Meet Deja Pino | Creative Photographer and Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deja Pino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deja, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The process behind starting my own business really began during COVID. My first business was Moments by Deja, my photography and videography business. I graduated in 2020, and like so many others, there weren’t many job opportunities. Instead of just sitting around waiting, I decided I wanted to learn new skills and invest in something I was already passionate about.

I’ve always been creative and enjoyed photography, so I thought, “Why not turn this into a business?” My mom bought me my first camera, a Sony A6500, and I’m so grateful because cameras are expensive. She was able to get me the camera, and I saved up to buy the lens myself. That was really the beginning of everything.

As I started building the business, I realized I loved the idea of creating something of my own. I could be my own boss, work for myself, and build a career around the gifts and talents God had given me.

One thing I’ve learned through entrepreneurship is that it’s important to keep God at the center of everything you do. I also believe it’s important to work in something you’re genuinely passionate about. When you combine your passion with the gifts God has given you, your work becomes more than just a paycheck—it becomes a way to serve others and glorify Him. For me, that’s always been the goal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a news photojournalist, and I’ve had the opportunity to work for both FOX and NBC affiliate stations across the country. My job is to tell stories through video—to capture what’s happening in our communities so people can stay informed about local events, politics, culture, breaking news, and even the fun moments like festivals, parades, and community celebrations.

What I admire most about my career is the opportunity to give people a voice. Some of the stories I’m most proud of aren’t the biggest headlines—they’re the stories that truly make a difference in someone’s life. There have been times when families were dealing with unsafe living conditions like mold, rats, or neglected housing issues and couldn’t get anyone to listen. After sharing their story on the news, action was finally taken. Being able to shine a light on problems, raise awareness, and help bring about change is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. While people often focus on the negative side of the news, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how journalism can genuinely help communities.

Professionally, my journey started at Alabama State University, where I studied Radio, Television, and Communications. After graduating in 2020, one of my professors recommended me for a position at WSFA in Montgomery, Alabama. He believed in me before I had the opportunity to prove myself, and that recommendation launched my career. I’ll always be grateful for professors and mentors who take the time to invest in their students.

The transition into the industry felt natural because I was already passionate about photography, videography, and storytelling. Of course, every newsroom is fast-paced, and you’re constantly learning. You have to adapt quickly, think on your feet, and stay calm under pressure. Those experiences helped me grow not only professionally but personally as well.

One of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t necessarily the work itself—it was being away from my family. When I moved to New Orleans, I realized how important it was for me to be close to the people I love. That experience taught me that success isn’t just about career advancement; it’s also about building a life that aligns with your values and what matters most to you.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout my career is the importance of relationships. Networking, maintaining a positive attitude, and treating people with kindness can open doors you never expected. You never know who you’ll meet, who may recommend you for your next opportunity, or whose life you’ll impact simply by showing up with integrity and professionalism.

Beyond journalism, I’m passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting local businesses. I believe small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and whenever I can, I choose to support people who are building something of their own. Through my own businesses, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, use the gifts God has given them, and create work that serves others.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me, it’s that everything I do is rooted in purpose. Whether I’m behind a camera telling someone’s story, building a business, or serving my community, my goal is to make a positive impact and leave people better than I found them.

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?
If my best friend came to visit, we’d definitely have a full week planned! The first thing we’d do is find somewhere good to eat. I love trying new restaurants, especially cultural foods like Mediterranean, African, Jamaican, or Mexican. Honestly, if it has great reviews or TikTok says it’s worth trying, I’m probably down.

I’m also a pretty active person, so we’d definitely spend some time outdoors. We’d probably hike Stone Mountain, get a workout in at the gym, and enjoy being outside. Not every day has to be packed with activities, though. Some days we’d stay in, cook a good meal, watch movies, and just enjoy each other’s company.

Of course, we’d have to do a photoshoot at some point. I’m a photographer, so I naturally love taking pictures of other people. Ironically, I don’t really enjoy being in front of the camera because I always joke that nobody takes pictures of me the way I would! But one of my favorite feelings is when someone uses a photo I took as their profile picture. That’s when I know I captured something special, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

If they were visiting over the weekend, we’d definitely end the trip by going to church together. I love worshipping in person and being surrounded by a community of believers. While I know the church isn’t the building itself, there’s something special about gathering together, worshipping, and spending time in God’s presence.

One of the things I love most about Atlanta is that there’s always something to do. Whether it’s discovering a new restaurant, exploring the city, attending an event, or simply spending quality time with people you love, there’s never a shortage of experiences. For me, though, it’s less about having a packed itinerary and more about enjoying meaningful moments with the people I’m with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to give all the glory to God. Everything I’ve experienced, every opportunity I’ve had, and every door that’s opened has been because of Him. None of it would be possible without God’s grace and guidance.

I also want to recognize my mom. She has been my biggest supporter my entire life. No matter what I wanted to pursue, she was always right there beside me, encouraging me, believing in me, and cheering me on. She’s also been an incredible example of entrepreneurship. She owns her own family law practice, so I grew up watching what it looked like to work for yourself, build something from the ground up, and serve others through your profession. That had a huge impact on me.

There are also two organizations that have been especially influential in my journey.

The first is 1House, an entrepreneurial education platform that I’ve been a part of since 2020. They teach skills like e-commerce, trading, investing, and other forms of digital entrepreneurship. More than anything, they changed my mindset. They taught me to think beyond simply working a job and instead focus on developing skills that can create opportunities for yourself and others. One of the biggest lessons I took away is that whatever field you’re in, don’t just work the job—learn the skills. Whether you’re a mechanic, a marketer, or a photographer, take what you’re learning and use it to build something of your own. That perspective really helped shape my entrepreneurial mindset.

The second is **Prophet Mike Ministries**. This ministry has played a significant role in strengthening my relationship with God. It has taught me what true discipleship looks like, challenged me to grow deeper in my faith, and encouraged me to trust God in every area of my life. More importantly, it has reminded me that success isn’t about chasing what the world values—it’s about living according to God’s purpose and putting Him first.

Looking back, I’m grateful for every person, organization, and experience that God has placed in my life. Each one has helped shape not only my career, but also the woman I’m becoming.

Website: https://www.momentsbydeja.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejadpino?igsh=MWFhMjRjZTFoaGxyNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejapino

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deja.pino/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeOverProfitsClub