Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadeem Ellis.
Hi Kadeem, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If I was asked to describe my story, I would say it is unique, versatile & suspenseful. I am a multi-layered individual in profession which makes sense that Kadeem A Ellis Photography & Events is unique. Apart from managing my business, I serve as an associate pastor of preaching, I am a Doctoral Student, I work in a chemistry lab during the week to support my business and family. It is my goal to become a full-time creative.
In 2014 upon graduating from Lander University with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and adventuring to Gardner-Webb University to pursue a Master of Divinity I asked my parents for a camera as a gift. The camera was a simple point & shoot, approximately $120 I wanted for leisure purposes. I mostly took pictures of my family and travels. Then other people inquired, and I felt as if something bigger could come from my passion for photography. From that point, I invested in a professional camera for beginners and promoted my work on social media. I didn’t receive a lot of clients within my first year, but I kept practicing on my twin nieces who were newborns at the time, and learning from YouTube. My nieces turned one years old, and it was time for me to display all that Kadeem A Ellis Photography & Events had to offer at their birthday party. Since then, I have been doing it all and it brings me great joy.
Every year I set goals to grow my business. I have learned how to invest. I now have three professional cameras, a video camera, and an organized system that allows for me to manage my business with ease. I offer four services: Photography/Videography, Balloon Design, Event Decor, and Face Painting. Our motto is “We are more than photographers.” I am an advocate for celebrating the present and becoming fully aware of one’s own potential. For me, that has been through capturing life moments for others, helping my clients ideas become a reality at their events, and being a steward of joy in whatever space I am called to. You can find me during the week editing photos, writing a sermon, and planning for a weekend event. I believe that anything is possible, you just must begin.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth as it looks. I have struggled the most with accepting myself as being multi-talented. I have moments where I feel like I am doing too much. But doing too much at the right times has literally shifted me to where I am today. The challenges have allowed for my work to speak for itself. I desire for my work whether through photography, face painting, or a balloon design to be an image of how I am transforming as a person. This allows for me to breathe because I don’t have to be like anyone else. I am developing daily.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Kadeem A Ellis Photography and Events captures life events, creates balloon designs, decorate parties, and face paints. Spartanburg, South Carolina is home. Creativity is our passion and we are honored that God has blessed us to do it. Whatever you need us for, it is our greatest joy to serve you and to see you excited at any special moment in your life. Whether you are getting married, turning 50, or building a brand, you are a part of our growing family. Being an African American male in this area of creativity that is usually done by women and leading in ministry gives new clients the assurance that I will work with integrity and show up for them. I am proud of how I have handled the business side of starting a business. I think sometimes that area is neglected. It was difficult, but I believe it is a key component if you desire to grow your business.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being passionate is the most important characteristic to my success. It has kept me going.
Contact Info:
- Email: kadeemaellisphotography@gmail.com
- Website: https://kadeemaellisphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadeemaellisphotographyxevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KadeemAEllisPhotographyandEvents
