We recently connected with Tkeyah Hamilton-Niamike and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tkeyah, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Honestly, I didn’t wake up confident—I became confident through intentional healing, faith, and a lot of inner work. For a long time, I tied my worth to how I looked or how much I was doing for everyone else. Like so many women, especially moms, I got caught up in the cycle of pouring into others while leaving myself empty. It wasn’t until I started asking, “What would it look like to love myself the way I love the people I care about?” that things began to shift.
A big part of building my self-esteem came from photography—both behind and in front of the camera. Seeing myself through a lens of softness and strength was eye-opening. I started doing mirror work, speaking affirmations over myself, praying more intentionally, and surrounding myself with people who reminded me of who I truly was, not just who I had become through struggle or survival.
Scripture has also played a major role in my confidence journey. One that stays close to my heart is Proverbs 31:25 — “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” That verse reminds me that confidence isn’t about having it all together; it’s about trusting who God says I am—even when I don’t feel it yet.
Motherhood stretched me in ways I never expected, but it also gave me the most powerful reason to keep doing the work. I want my kids to see a woman who chooses herself, who walks in her purpose, and who isn’t afraid to shine. That’s the legacy I’m building—and confidence, for me, is part of that calling
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a boudoir photographer and the heart behind Kaleidoskope Portraits by Keya, a private, intentional space where women—especially mothers—can reconnect with their beauty, power, and identity. But honestly, what I do goes far beyond just taking pictures. I create an experience that helps women feel seen—maybe for the first time in a long time. It’s about stepping into confidence, shedding shame, and celebrating every version of you, not just the polished or “perfect” ones.
What makes this work so special to me is the transformation I witness in my clients. Women walk into my studio nervous, sometimes doubting if they even “deserve” to do a session—and they leave standing taller, glowing, and reclaiming parts of themselves they thought were lost. That’s the magic. That’s why I do what I do.
Something unique about my brand is that I’ve chosen not to publicly share client images anymore. I know that goes against the norm in the photography world, but for me, it’s about protecting the sacredness of each woman’s experience. My sessions are deeply personal, and I want every client to feel safe knowing their vulnerability won’t become public content. Instead, I let our community and word-of-mouth speak for the power of this work.
I’ve also created a private Facebook group for women—mostly moms—who are on their own self-love journeys. It’s a supportive, uplifting space filled with real talk, laughs, encouragement, and a whole lot of heart. We talk about body image, motherhood, self-care, confidence, and everything in between.
Right now, I’m especially excited about two things:
Our Mother’s Day Experience, which is a beautiful, limited-time offering designed to honor and celebrate moms in every season of life.
A new thing I just launched—a Boudoir Personality Quiz that helps women discover their unique boudoir style and vibe. It’s been such a fun and empowering way to help women take the first step toward booking a session.
At the end of the day, Kaleidoskope Portraits is about showing women that they are not just enough—they are radiant, worthy, and powerful right now. My mission is to reflect that truth back to them, one session at a time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey were resilience, authenticity, and vision.
Resilience was everything—especially in the early days. There were moments I wanted to quit, times when self-doubt was loud, and seasons where business felt slow or uncertain. But I kept going. I prayed through the hard days, leaned on my “why,” and gave myself permission to grow through the discomfort. My advice to anyone just starting: know that setbacks aren’t signs to stop—they’re opportunities to stretch and become stronger. Stay rooted in your purpose.
Authenticity helped me build trust and connection—not just with my clients, but with myself. I stopped trying to fit into the mold of what a “professional photographer” should look or sound like, and started showing up as the real me: mom bun, faith-filled, hype-woman energy and all. When you lead from a place of truth, the right people will find you. My advice: don’t chase trends—build a brand that reflects your heart.
Vision gave me direction even when I didn’t have a full roadmap. I always knew I wanted to empower women, especially mothers, to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. That vision guided everything—from the way I shoot, to how I speak to clients, to the energy I bring into my studio. My advice: get clear on your why. Your vision will evolve, but when you’re anchored in purpose, you’ll always know your next step.
The journey isn’t linear, and it’s not supposed to be. But if you stay resilient, lead with authenticity, and stay true to your vision, you’ll build something meaningful—not just for others, but for yourself too.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I absolutely love collaborating with other heart-centered brands, creatives, and businesses—especially those who are passionate about uplifting women, promoting self-love, and creating intentional experiences.
I’m currently looking to partner with:
Women’s wellness brands
Therapists and life coaches
Fitness studios and yoga instructors
Luxury spas or self-care brands
Mom-centered businesses and parenting communities
Lingerie or boutique fashion brands
Hair and makeup artists
Event planners and curated experience hosts
Black-owned and women-owned businesses doing purpose-driven work
I’m also actively seeking speaking opportunities—from women’s conferences and retreats to podcasts, networking events, or empowerment workshops. I love speaking about topics like self-love, body confidence, healing through creativity, the intersection of faith and self-worth, and building a soul-aligned business as a mom.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “We’d vibe well,”—I’d love to connect! The best way to reach me is on Instagram @kaleidoskope_bykeya or by emailing info@kaleidoskopeportraits.com. Let’s collaborate and create something powerful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kaleidoskopeportraits.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kaleidoskope_bykeya
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HWk5aQuDu/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Kaleidoskope Portraits By Keya
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
