Entrepreneur of the Month: Crystal Brooks

I've never met a person so sweet! I actually started following Crystal earlier this year. I'm not sure how I came across her profile, but I loved her style. She was doing something called "Dressing Room Diaries" that got me hooked. I'm not sure why she stopped.

She reached out to me for the first time via DM informing me that she was offering photography services. I was surprised that she reach out. At this point, we had only exchanged a few likes and I did'n't even know she noticed me. A few weeks later, I took her up on her offer and 2 photo shoots later, we're "business besties" hahaha

I got a chance to sit down with her and catch up on her new life as a full time entrepreneur!

Q: What led you to want a career in photography?

A: I became interested in photography when I was a fashion blogger back in 2015. I wanted to continue my short-lived career as a fashion blogger, but found that I couldn't find a photographer I trusted to give me photos I wanted. So, I decided to try photography and found myself being naturally good at it! I love fashion and I enjoy creating beautiful content for others

Q:What kind of camera do you use? And why?

A: I'm currently shooting with a Canon Rebel t5. My mother purchased this camera on my birthday in 2015. That was the time I was a fashion blogger and I was so inspired by my photographer and the photos he captured, I wanted to do the same thing and I did!

Q:What is one of your biggest accomplishments so far?

A: One huge accomplishment I'm proud of is that I moved to D.C. after graduation and quickly created a foundation for myself as a photographer. I linked up with great fashion bloggers along this journey and my name is now in conversation amongst bloggers. I think that's pretty cool.

Q:Who or what inspires you?

A: I'm inspired by a plethora of photographers I see on Instagram and the photography I see in magazines. I have 4 large collages in my room of fashion/editorial shoots from magazines such as Bazar, Nylon, and GQ.

Q: What do you think sets you apart in such a saturated industry?

A: My personality, my conversation and my style. When shooting, I have the biggest smile on my face because I love having the freedom of being creative. I love seeing various styles of the people I shoot! My conversation is dope too. I love to talk, I love to learn and I love to hear peoples stories. You never know what you can find when asking the right questions.

Q: What do you spend most of your leisure time doing?

A: READING! I love to read books by black authors. I'm currently reading "Native Son" by Richard Wright and "There Are No Children Here" by Alex Kotlowitz. I'd rather be lost in a story than be lost in my phone, you dig?

Q:I know that you're originally from Georgia. Would you ever move back to pursue your photography career?

A: I've never left Georgia. It will always be in my heart. I would definitely own property in Georgia, but at the moment, I don't see myself making it my home for my photography career. I'll be in New York for that.

Q:What has been a challenge for you as a full-time entrepreneur?

A: Managing my money! I've had great months and I've had months that weren't so great, but that's the adventure in entrepreneurship. It's a part of the game and I'm here to learn all I can.

Crystal has been my go-to photographer for most of my website content. She has a great eye for scenery and fashion of course. I love working with her because she is reliable and has a very quick turn around time. If you'e a stylist and/or fashion blogger and are in need of a photographer, contact Crystal. You can also follow her @crystalaegenb.