Could your biggest career breakthrough come from a time of isolation? Photographer Polly Irungu bought her first camera with money from working at McDonald's to cope with moving to a new place. She didn't know then that she was starting a global movement.
In this episode, I talk with Polly about how she started Black Women Photographers, worked with big brands like Nikon and Adobe, and learned that saying yes to every low-paying job was hurting her health.
You will learn how to find your own artistic style, build a community from scratch, and set strong boundaries to avoid burnout.
Chapters
00:19 The McDonald's Paychecks and the First Camera
01:18 Surviving Culture Shock in Oregon
04:52 Turning Isolation Into Human Connection
07:33 Gravitating Toward Black Joy
10:10 Photograph Everything to Find Your Niche
14:08 Building Partnerships with Major Brands
18:01 The Unexpected Allyship Behind Black Women Photographers
23:41 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Your Peace
24:57 The Danger of Saying Yes to Everything
Connect with Polly
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pollyirungu
Website: https://blackwomenphotographers.com/
Support the Show
Website: http://www.martineseverin.com
Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_
Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com
This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Podcast show art is designed by Violetta Encarnación. Music by Timothy Infinite.
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