Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayron La’Vell Walker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
If there’s one thing about me, I’m a jack of all trades. I’m a photographer, writer, and social media coordinator. I am currently working towards getting my Bachelors degree in both Creative Writing and Film from the University of North Texas in Denton. I used to think having so many passions and hobbies would spread me too thin and make it impossible to actually thrive and excel in any of them, but I realized that my biggest strength lies in my ability to be good at a range of things.
My dad blessed me with a DSLR camera about seven years ago. My original plan for my eleven-year-old self was to become a super famous YouTuber that everyone wanted to be by the time I hit high school, but life definitely had other (and more realistic) plans. Even though I had a camera, I still needed a laptop and other various things. So in the meantime, I got really into photography. It went from photos of my dogs and water droplets on leaves to weddings, concerts and fashion photography very fast. By the time I was a junior in high school, I had my eyes set on becoming a professional photographer, but again, life had other plans.
Up until senior year, I questioned if I should actually go after my passion for storytelling. I’ve been writing stories since I was twelve, and I even finished a children’s book on colorism for my Girl Scout Gold Award, but I assumed since I was good at photography, I should stick to it instead of exploring what made me uncomfortable. But after a teacher said “If you spend all day daydreaming about something, then it’s most likely your passion,” I knew that writing was something I needed to give my all to, and today I’m currently writing the draft for a story I seek to publish before I graduate from college in the next two years.
My recent interest in social media is new to the table. It stemmed from being a journalism major during my first year of college and becoming a member of UNT’s Her Campus Organization. It’s a national online magazine made for college women, and it is my job to manage the SM team of about 24 girls by creating themed weeks, flyers for events and giveaways to post daily on our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts. In my little time as the org’s SM Executive, I’ve grown our audience exponentially and expeditiously as well my own personal love for the art of social media. It’s such a powerful tool in society that can really take you places. Even after I traded in my journalism major for a film major, I still have a love for using social platforms. Being a part of the organization has given me many opportunities, and I definitely see myself taking my knowledge in social media to the next level as new opportunities open up.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest obstacle has always been myself. Of course, there are outside factors such as the occasional guy that thinks networking means flirting and won’t take me seriously, but I feel like those are easy fixes. I say my biggest obstacle is myself is because I can be overly and unnecessarily critical of myself and my work/art. And that definitely comes from that good ole’ bad habit of comparing my work to others. What I had to understand was that my work should never have to be like someone else’s to be good. Art is subjective, and I decide how good something I do is. And if I love it, and I feel like I’ve given my all, then it’s good to me; and that’s all that should matter. My advice to other women is to always believe in your abilities, because if you don’t who will? Also love what you do with every fiber of your being, because if it’s done with love, then it will most definitely pay off.
What should we know about Ayron Visuals? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I want to be a Science Fiction and Fantasy author, and that’s what my work in progress novel is about, but since I can’t give too much info away on that, my photography is my second love. I’ve photographed Waka Flocka in concert and I have published photography and articles in the North Texas Daily Newspaper. My favorite kind of photography is fashion though, so I’ve definitely been seeking more of that as of late. I’m also very proud of the work I’m doing for Her Campus. Our social media’s following has increased a lot in my time in charge and our Instagram feed has never looked better! Check back in in a few years, by then, I should have a book out haha.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Surround yourself with the kind of people you want to be like / are doing what you want to do! Go to events in your community so you can network and genuinely get to know people. I think establishing a personal connection when networking is so important because anybody can talk to said person about their job, and I’m sure they’re tired of answering the same questions. So surprise them with some personal (but not too personal) questions! It’s always nice to gain a new friend. I also suggest keeping business cards at all times. Even if you don’t have a set in stone business, remember that you yourself are a brand. Business cards not only show professionalism, but they give people a physical piece of you to remember your brand by so that you’re not just another phone number in their contact list!
Pricing:
- My photoshoots start at $75
Contact Info:
- Email: ayronlw@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayronvisuals/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/21444a
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/hercampusunt/?hl=en
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