Real, Authentic, and Genuine - Halisi Visions

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in photography but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cecey Karoki, Owner of Halisi Visions, located in Silver Spring, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is Halisi Visions, a fashion, and portrait photography business. Halisi is a word from my language, Swahili, that means real, authentic, and genuine. My customers are fashion apparel and make-up brands seeking to build/enhance brand identity, talent agencies, independent models, make-up artists looking to get booked, and independent creatives looking to execute their visions.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Kenyan American female photographer who loves to empower others to embody their unique beauty with confidence. Beauty is found in more than our outward appearances, it is also found in the way we carry ourselves, how we treat others, and how we view the world. I started out in the fashion industry as a shy model and became captivated by the way I felt when a photographer really captured my essence in a photo. I felt beautiful, and most of all, I felt seen. I wish to spread that feeling to everyone I work the Halisi way! That and my love for photography are what keep me motivated every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being accepted into the Goldman Sachs One Million Black women: Black in Business program and graduating in July 2022. I received a free business education along with a stipend to further my business. Shortly after, I had my photo published in Teen Vogue! I am absolutely blessed with affirmations that I am doing what I am supposed to.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is that people (including yourself sometimes) will doubt you until they start to see your success. You have to maintain your faith in the vision and keep going!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Find your community. It is so important to be surrounded by people in your field for moral support and advice.
2. Develop routines and habits for your business. This will help you stay consistent, especially in moments when you experience doubt or lose motivation.
3. Make sure you take some time for yourself, whether it's a day or 15 minutes every day, to do a little self-care. It's very important to take breaks even from something you love in order to come back with a fresh mind and new energy to keep going.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.halisivisions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halisivisions/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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