Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Calloway Jr
Hi Carl, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Carl Calloway Jr., and I’m originally from Dallas, Texas. I currently reside in Houston, where I earned my graduate degree from the University of Houston. Growing up, I moved around various cities in the metroplex and even spent a couple of years in Louisiana. This constant movement exposed me to diverse environments and people, helping me develop essential skills that I still rely on today.
For example, working with my grandfather on his farm in Louisiana taught me the value of hard work and sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. Tending to cattle and selling produce at local farmers’ markets instilled in me a drive that I’m deeply grateful for. My creative journey began in Texas when my cousin introduced me to FL Studio, where I produced my first beat. Creating music came naturally to me, despite my lack of technical knowledge at the time. Sadly, stopped because we ended up moving again.
In my senior year of high school, I took a Photography 1 class, where I learned the basics of photography. Just like music, photography was something I enjoyed and had a natural talent for. The experiences I gained from moving around shaped my sense of self and played a crucial role in molding me into the person I am today.
During college, I began to take my creativity seriously and committed to investing in myself. I bought a laptop and downloaded FL Studio. I also borrowed my sister’s camera, which she had used while working in Dubai. From that point on, my focus was on balancing school and creativity. I built my brand by capturing portraits, events, and graduation photos for people around campus. Musically, I collaborated with local artists and grew my social media presence by hosting challenges where I created instrumental tracks and invited rappers to showcase their talents over my beats for a prize. I fully immersed myself in these crafts, driven by the consistency and hard work instilled in me from a young age. These qualities have been key in getting me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing in life that is truly valuable comes easily or without challenge. You’ll inevitably face trials and tribulations that build resilience for the next stage of your journey. So, to answer the question directly: no, the path has not been smooth. One significant struggle I faced was balancing school with pursuing my dreams. Graduating from college was crucial to me, and finding harmony between my passion for creativity and the demands of late-night studying was challenging but ultimately rewarding. Another struggle was my social life; I became so focused on my goals that I started going out less, which strained some relationships. However, those that were genuine endured. Additionally, I’ve encountered numerous setbacks, such as computer crashes, financial constraints, forgotten equipment, technical failures, and even issues with camera settings. The list of obstacles is extensive, but achieving your goals requires sacrifice and perseverance. Through these challenges, I gained valuable knowledge and a deeper appreciation for my craft.
As you know, we’re big fans of In House. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
[In] House was founded in January of this year with a vision to blend creativity and positivity. As a production company, [In] House is committed to empowering culture through Music, Fashion, Creativity, and Business. We aim to provide the public with valuable insights across various forms of media and production. Our mission is to inspire others, showing them that they have the power to realize their dreams with [In]. Currently, we offer photography, videography, and interview services. Looking ahead, our vision includes expanding into news coverage, management services, merchandise sales, and comprehensive production services.
Any big plans?
My future goal is to attain complete self-sufficiency by dedicating myself to what I’m most passionate about: creating. I have several exciting projects on the horizon, including a production focused on fashion and the culture of Houston, set to start in September or early October. I also aim to boost the company’s brand awareness. Looking ahead to 2025, I plan to open a brick-and-mortar location for the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://callowaysphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: Cdc_14
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InHouse_
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-house-vol-1/1752319757
Image Credits
Carl Calloway Jr
