We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vel LaForét a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vel, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My childhood was filled with strong women who were big on making sure I knew exactly who I was and where I came from. These influences built me up by allowing me to believe that I was someone special in this world. My grandfather also played a major role in teaching me how a man should operate with his family and loved ones. The gems he gave me allowed me to walk with my head high and chest out. The foundation developed by the grit and hustle of the Brooklyn streets I walked everyday assured me that I could be anyone I chose to be no matter the circumstance. So it’s an accumulation of where I come from Flatbush, Brooklyn and where my family is from Haiti! That made me the man I am today.
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?
I’ve done many things in the creative field but what I’m most proud of is my years as a Photographer and Indie Filmmaker. As a boy I’d run around with cameras snapping pictures of my friends, this would later turn into me capturing timeless moments for people and publications all over the world for more than a decade. Later I’d fall in love with my video camera which later turned into me creating timeless films which gave a voice to the voiceless most marginalized groups of people across Americas inner cities.
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?
The best advice I can give anyone is; if you desire to create anything no matter the magnitude “Just Do it”. Do it in the dark when no one is paying attention and stay consistent even when you do attract the attention of your peers. Nothing will kill a dream faster than self-doubt! Never compare yourself to anyone because we are all on a separate journey, so make the best of the time you are given. Never forget why you started your quest that way you can assure your love for it remains pure.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My mother didn’t realize by actually listening to me and buying me cameras when I asked for them she was investing in my imagination and planting seeds for my future. Those small gestures of kindness would forever reshape my life before either of us would ever realize the true impact. She was just trying to keep me out of trouble because as a young black man there was plenty of it waiting outside for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @velimages
- Twitter: @velimageshd
Image Credits
Velimages LLC 1804 Films
