Meet Thaddaeus Watkins

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thaddaeus Watkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thaddaeus, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know myself—understanding what I truly like and don’t like, identifying what I’m passionate about and even the types of people I connect with. This self-awareness has been crucial. It allows me to make choices that align with my values and preferences, which naturally boosts my confidence. When you’re in tune with who you are, it’s easier to stand firm in your beliefs and make decisions that resonate with you. They play hand-in-hand.

But let’s be real: life is also a series of trials and errors. Every setback has been a lesson in disguise. Whether it was a failed project or a personal challenge, those moments taught me resilience. I learned that failure isn’t the end; it’s often just a stepping stone to something greater. Each lesson made me more equipped to tackle future challenges, reinforcing my self-esteem.

I also try to carry this mindset into my daily life. I remind myself that walking with confidence means embracing authenticity. When I’m genuine and open, it invites positive interactions and fosters deeper connections. I’ve learned to celebrate my strengths while also acknowledging areas for growth without judgment.

Overall, it’s a continuous process. The more I learn about myself and the world, the more confident I feel. And while it’s not always a straight path, each twist and turn adds to my journey, and I genuinely believe that embracing it all is what empowers me to walk through life with confidence and self-esteem.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Thaddaeus, but my friends call me Thad. I was born in Fort Myers, FL, and I graduated from The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, where I double-majored in business administration and public relations. Additionally, I hold a master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, roller skating, reading, exploring new restaurants and listening to good music. I’m all about 90s and early 00s R&B, neo-soul, new jack swing and gospel. Yeah, I’m definitely a 90s baby!

In addition to my work as a photographer and operating my business, Distinct Images, LLC, I also work as a corporate communications professional. Alongside that, I have over five years of experience in the hospitality industry, where I’ve been fortunate to achieve several accolades, including being named Associate of the Year. This role, along with my desire to positively impact the community, has led me to be featured by organizations like the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, the largest regional hospitality association in the United States. This blend of experiences has enriched my perspective and strengthened my commitment to excellence in everything I do.

I’ve always been captivated by capturing moments that tell a story—whether it’s family gatherings, milestones, birthdays, celebrations, business meetings, or cultural and community events. I embrace the challenge of preserving these special moments. That’s why I decided to start my own business, Distinct Images, which proudly serves individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses in Central Florida, its surrounding areas, and beyond. Distinct Images operates under five pillars: Empower through Visual Storytelling; Support Black and Minority-owned Businesses; Champion Underserved Communities; Foster Inclusivity; and Leave a Lasting Impact. Learn more at ChooseDistinct.com.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with several organizations and brands, such as the ZORA!® Festival, named after Zora Neale Hurston. The event, located in historic Eatonville, FL, is America’s longest-running arts and humanities festival celebrating the cultural contributions of people of African ancestry throughout the Diaspora. My photography has also been seen on local news stations and in publications.

As I continue to build my local clientele, you can look forward to several upcoming projects. A long-term goal of mine is to pursue travel photography, utilizing the pillars of Distinct Images to make a positive impact on communities around the globe. For now, I’m focused on serving my local market and surrounding areas. So far, I’ve had the pleasure of working on projects in Central Florida, as well as in South Florida (Fort Myers) and North Florida (Tallahassee).

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, I think the three qualities that have made the biggest difference are patience, grace—especially giving myself grace—and a realistic perspective. Patience has been key as I built my business, Distinct Images, and honed my photography and corporate communications skills. It’s so easy to get caught up in wanting instant results, but I’ve learned to appreciate the small wins along the way. Giving myself grace has been just as important; it lets me acknowledge my mistakes without being too hard on myself. This mindset helps me see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than failures.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say focus on these qualities. Work on being patient by setting realistic goals and celebrating your progress, no matter how small. Allow yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly—setbacks are part of the journey. And keep a realistic outlook by honestly assessing your goals and resources. This approach will help you navigate challenges and stay grounded as you chase your passions. Embracing these qualities has really enriched my experiences in photography, corporate communications, and hospitality.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I start feeling overwhelmed, I remind myself that it’s a very real part of being a professional, running a business and tapping into my creativity every day. Burnout is something I’ve experienced, and I know I’m not alone in that. So, when I feel that pressure building up, I make it a priority to shut out the world for a bit and focus on what makes me happy, which helps recharge my spirit.

For me, that often means getting outside for some much-needed sunshine, exercising or enjoying great food. I also love listening to my favorite music and roller-skating—there’s something freeing about it, especially when I incorporate dance into my moves. As of now, “crazy-legs” are my favorite skating move.

Sometimes, I just need to be present in my own space. I’ll close the blinds, turn down the A.C., and either rest or binge-watch a good film or series. It’s all about creating a little sanctuary where I can reset. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I recommend trying out some of these strategies. Taking that time for yourself can really make a difference!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.choosedistinct.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choosedistinct/
• Other: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_distinctobscurity/

Image Credits

Thaddaeus Watkins, owner of Distinct Images, LLC