Q1. Tell us about a side project that has meant a lot to you. 

For me, side projects are a way to explore things more deeply, on a more personal level; to really challenge an idea that I find dear. Recently, I partnered with a group of likeminded black creatives and photographers to launch See In Black, a reclamation of the Black narrative through photography. For so long, the Black image has always been seen through the white gaze, while parity was hard to come by for leading black image-makers capturing the same subject matter. We wanted to show that by allowing our communities to own our methods of expression, we can tell more detailed and nuanced stories while uplifting and giving back to our own.

What started off as a platform for black creatives to distribute resources and donations back to our communities became a platform to explore the black eye and fight for further generations. 

Q2. Why is it important to have ownership of, and to pursue your own ideas?

Ownership isn't key for me; it's about dedication and responsibility to the purpose of one's ideas. I don't believe that any one person can achieve everything they want in this world without a great support group that equally shares in their pursuit. But, it does take the dedication and responsibility of one person to ask the questions that set the vision for people to rally behind. For me, it's about finding those people who share in your common interest to collectively challenge ideas, while maintaining your own sense of self-discovery in that process. 

Q3. What would you say to individuals trying and struggling to move their own side projects forward? 

The first thing I would say is to think selfishly about your side projects. That may contradict what I’ve said earlier, but if you think selfishly about your ideas then they only need to make sense and work for you. So often I see people struggle to get a side project off the ground because they get overwhelmed by "the next step.” Believe in your own instincts and remember you are on your own clock.

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