Meet TC

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

Hi TC, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea of my business from my experiences growing up. From a young scholar in middle school, I had already determined my future career: becoming CEO of my own business. The only problem was that I didn’t know what business to start at that time. Overtime as grew up throughout middle and high school, I had endured excruciating amounts of bullying simply because students wanted me to be a part of a particular community and I declined because mostly everyone was doing it and I did not want to give in to the peer pressure. Because of the bullying, it lowered my self-esteem and self-confidence to a deep level that I had to see a psychiatrist. Once I graduated high school and gained my confidence back, I started searching for the business that I will become CEO of. I ultimately found my love and passion for photography during COVID. I decided to make photography a career because I want other people to feel confident about themselves just like me. My confidence was shattered because the world couldn’t accept me as I am and I know I’m not the only one who has encountered bullying and their confidence was broken. My encounterment with bullying also encouraged me write my first book entitled, ‘Finding Myself: Discovering ME through God’s Image’, where I give descriptive accounts of what I had endured in my life and how I was able to find myself and build my confidence through everything I had experienced. I want my clients and future clients to feel confident while, but especially after their photo session with me, so they can continue to walk this world with high self-esteem, confidence, and fully embrace to be exactly who they are.

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.
I am a professional photographer with over 5 years of experience in portrait photography. FlickzbyTC is more than just a photography business; it is a brand. I focus on the concept of naturalness. When I take photos, I aim to get the “perfect” or right shot. During my editing process, I take the components of photo by making the edited photo look exactly like the raw photo with a few enhancements. To me, when I focus on naturalness, I unveil the beauty that lies underneath. I deliver professionalism and customer service from the moment a client books or a potential client reaches out inquiring about a specific idea they want to execute. My professionalism continues throughout the entire process from consultation to delivering the final edits. I am most proud of my patience. I used to be impatient because I wanted things to happen at that moment, but I know everything works out in its own time. I kept perfecting my craft in order to get better and to label myself a professional photographer. Being experienced in retail, I understand that consumers and customers are always looking for competence. I have had a few run-ins with unpleasant customers working in retail and that taught me how to manage and handle clients that could become unpleasant; by keeping a positive attitude and not matching their unpleasantness, but as the famous phrase says, “kill them with kindness”. The photography industry is hard because you have to separate yourself from the competition. The competition took a toll on me because I wanted to be better than everyone else quickly, but I was still in my amateur stage. I overcame my challenges by using these six traits: resilience, confidence, patience, perseverance, faith, and determination. If I didn’t embrace those six traits, I would have given up on my dreams and eventually closed my business. I have learned to not give up so easily just because it has not happened yet. I had to be patient to increase my skill level and to start getting paid for my work. I want the world to know that you can be anything you want to be as long as you believe in yourself. Without believing in yourself, you cannot become the great person you are meant to become. Now that I stayed in the game and was patient and believed in myself, it got me to a point of my career that I am happy to be at. It is my time to shine and let everyone know who TC is and what FlickzbyTC represents.

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.
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would first take them to Eggs Up Grill. They have the best breakfast in Atlanta and their pancakes are amazing! I would then take them to the High Museum of Art to show the intricate masterpieces it displays. I would then take them to Andretti’s for go kart racing since I’ve been there several times because I love to race. I also would take them to Dave & Busters and Fun Spot in Fayetteville because I like a little competition and it has a variety of arcade games to choose from. We would also visit Piedmont Park to enjoy the beauty of nature and the water features. My favorite hangout spot is Atlantic Station because I do like to shop and they are one of my favorite places to shop and
buy things. Finally, I would take them to the Beltline, especially near Krog Street to go to the different spots and restaurants that are located there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would first give credit to God. God is the reason I am where I am today. God has always been my strength and the one who guides my steps. He placed photography on my heart and I am grateful that he did because I now get to help people become confident about themselves. I have prayed for this life and I am forever grateful that God has and is still continuing to give me the blessings I deserve.

I would second give credit to my mom and sister. They have been my support system through everything. They are my go-to whenever I need them. They are very encouraging and offer advice whenever I need it. They both also keep it real with me, which I love because I always want people to be honest with me.

I would thirdly give credit to my longtime friend/spiritual guru, Lakeisha. Our friendship grew from us working together and she was my manager at the time. At first, I thought she was mean and rude, but once I had the opportunity to get to know her on a personal level, I know that it is just her military background. She has been a “second mother” to me because she acts just like a mother would. For her to not have any sons, I feel like she takes me in as her own. She also keeps it real with me and offers advice and support whenever I need it. She encourages me and gives me strength and I appreciate her for mentoring me throughout the years.

I would fourthly give credit to my two best friends, Kyra and Desanjo. Both of them I have been friends for 10+ years. Throughout everything, they have been the only friends who stuck around when no one else did. Each of them bring their own to our individual friendship, but whenever I need a shoulder to lean on or advice, they are always a listening ear and vice versa. I appreciate meeting them and having a best friendship that will last a lifetime.

I would lastly give credit to Cashaéy Serenity. I met Cashaéy at a powershoot a few years ago and she was the model coach. After my session, she gave me her business card and from there it’s history. I took a few of her model classes and she has helped boost my confidence to a level that I never expected. Her expertise and guidance is what motivated me to continue taking her modeling classes, so I can look and feel my best. Her support of my business has been amazing and we both are now business partners. I would love to thank Cashaéy for helping me become even more confident in myself.

Each of the ladies that I’ve mentioned deserves their recognition for supporting, encouraging, loving, and caring for me to help me get to where I am today. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for them and God.

Website: https://www.flickzbytc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flickzbytc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flickzbytc

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_flickzbytc
Email: flickzbytc@gmail.com

Image Credits
Karen Allen for “Finding Myself: Discovering ME through God’s Image” book cover