Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmanuela St. Felix.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started out just a girl, turning into a woman trying to find her way and passion in the world and life itself. I was sick and tired of working a 9 to 5 and being told what to do, how to do it, and knowing I could do the job one million times better. I picked up a Nikon camera and instantly fell in love, I haven’t been blessed with a child yet, but it was almost the same in my opinion, instantly falling in love with something I haven’t fully experienced or know anything about yet. My whole niche is “black is beautiful” no matter what shade you come in You. Are. Beautiful so embrace it. My photography name is EmWithTheCam. My favorite quote is “a picture says a thousand words.” Two or more people can look at the same picture and see completely different things, which is the beauty of it, the openness for interpretation. Capturing lifetime moments has now become one of my favorite things to do and brings me great joy in doing so.
I’m also creating my own brand called Fo§ Brand, which translates to force in English. I’m Haitian, so at first, I wanted to fully represent and promote my culture to its absolute fullest & cultivate its true beauty but then I thought I’m not the only foreigner, as they would call it, out there and they deserve to have their culture represented as well. The brand is all about “The force being in you not with you,” meaning the creativity is in all of us we just have to bring it out whether it be outlandish, weird, or just plain ridiculous there’s no limit or cap on creativity so explore until the heart gives out, you only live once so why not live it to the fullest. I am going to school to get my business management degree. I want to explore and advance in my skills in business so I my open up my own business in the future. I believe that no matter the shape, size, or culture, ANYTHING is possible. Since the possibilities are endless, I want to take my opportunity and run with it until the wheels fall off and accomplish as much as I can so my kids can have something left behind for them and know they can do anything they put their mind to. The world needs to truly know anything & everything is possible. I got to where I am today by courage and wanting a change for not only myself but for other African American girls whose been told we’re only good for taking care of the kids, cleaning, being a stay at home mom, and that we’re not allowed to have dreams or aspirations. I want to be the change and possibly a role model since I never had one for a lot of those like me who won’t come out of their shell because of fear, intimidation, or low self-esteem. It’s time to break free, rise up, and conquer the world, the right way, full of possibilities and opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road but what in life is? If a line was a straight path, a lot of people wouldn’t be where they are today, which in my opinion, is misery. Being forced to live life with certain rules and expectations. The time is now to overcome and conquer our passions and let them be free. Some of the obstacles I have faced is doubt, ridicule and most of all, negativity. Not just from family but so-called friends. It’s not easy being part of the 1% that things outside the box. But when you cross that finish line it’ll all be worth it good and bad.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer, clothes designer, and I’m going for my bachelor’s in business so pretty soon, my own boss making boss moves. I love to capture speechless moments that can have the meaning a thousand words to anyone viewing the photograph. They say the best memories are the one in your head but I feel there’s an equal, if not stronger feeling, bond, or revelation, reaction with a picture and that what drives me and motivates me to keep going out there and capturing things I’ve never seen before, basketing in the new experience with memories that will last a lifetime. I’m a co-creator of a clothing brand called Fo§ Brand International and it’s an international brand because the possibilities are endless.
The end goal with this franchise is that its available to everyone around the world no matter the language, culture, or place. “Let the force be in you, not with you” is the motto for the brand. It breaks down to let the creativity come within you not from around you. If you want to unlock your true potential, you need to look within yourself. It’s still in the works but I’m still available to do designs, logos, quotes, exc. With screen printing, HTV, embroidery and coming soon sublimation we want the choice to be up to you after all it is your creation. I’m most proud of my capability to want to learn more and grow in all the ways there are. This is also one of the reasons that set some apart from others. We only have one life to live so why not gain as much knowledge as we can. There’s so much information out there just free of charge, ready to be absorbed. One thing that sets me apart from others is the determination to bounce back from a situation. Most people have let me know, especially when I feel like I’m at my weakest, I’m very strong and I keep fighting and pushing forward. Through and through, I eventually move forward and keep pushing. I have a couple of motivations, family and friends, but my greatest is to be better than I was one year ago. The need for wanting better while achieving certain goals and aspirations for a set time is incredible.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
I wouldn’t say I’m a huge risk-taker yet. Recently I took the risk of quitting my 9 to 5 job in order to gain a bachelor’s in business and own my own business. It’s a major risk within itself because it’s not only taking a leap of faith for myself but it’s also will be life-altering ultimately is the goals, at least for the moment.
Pricing:
- Portrait Photoshoot $100/hour
- Couples Photoshoot $175/hour
- Sport Photography $95/per game
- Wedding/Baby shower/Celebration Photography $Prices varies but starting at $550 packages
- Children/Family/Baby Portrait $125-200/hour
Contact Info:
- Email: emwiththecam1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @emwiththecam
- Facebook: Emwiththecam
Image Credits
Emmanuela Saint Felix EmWithTheCam
