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| The origin of CMJ Shop/CM Photography actually began in the mid-1980's. Even back then, I appreciated and marvelled at the prospect of owning your own business.
My first effort at entrepreneurship was partnering with two college classmates in order to create New Image Filmworks, a video/photography production company based in Brooklyn, New York. Serving as the photographer (a passion which I believe to have inherited from my father), we covered fashion shows, baby photos, modeling portfolios and the occassional wedding. Although this was only a part-time venture, it gave me a sense of ownership and provided a creative outlet that working in Corporate America could not.
After New Image closed its doors (my partners and I had different paths to follow), I continued working as a part-time photographer. The majority of my clients were individuals who strived to launch their careers in music, fashion and entertainment. However, it was during my interaction with these aspiring superstars, I came to an important realization. While they had the determination to fulfill their dreams, many did not have the necessary information regarding their prospective industry.
For this reason, I along with a friend and fellow photographer formed Ebon Exposure. Its goal: to provide the means and forums for aspiring artists of color to network and gain insight into the "business". Our motto: Helping our undiscovered stars to shine brighter. I was extremely blessed to find others who believed in the mission and joined the Ebon Exposure family. During its existence, this organization sponsored a fashion show, art exhibits, panel discussions, poetry readings and several networking events. Our staff members were interviewed on Manhattan public-access television and radio. We also took part in national fund-raising events for child advocacy and even sponsored toy drives for area hospitals.
In the late 1990's, I discovered another creative talent...writing poetry. Within 1 1/2 years, I had approximately 50 short poems to my credit. At that time, the ills of society provided me with most of my material. While New York was experiencing a resurgence of the spoken word, I had the opportunity to perform at local readings, as well as call-in radio shows. I must admit, I'm a better writer than performing artist.
Around this same time I decided to re-prioritize the focus of my energies as I began my most important endeavor: a husband and father. With that included a relocation from Brooklyn, NY to a new home in Charlotte, NC and artistic self-retirement.
It wasn't until Jan. 1, 2005 that I began my return back to creative pursuits when I accepted salvation for the first time (the reason it took so long is a story for another day). I finally came into the realization that my skills were blessings and not using them was wasting God-given talents. I now needed to discover a new way to utilize my giftings. Thus CMJ Shop/CM Photography was born.
And the rest is history...
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