Age: 24
Hometown: New Orleans
Current neighborhood: Williamsburg
Job/Current projects: Lead Photographer & Photo Director at Homepolish (I also run their Instagram account!)
What time of day do you work most efficiently?
First thing in the morning and late at night
Are you a list maker? If so, can you share the topics of some recent lists?
Ha, yes. Definitely. I'm an Aquarius and someone once told me I can blame my OCD list-making on that. I use Trello (a list-making app) to manage my to-do lists for work (projects to edit, ideas to discuss, etc.), but I also keep lists for my personal life (immediate to-do's/errands to run, restaurants to try, concerts to attend, trips to plan, things to treat myself to, etc.)
What are the top five essentials in your daily working process:
- My camera gear
- Pocket notebook
- Sticky notes for jotting down miscellaneous brain spurts
- Poppin paperweight pen
- Headphones
Can you share more about your workspace?
This nook is in my apartment in Brooklyn. I typically work out of the Homepolish office, but I like to work from home sometimes for a change of pace. I keep my space clean and tidy, otherwise I wouldn't be able to organize the bajillion things going on in my brain. But it also feels cozy and homey, with some personal touches (like the ridiculous pics of me and my family and coworkers) to remind me to chill out if I'm feelin' stressed or overwhelmed.
Do you listen to music while you work? What's on rotation currently?
Always! Lately, the new Ratatat album, "Best On,"" by Tei Shi, "Blue," by Marina and the Diamonds, "Indian Summer,"" by Jai Wolf, "Roses,"" by the Chainsmokers and "Weight in Gold," by Gallant. The entire Lucius album. And for a guilty pleasure power boost? The Fifth Harmony album. Literally on repeat. Not ashamed.
What's your biggest tip for productivity?
Setting goals and giving myself timeframes to accomplish them, then rewarding myself with a small treat or little break once I'm done. I like to start each day by physically writing down what I'd like to get done for the day, then taping it in front of my face to keep me motivated. Physically getting to cross items off my list provides a visceral satisfaction that motivates me to keep slaying goals.
What is your favorite working pick-me-up?
When it's warm out, I'm hooked on my homemade cold brew with coconut milk. When it's cold, black coffee all day long.
What are some future projects you're most excited about?
I just photographed the most amazing two-story townhouse in Bed-Stuy with one of my favorite Homepolish designers and some seriously cool clients. It was one of those spaces where every inch was considered and cool. The underside of the exposed skeleton stairs was painted teal! And in the nook under those stairs was the cutest/hippest lil record nook. Those photos will be fun to edit. I also shot an office space (Ghostly Ferns) in Gowanus that was essentially a converted attic. It was REAL tiny but got the most beautiful light and made me feel like I was in a totally bad ass treehouse, but like where people did really cool stuff and got paid for it. That will go live on the Homepolish Magazine soon.
What's your mantra?
"Yolo." I would say I'm joking, but I'm not. It's to the point and very effective. If you're laughing at/judging me, try it out next time you are conflicted and can't make a decision. Literally say it out loud and watch: the answer you're looking for will slap you right in the face. You're welcome in advance. (But also I love the Jennet Liaw print above my desk that reads "Stay humble, hustle hard." It's a good one.)
Who are your role models?
My mom, Beyonce, Jane Goodall, Dorothea Lange, Sacagawea, my three-time breast cancer surviving grandmother, and whoever invented dark chocolate covered almonds.
