Today we’d like to introduce you to Thaddaeus Watkins.
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 am Thaddaeus Watkins, corporate communications representative at Visit Orlando from the City of Palms, Fort Myers, Florida. I am a freelance photographer, safety & security associate through Marriott Vacation Club, and web manager at Positive Youth Development V.I.
My journey to the present day has resulted from a life of joy, faith, hope, setback, success, reflection, creativity, innovation, resilience, and growth.
As a child, I remember how invested I lived in every moment — each day’s second held a significance I wanted to maintain sight of. I was huge on familial experiences – I loved being around family, friends, and those I value. I also truly enjoyed traveling. My family greatly supported our immediate and extended families, friends, and community members, through attending sporting games, church events, graduations, and family reunions. During the trips, I naturally found myself capturing moments, taking pictures with disposable cameras (the early 90s) my parents purchased, and recording mental images of those experiences to revisit in my leisure. Eventually, before each trip, I’d remind my parents to ensure we had a camera.
I’d take pics of everything in lens reach. While traveling, I remember lodging in beautiful Marriott hotels and communicating with friendly staff. To this day, I believe these childhood experiences (and my childhood passion for photography and interest in hospitality) aided in crafting my interests and shaping my career as an adult.
I value education, learning, and development. I received two bachelor’s degrees from the #1 Public HBCU Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and a master’s from the University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management. While working up to graduation and after, I became highly interested in graphic design, performance arts, and communications.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is everchanging and only sometimes smooth. Life can come at you in any form. It can be swift, vibrant, and warm, or sadly even cold. That’s why I lean on faith, spirituality, and the great morals and values I’ve learned from my parents, which keeps me focused on giving myself grace and knowing a positive outcome will come.
Over the years, I’ve endured struggles, including trial and error, finding ways to finance specific creative projects, channeling a certain energy to perform efficiently, and even self-doubt. At times we are our worst critics.
Understanding who I am and the value I bring to any space took time. Whenever I find myself in a seemingly endless struggle, I pray, declare positivity into my life, strategize and enjoy time alone. After all that, I get up and attempt to conquer that struggle again. I never give up. That’s what’s important.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have many occupations — photography, hospitality, web design, and digital creation. Each field connects to what I love and enjoy, including showing up for others, capturing special moments, creative digital art, and much more.
I recently had great opportunities, including photographing Chef Christian Green during his private dining tour; attending the annual ZORA! Festival in Eatonville, FL, which celebrates Zora Neale Hurston; and snapping pics at events hosted by the City of Orlando.
I am most proud that my character resembles my work and vice versa.
Sharing about my hospitality success, I started my work career as an intern at a Marriott vacation resort when I first moved to Orlando. Over only a couple of years, I worked my way up to a managerial role. I received an employee of the month, employee of the year award, and many other accomplishments. In addition, I was nominated for Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association’s Golden Pineapple Awards in the Community Service category. This award honors leading hospitality workers in Central Florida.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Life can change in the blink of an eye; sadly, we have lost many people worldwide due to COVID. The pandemic was an instant reminder of the value life holds. To be grateful for the experiences that have molded who we are today, be present and appreciate the gentle reminders and people that keep us floating above the surface, and look forward to a future full of achievement, enjoyment, and much more. Also, love, you can’t forget that. Show up for yourself (and others) with love in mind. We all need more of it.
During COVID, I created a book club and self-development community named The Educated Hour to unite close friends through reading, discussion, and growth-intended virtual sessions. Our meetings were not only successful but beneficial to our personal lives. As difficult as it was to maneuver through the pandemic (while not knowing each day’s outcome), it felt great to escape from reality for an hour and discover new ideas, concepts, and perspectives with familiar faces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thaddaeus-watkins-photography.client-gallery.com/
- Instagram: @_distinctobscurity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaddaeuswatkins/
- Other: https://thaddaeus-watkins-photography.client-gallery.com/
