We recently connected with Deaune Boyd and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Deaune, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply ingrained in me, and I owe it all to my parents. Growing up in Southeast San Diego wasn’t easy; we lived in a one-bedroom apartment, struggling to make ends meet. With two older siblings and parents working tirelessly to keep us afloat, I learned the value of hard work from a young age.
I watched my mother juggle her hair service business, which she started at just 15 years old, alongside her full-time job at the hospital. Despite the challenges, she never gave up, showing me what true determination looks like. Meanwhile, my father’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he built his own home-cleaning service company on top of his role as a warehouse supervisor. Even as a child, I understood the gravity of our situation.
Instead of asking for toys for Christmas, I remained silent, not wanting to burden my parents with unnecessary expenses when rent and bills were looming over us. It wasn’t until later that I realized the impact those early experiences had on shaping my work ethic. Surrounded by family members who were all entrepreneurs in their own right, yet still managed to hold down traditional 9-5 jobs, I learned the importance of diversifying income streams. The idea of depending on just one source of income seemed impractical and risky to me.
Today, as I navigate my own journey as an entrepreneur, I carry with me the lessons learned from my parents and extended family. Their resilience, drive, and commitment to providing for their loved ones inspire me to push harder, strive for success, and never settle for mediocrity. My work ethic is a tribute to their sacrifices and a demonstration to the values they instilled in me from an early age.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Deaune Boyd, I am the founder of Elysian Vision Photography. My portrait photography company was a risk born from my intense passion for capturing life’s most precious moments. Over the years, I have honed my skills and transformed my beloved hobby into a fulfilling profession, specializing in crafting timeless photos for individuals and businesses alike. What excites me the most are the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
My photography journey has already taken me to places I never imagined I’d be, allowing me to engage in conversations with inspiring individuals and immerse myself in experiences beyond my wildest dreams. It’s a demonstration of the power of following your passion with unwavering dedication.
In addition to capturing moments through my lens, I’m deeply passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at my former school, Horace Mann Middle on their career day, where I shared insights about the joys and benefits of entrepreneurship. It was incredibly rewarding to inspire the next generation and encourage them to pursue their dreams fearlessly. It was great to see how excited the students were about chasing their dreams. Just to think, I remember being in their shoes. Not knowing what an idea of what or who I wanted to be. I just knew I wanted to be my own boss.
My goal is to establish myself as a profound portraiture photographer, working closely with renowned brands and celebrities to create iconic imagery that captures the essence of beauty and individuality. I also aim to initiate a youth mentorship program catering to adolescents interested in creating their own photography business and assist with broadening their understanding in the photography industry.
Speaking of sharing knowledge, collaborations are at the heart of my creative process. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with emerging photographers, talented models, and innovative brands, each collaboration pushing the boundaries of creativity and sparking new ideas. Together, we’ve created unforgettable visual stories that resonate with audiences far and wide. As I look to the future, my aspirations reach new heights with every shoot.
If you’re searching for a skilled photographer who goes above and beyond to preserve life’s most precious moments, look no further. I invite you to join me on this journey, where together, we’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Reach out to me today, and let’s embark on this adventure together.
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?
Reflecting on my journey as an entrepreneur, three qualities stand out as the cornerstones of my success: resilience, optimism, and courage. These qualities have not only shaped my path but have also propelled me forward, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Resilience has been one of the keys that unlocked the door to entrepreneurship for me. The ability to weather the highs and lows of owning a business is paramount. While celebrating victories is important, it’s equally essential to navigate through periods where the results may not be immediately apparent. Building resilience fosters an appreciation for the journey itself, acknowledging that every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to growth and progress. Sticking out the hard times and following through a commitment you not only made to yourself but others as well will build a sense of pride and respect for you, the business owner and the business itself.
Optimism is another crucial attribute that has guided me through the twists and turns of entrepreneurship. Maintaining a growth mindset in all aspects of business is essential. Despite encountering discouraging situations that may test one’s resolve, it’s vital to view them as opportunities for learning and development. Each setback serves as a lesson, offering insights into how to approach similar challenges in the future and ultimately contributing to personal and professional growth.
Courage played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue my passion for photography full-time. Fed up with the monotony of working for someone else while feeling unfulfilled, I took a leap of faith and committed to myself to follow my heart and become a portrait photographer. Despite lacking formal education in business or extensive photography experience, I embraced the challenge with determination and a willingness to learn. Over the course of four years, I dedicated myself to honing my craft, networking, and building my clientele. Through sheer grit and perseverance, I transformed from an aspiring photographer into a successful entrepreneur and self-taught portrait artist.
Embracing courage allowed me to confront my fears head-on and exceed my own expectations. Despite the initial uncertainties, I dared to pursue my dreams relentlessly, ultimately reaping the rewards of my determination and resilience. In hindsight, resilience, optimism, and courage have been the guiding principles that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey. By embodying these qualities, I’ve not only overcome obstacles but have also forged a path towards success that surpasses anything I could have imagined.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
In the world of entrepreneurship, there’s often a temptation to focus solely on honing our strengths, doubling down on what we’re already good at. However, I’ve come to believe that true growth lies in embracing a more well-rounded approach, investing time and effort into areas where we may not be as proficient. Here’s why I advocate for expanding one’s skill set and diversifying their craft.
Firstly, being well-rounded opens doors to a multitude of opportunities. You never know what situation may arise where having a diverse skill set could be a game-changer. While mastering one skill is commendable, versatility can be invaluable, especially in dynamic industries like photography. Whether it’s adapting to a client’s specific needs or navigating unforeseen challenges, having a broad skill set enhances adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Secondly, diversifying your offerings can give you a competitive edge in a crowded market. While specializing in a particular niche is important, it’s equally crucial to differentiate yourself from competitors. I learned this firsthand in my own photography business. Despite excelling in photography, I encountered situations where clients also required videography services. Regrettably, my limited experience in videography led me to turn down these opportunities, unaware of the potential impact on my business.
As a result, I observed clients turning to other photographers who offered both photography and videography services. This realization was a wake-up call, prompting me to reassess my approach. I recognized the importance of expanding my skill set to meet the evolving demands of clients and remain competitive in the market.
Moreover, embracing new skills can fuel personal and professional growth. Stepping outside of our comfort zones fosters continuous learning and development, enriching our expertise and broadening our horizons. By challenging ourselves to acquire new skills, we not only enhance our capabilities but also cultivate a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elysianvisions.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysianvisions.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysianvisions.co?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://blinq.me/zxUz8flr2Wg78bCzqMLr
Image Credits
Photographer: Instagram @poeticst0ner3 @deaunexboyd Comedian: Instagram @whiskeymomcomedy Models: Instagram @xochas @ariluv_xo @issanoelani @beautynotbeastt @loving_jaireth @mmhector.18 Fashion Brand: Instagram @joueurfashion @joueurconfidence @joueurwestcoast
