Today we’d like to introduce you to Taj Smalls.
Taj, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before the cameras, weddings, and business, there was a young boy named Taj Smalls trying to find his place in the world. Growing up with health challenges, a severe speech impediment, and without a father, he faced obstacles that could have easily defined his future. Like many young men in his community, he was surrounded by difficult realities, but even at a young age, he was determined to create something different for himself.
While others were asking for spending money, Taj was learning how to make it. He became fascinated with entrepreneurship, buying and selling products and finding ways to create opportunities where none seemed to exist. His first dream wasn’t photography—it was working with animals. But after failing a certification program because of a poor decision, he learned a lesson that would shape the rest of his life: there are no shortcuts to success.
That setback led him to ISOAUTO, where he was introduced to branding, websites, marketing, social media, and eventually a camera. What started as a simple skill quickly became a passion. Through photography and filmmaking, he discovered a way to tell stories, create emotion, and preserve moments that would outlive a single day.
In 2020, that passion became Ninety7Frames. What began with one camera and a vision has grown into a company trusted by couples, brands, and organizations across the Carolinas and Georgia. But the true foundation of Ninety7Frames was never photography—it was resilience, growth, and the belief that where someone starts in life does not determine where they can go.
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?
People don’t always understand what goes into building a business.
There’s the business side alone—marketing, branding, websites, social media, growing an audience, permits, banking, contracts, credentials, and everything behind the scenes that nobody sees. Then there’s actually becoming good at what you do. And after that, you still have to find a way to separate yourself from people who have been doing it longer, better, and at a higher level than you.
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road for me.
It took about four years to reach the six-figure mark. I got a job to support the dream, quit to pursue the dream, went broke chasing the dream, then had to get another job to keep the dream alive. I spent days studying my market and weeks going door-to-door, only to walk away without a single client.
There were far more failures than wins.
But every failure taught me something. Every setback forced me to adapt. Every “no” helped me understand what would eventually lead to a “yes.”
And once I started winning, I kept winning—not because it got easier, but because I finally learned how to win.
That’s the part people don’t see. Success isn’t usually one big breakthrough. It’s years of mistakes, sacrifices, lessons, and persistence finally paying off.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in weddings and brand elevation through photography and film, but one of the things I’m most proud of has nothing to do with a camera. It’s been the opportunity to bring other creators onto the team, create opportunities for them, and watch them get paid for their talent. Most of us are around the same age, and together we’ve been able to work with major companies, build our portfolios, strengthen our resumes, and gain experience that many creatives spend years trying to reach.
Over the years, eight different contractors have been part of Ninety 7 Frames. While every person’s journey has been different, I believe each of them took something valuable from the experience—whether it was a new skill, more confidence, professional connections, or a better understanding of the industry. Seeing people grow alongside the company has been one of the most rewarding parts of building it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
God for giving me this gift and the mental fortitude to keep going when things get tough
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ninety7frames.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninety7frames?igsh=MWh5b3Z2ZGU1dXA2MA==
- Other: https://Ninety7frames.com
