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

Hi Somers, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have a brain injury and RA-ILD (rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease). So when the Dr. told me that I was ultimately disabled and that I would never be an able to work a regular 9-5 again due to my injuries, I didn’t know how to handle it at all. I was always a worker , always the strong one, always the one that people leaned on now I had to lean on others to get thru my tough times.

My uncle gave me a camera to cope with all the emotions I was dealing with and that emotion turned into passion. A passion to capture everything on camera. I started going to concerts, and events taking pictures of independent artists.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nothing in this life is easy, everything we have to work hard at and hard for. But for me I have to work extra hard because people may look at me and see a normal person, but they don’t know mental and physically what it took for me to get to the venue. My are ever present, being that I do have a brain injury so I can have a seizure at any given time or I can become unstable and fall. I have a speech impediment but I don’t let my issues stop me from moving forward and learning new things.
When I do have seizures my entire left side because paralyzed so I’m forced to learn how to walk again and use a walker for months. I have contant headaches, everyday so I always have to be mindful of the way I have to move and be aware of my surroundings. I want people to know that not all disabilities are visible. My tenacity, willpower and straight determination sets me apart from others because I could have easily thrown in the white towel, but I’m not a quitter. I will fight until the end.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ummm, I’m really a home body if I’m not taking photos, I’m home. If I had to pick I would to her on Wednesday to Cityview Restaurant in Mableton. I will take her to Status lounge on Thursdays, Nouveau Bar and Grill for r& b Fridays and have some drinks, then Escrobar morrow on Saturday, sun is an open day

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My bestfreind Crystal who was there from the time I had had my accident until now. She continues to help me with everything I need without her I wouldn’t know where I wouldn’t be. My family for encouragement and telling me to push forward when I didn’t feel good and just wanted to give up.

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