We were lucky to catch up with Chaterria (Terri) Perry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chaterria (Terri), thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, creativity stays alive through constant movement and connection. I wear a lot of hats — from HR consulting to photography and videography, to hosting vendor showcases and women’s empowerment events — so I’m always surrounded by different people, stories, and ideas. That exposure fuels my creativity.
I also make it a point to pour back into myself. Whether it’s journaling, attending other community events, or simply observing trends, I give myself permission to step away, reset, and come back refreshed. A big part of my creativity also comes from collaboration — I love learning from other entrepreneurs, vendors, and even my clients. Hearing their vision and bringing it to life through my lens or through event planning keeps me inspired.
To me, creativity is less about waiting for inspiration and more about staying open to the world around me. When you’re passionate about serving people and creating experiences, creativity naturally follows
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My story has always been rooted in people. Professionally, I’ve spent the last several years working in Human Resources, specializing in employee relations, talent development, and workforce solutions. I love HR because it allows me to connect with individuals at all levels, help them grow, and make a real impact on how organizations support their people.
At the same time, I’m a photographer and event curator. Photography lets me capture life’s milestones — from weddings and maternity to branding and corporate work — and it’s incredibly special to preserve moments that people will hold onto forever. Event planning grew out of that same creative spirit. I host vendor showcases and women’s empowerment experiences where entrepreneurs can connect with new customers, build community, and step into opportunities that help their businesses grow.
What excites me most is the combination of creativity and community. Whether I’m behind the camera, organizing a showcase, or strategizing HR solutions, my focus is always on people — creating space for them to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Right now, I’m especially excited about two things: preparing for a large-scale holiday vendor showcase this November in Raleigh, and developing a women’s self-care and confidence event for spring. Both are about building legacy, empowerment, and connection, which is the heart of everything I do.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey are adaptability, relationship-building, and creativity.
Adaptability has carried me through career shifts, industry changes, and even the challenges of entrepreneurship. I’ve worked across HR, photography, and event planning, and being open to learning, pivoting, and embracing new opportunities has allowed me to keep growing.
Relationship-building is at the core of everything I do — whether it’s employees in a corporate setting, clients in front of my camera, or vendors at a showcase. I’ve learned that genuine connections and communication are what sustain success long-term.
Creativity is what ties it all together. From finding innovative HR solutions to capturing stories through photography or creating unique event experiences, thinking outside the box keeps things exciting and impactful.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be:
Stay curious and adaptable — don’t box yourself in, because your path may evolve in ways you don’t expect.
Invest in your relationships — the people you meet now may open doors for you later.
Give yourself space to be creative — creativity doesn’t mean you have to be an artist; it means approaching challenges with fresh perspective and courage.
Those three things have shaped not just my career, but also the way I serve others.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely — collaboration is at the heart of what I do. I’m always looking to connect with entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who believe in community over competition. Whether it’s vendors who want to showcase their products, speakers and wellness experts who can pour into women at empowerment events, or businesses that want to align with local talent through sponsorships and partnerships — I love creating spaces where we can grow together I also welcome collaborations in photography and videography, especially with brands, businesses, and individuals who want to tell their story in a unique, authentic way.
If you’re reading this and feel like we could build something impactful together, I’d love to connect. You can reach me directly through my website at chaterriaperry.com or connect with me on social media. I’m always open to new conversations and new partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Chaterriaperry.com
- Instagram: Ktmcreator
- Facebook: Chaterria Perry
- Linkedin: Chaterria (Terri) Perry
- Other: https://Chaterriaperry.com
Image Credits
Image credits to yours truly Kapture The Memory LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
