We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenya T and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kenya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind creating Visuals by Kenya T. is a combination of realizing I had a gift and wanting to be free from punching a clock. As an artist and creative, people who seen my work said I have “the eye” and at first I didn’t understand it but over time I understood what my calling was. Also, I wanted to be internally free and free from punching a clock. Internally I felt unhappy, lost, disconnected from the most high, and trapped by what society deemed what I am suppose to do with my life, which is get a job and work til you’re dead. That concept has never set well with me, there is no grey area and I refused to live like that. I didn’t know what my entire purpose was and sometimes I still don’t know lol but I do know I was doing myself a disservice of living a way I was not destined to live. My father introduced the idea of entrepreneurism to me at a young age. He consistently had talks with me about being an entrepreneur and I know being an entrepreneur is not for everyone. My father told me “There is nothing wrong with working for someone, you have to enjoy doing the work. If not, find something that does or work for yourself doing what you enjoy. It’s not always about the money. Don’t be miserable making someone else money!”. With what he said to me and knowing I didn’t see and feel myself doing anything else in life Visuals by Kenya T. (formally Royal T Photo) was ultimately created. I’m not after the money. I’m after the freedom that comes with having money.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art consist of photography, videography and crafting. (I make personalized keepsakes such as trays, wall art, tables and paintings).
I set myself apart by giving the best products and client services I am able to give no matter how challenging the request might be. I am detailed oriented and take pride in what I create. I am not going to half ass my craft and abilities.
I am most proud of myself for continuing to push forward and be resilient despite the overwhelming obstacles I’ve endured.
I am where I am today because of the most high and myself. I do not take away the support I have received however everything starts with me. The most high blessed me with this gift. If I have no desire, no self motivation and no self drive to physically invest into myself to make my business work then my business does not work. It doesn’t matter how much money I do or don’t have because if I don’t put the energy into physically creating then the money is just there.
This journey has not been easy and I never expected it to be. Like facing any challenges in life when life have whooped my ass I get back up. I might cry, become tired, be frustrated, say ‘I’m done’ but deep down my internal flame and hunger doesn’t go out. You take what’s be given and thrown at you and make some shit happen. I refuse to let myself down, I refuse to give up on myself. I remain optimistic, have faith and believe the challenges doesn’t last long. I appreciate the challenges because without the challenges I wouldn’t know what I would be capable to fully manifest. Easy isn’t challenging for me. I love to be challenged.
I’ve learned so much but the main thing is to truly enjoy and love what you do. Remain true to yourself, stick to your morals and values. Hold people accountable including yourself. Be open to advice but watch the fakes and the snakes and definitely don’t sell your soul to the devil for anything.
Honestly, I’m still figuring out what I want the world to know about me lol. Pages are still being written in my book so find me and ask me this question when I’m on my deathbed.
I want the world to know Visuals by Kenya T. is a positive experience, an energetic impact on bringing your ideas to into fruition.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend actually lives out of state lol for majority of our best ship. We usually cook more than eat out but we do go out. On no specific day for
Food and/or drinks we’d go to:
Cirque on Monroe, The Tavern at Camp Creek, Another Broken Egg, Boogalou, Restaurant 10, Nacho Daddy, Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar, Kelz Kitchen, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, Louisiana Bistreaux Seafood Kitchen, J & J Fish & Chicken, Nouveau Bar & Grill, SnoGood New Orleans Snoballs, Views Bar, Roc South, Bar Vegan, Slutty Vegan, Big Daves Cheesesteak, Chic Restaurant & lounge, Octopus Kitchen, Cozumel Cantina before it gets dark lol there’s so many restaurants and plenty more I didn’t name because I’m a foodie.
Things to do:
The Shit Show, Puttshack, Bowlero, Round 1/Spo-cho , Game-X, Ace Throwing, Gun Range, Strip Club, My Sister’s Room, The Painted Pin, Metro Fun Center, Punch Bowl Social Atlanta, The Roof at Ponce City Market, The Battery Atlanta, Illuminarium Atlanta, Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, The Atlanta Beltline, The Bamboo Forest, Old Mills Park/Roswell Mills, Spin Art, Original Selfie Museum, Glass Blowing, Xtreme Hopp, Andretti’s, Garra Fish Spa Atlanta, ZuCot Gallery, and The Sole Spa. Plenty more to name but I think is more than enough lol.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are quite a few people who gets credit, mainly my family. My father Emmanuel, mother Sharon, sisters Marquita and Kiesha, nephew Keymarion and nieces Amyah, Akyah and Liberty have all kept me inspired and supported me so much. I’m forever grateful and appreciative. I have to also shout out my friend fam TJ, Freddie, Liz, Dj Donne and Jurell The New, they are consistent supporters and motivators.
Website: instagram.com/vkt_rpp
Instagram: instagram.com/kenyat21
Other: TikTok.com/@visualsbykenyat
Image Credits
For my crafting I credit all my clients whom allowed me to create personalized keepsake gifts for their family and friends. All my photo/video clients for allowing me to create and capture memories for themselves, family and friends.