Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a personal passion into a million-dollar business? For one young entrepreneur, the answer lay in a camera lens and a dream to make a difference. At just 31, he transformed a modest $40,000 crowdfunding campaign into one of New York City’s few Black-owned camera stores, now generating over $1 million annually. His story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about grit, community, and redefining what success looks like.
From Passion to Profit: A Photographer’s Journey
The journey began with a spark. As a teenager, he picked up a camera and found himself captivated by the art of photography. It wasn’t just about snapping pictures; it was about telling stories, capturing moments, and, as he puts it, showing the world through a lens of authenticity. “Photography is about responsibility,” he once said, emphasizing the power of the camera to document truth and joy, particularly in underrepresented communities.
But the road to success wasn’t a straight shot. After leaving a naval officer training program and dropping out of college, he returned to his roots in Florida, determined to turn his love for photography into a career. His first attempt at a photo studio didn’t last long—evicted after just nine months, he learned hard lessons about the business of creativity. Yet, that setback became a stepping stone, pushing him to rethink his approach and aim bigger.
Building a Brand from Scratch
In 2017, he launched an online photography brand, selling gear and custom merchandise from a small storage unit in South Florida. It was a hustle born out of necessity, with every T-shirt designed and every product sourced by hand. “I taught myself everything,” he recalls, from website creation to product sourcing. The grind was real, but so was his vision: to create a space where photographers, especially those working with analog film, could find what they needed.
I wanted to build something that felt like home for creatives, a place where they could find tools and inspiration.
– The entrepreneur
Realizing the limitations of a small market, he set his sights on New York City, a hub for creatives and a place he’d called home as a child. Moving back in 2018, he started small, living with family while growing his brand. He organized photo walks, connecting with other photographers and building a community around his passion. These early efforts laid the foundation for something much bigger.
Seizing Opportunity in Crisis
By early 2020, his bedroom was overflowing with merchandise, a sign it was time to level up. He signed a lease for a studio in Brooklyn, just as the world shut down. The pandemic forced many film labs to close, creating a gap in the market that he was ready to fill. Photographers turned to his online store for film development, and demand skyrocketed. It was a pivotal moment, one that showed him the power of adaptability.
Then came the protests of 2020, a time of reckoning across the nation. He felt a deep responsibility to document the movement, not just as a photographer but as a Black entrepreneur. “I saw businesses profiting from the moment without giving back,” he says. That realization sparked an idea: a physical camera store that could serve as a community hub, especially for Black creatives.
Crowdfunding a Dream
With a vision in mind, he launched a crowdfunding campaign to open his first brick-and-mortar store. The goal was modest—$25,000—but the response was overwhelming. Within days, supporters had donated nearly $40,000. “I was shocked,” he admits. “I didn’t realize how many people believed in what I was building.” The funds allowed him to stock inventory, hire a small team, and open the doors of his Brooklyn store in September 2020.
- Inventory: Cameras, film, and accessories for analog photographers.
- Community focus: A space designed to feel personal and inclusive.
- Impact: One of the few Black-owned camera stores in NYC.
The store wasn’t just a retail space; it was a statement. In a city where creative spaces can feel exclusive, he wanted his store to be a place where everyone—especially those from marginalized communities—felt welcome. “It’s about belonging,” he says, reflecting on the responsibility of running a Black-owned business in an industry where such spaces are rare.
Scaling to Success
The numbers tell a story of their own. By the end of 2021, the store had generated over $700,000 in sales. By 2023, that figure climbed to $1.1 million, and in 2024, it hit $1.15 million. With a team of 10 employees and a personal salary of $97,000, he’s come a long way from designing T-shirts in a storage unit. I can’t help but admire how he turned a passion project into a thriving business while staying true to his values.
| Year | Total Sales | Employees |
| 2021 | $726,910 | 5 |
| 2023 | $1,096,319 | 8 |
| 2024 | $1,146,737 | 10 |
What’s behind this growth? A mix of strategic moves and community support. The store expanded its offerings to include workshops and classes, catering to both beginners and seasoned photographers. Services like passport photos also brought in locals who might not have otherwise stepped into a camera store. “The neighborhood loves us,” he says, and it’s easy to see why. In a world of big-box retailers, his store feels like a rare gem.
A Space for Creativity and Connection
The new 1,400-square-foot store, complete with a gallery space, is a testament to his vision. It’s not just about selling cameras; it’s about creating a creative hub. Plans for a darkroom and a second location in Harlem or the South Bronx show he’s not slowing down. Perhaps the most inspiring part? He’s done it all by learning every aspect of the business himself, from sourcing products to processing film.
Learn every role in your business. It’s the only way to make it work.
– The entrepreneur
This hands-on approach has been key to his success. By mastering every detail—website design, inventory management, customer service—he’s built a business that’s resilient and adaptable. It’s a lesson for anyone looking to turn a side hustle into something bigger: don’t rely on others to do what you can learn yourself.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
His story offers a roadmap for anyone chasing a dream. Here’s what stands out:
- Embrace failure as a teacher: His first studio’s closure was a setback, but it taught him how to build smarter.
- Know your market: Moving to NYC gave him access to a larger, more diverse customer base.
- Build community: Crowdfunding and photo walks created a loyal network of supporters.
- Stay adaptable: From online sales to in-store workshops, flexibility has been key.
- Learn the ropes: Mastering every aspect of the business gave him control and confidence.
I’ve always believed that the best businesses solve real problems while staying true to a vision. His store does just that, offering tools and a space for creatives while addressing the lack of diversity in the industry. It’s not just about profit—it’s about impact.
What’s Next for the Camera King?
Looking ahead, he’s dreaming big. A darkroom, new product designs, and a second store are all on the horizon. But what’s most exciting is his commitment to community. By creating spaces where Black creatives and others can thrive, he’s rewriting the narrative of what a camera store can be. Could this be the start of a new wave of inclusive creative spaces? I’d bet on it.
His story reminds us that success isn’t just about the money—it’s about building something that matters. From a $40,000 crowdfunding campaign to a million-dollar business, he’s proven that with passion, persistence, and a camera, anything is possible.
So, what’s stopping you from chasing your own dream? Maybe it’s time to pick up your own “camera” and start shooting.
