Revelation: Moment of Professional Clarity (and Appreciation)

I often come across colleagues who are posting their ventures, events and projects.  Some of these people are fairly new the industry ... and most came to me when they needed advice in the early stages of their entry-level.  Would ring my phone a lot, ask questions, volunteer to assist me or "learn the business"... I even sent work their way to help them grow as a professional.  

Sadly, when things picked up a bit and they didn't need my help anymore, the calls and inbox messages, ceased.  They started showing up to events by mutual friends and almost ignoring my presence,  and when it came time for them to embark on creative collaborations -- I wasn't even contacted.  

Don't get me wrong ... I applaud what a lot of my fellow creatives are doing.  This industry is hard enough without friends turning to haters.  It just sucks that some who I've assisted with their skills and business don't seem to remember me once the clouds lift and the sun starts to shine on them.   

If you played Six Degrees of Separation with any artist in this city, I'd probably end up in there somewhere.  I've helped almost every one in the "underground" and some well-knowns, long before the city knew who they were or how great their talent was.   

Known to many, appreciate by few.  Kinda effed up but ... *shrug* ... Guess it beez like that sometimes.  

Would I be wrong to send them an invoice though? lol. 


Egos and selfishness are why the industry is so messed up now.

People don't seem to want to reach back and help or thank others, and don't want to pay it forward ... think they're a one-man/woman show and did it all themselves and owe no one anything.  But even if you believe the only person you have to answer to is God or your higher power.  HE/She/It put these people in your life for a reason!  Be GRATEFUL!  



I'm forever grateful to those who mentored, hired or helped me along this journey ... beyond words.  

S/o to the Mahogani Media year-oners (lol) -- Vic, Chris H., AK, Kaylon, Tommy Gran, QE, T.D., Jay A. Phillip E, Tasha R., Tiff, Valencia, KT, Imani, Keyla, and many more -- especially my amazing clients, artists and models --- who've helped me build professionally (and sometimes personally) and have stuck by me through it all.  

To my very first mentors while street-teaming for KMJJ, my mentors at Universal and KLSU (who spawned "mahogani"), and all the people who tested me during all these years in this industry.  

To the news teams/crews at all the stations I worked at, the professor who told me I had a knack for photography, all the way up to the counselor who advised me to take a leap of faith with entrepreneurship) ... 

To my bestie Tasha K. who's been a support for almost a decade ... and my small circle of friends that have developed over the past year or two, I thank you as well :)  

This transition from corporate newsie to creative mogul is proving to be challenging (as expected), but in a few years, I hope to be able to return your kindness tenfold.  Thank you!

xoxo


- k