Darius Stephens shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Darius , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days are typically busy, especially if I have to do some editing. I currently work for the Community Foundaiton for Greater Buffalo as the Digital Communications Coordinator. So I’m usually filming media, editing or doing some form of communications throughout the day. Once I get home is when I clock into my side business KhamenLenz Media LLC. In between time I like to make music, body weight training, festivals, events, etc.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone I’m Darius “TuTxTuT” Stephens, founder and Creative Director of KhamenLenz Media LLC. I wear a few hats filmmaker, visual editor, and artist and I built KhamenLenz to be a creative production brand that bridges my love for film and music.
KhamenLenz focuses on visual storytelling music videos, event videography, film editing, and content production. Because I’m also an artist, I understand what performers and creators want: authenticity. We aim to bring high-end cinematic quality to projects while maintaining a personal and raw feel.
Dual perspective I’m both a creator in front of the lens (as an artist) and behind it (as a director/editor). That gives the brand a deep empathy for clients’ vision.
Origin story & name The name “KhamenLenz” draws from “Tutankhamen” (my stage name “TuT”), putting together legacy, royalty, and the lens of a creative eye.
Growth through risk & hustle I started doing event videography in Buffalo because I saw a need: many events, parties, and artists lacked strong visual content. Over time, I expanded, studied film formally in Miami, and built both my music and production brand side by side.
Versatility Some clients know me for the film work; others know me for my music. I let the two sides support each other. It also helps that I’ve had the chance to work with known names in music and film, giving credibility to what we deliver.
My goal is to scale KhamenLenz into one of the top production companies one that offers to artists not just video or editing, but full services (creative direction, branding, integrated content, support) that many smaller production houses don’t yet offer. I want it to be a one-stop hub for artists who want to elevate their visuals across all mediums.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was realizing my power in making my own decisions that best benefits me. I want to say maybe around 2018/2019 I’ve come to this realization. I was sometimes afraid of choosing what I truly love to do, just being Afraid of it not working out and then being stuck trying to get myself out of the hole. I realized that failure is all apart of the journey.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I lost everything on the airplane. I mean everything. My camera, drone, lenses, laptop, hard drives, chords, attachments. Pretty much my go to shoot set up gone. There I almost gave up but I have such strong circle around me and that helped me push through. Equipment is very expensive and it takes years to build up for the average filmmaker.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m always authentic. I believe how you act when the cameras aren’t around or eyes that’s the real you. I attract alot of real people because that’s one of my core values. If you can’t be yourself then you have much to work on. I always believe it’s less stressful to be yourself than to act like someone else.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
That’s how I’ve made it this far!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Khamenlenz.org
- Instagram: @khamenlenz
Image Credits
4kiie_KL
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