had to let this venture go because the return on investment just wasn’t worth it, and to be honest, I didn’t have a passion for it. I held a going-out-of-business sale and closed the enterprise.

Even now, people still ask if I continue to make t-shirts. It’s likely that if I had adhered to my initial vision, I might still be selling t-shirts today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://summershowerproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summershowerpro/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SummerShowerPro
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@thewatercamein

Image Credits

Vanessa Blake