Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Parker.
Hi Christopher, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, the oldest of two siblings. My mother raised us on her own after my father left when I was young. He was there sometimes but not when i needed him, I struggled to find my identity, acting out in school, getting into trouble, and eventually finding myself in and out of the system. I dealt with heartbreak, loss, and moments where I questioned my purpose. but through it all, I never gave up.
After serving time in prison, I came out determined to change my life. I studied the Bible, motivated others inside, and made a commitment to myself and my future. But the real shift happened when I lost my mother in 2020. That loss hit me harder than anything, but it also gave me clarity! she wanted more for me, and I owed it to her, my kids, and myself to rise above my past.I channeled my pain into creativity. I wrote Shadows of a Black Man, a book that reflects the struggles and resilience of not just myself, but many others who have faced adversity. I started
AnaisCreedStudios, my photography business, to capture life’s raw and beautiful moments. I launched Restricted Security to build a business that provides safety and opportunities for others. Through it all, my focus has been on creating a legacy-not just for myself, but for my children and my community.
Today, my mission is bigger than me. I want to reach those who feel stuck, whether in prisons, schools, or the streets, and show them that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can rise again. My journey is proof that transformation is possible. I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In life and business, I’ve faced struggles that tested my patience, resilience, and determination. Coming from a background where opportunities weren’t handed to me, I had to create my own path. There were times when I felt stuck, unsure of what direction to take, but I knew I couldn’t afford to stay in the same place.Balancing entrepreneurship with personal responsibilities has been one of my biggest challenges. I have kids to provide for, and making time for them while also grinding to build my businesses hasn’t always been easy. Financial struggles, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned whether I was doing the right thing were all part of the journey.Starting AnaisCreedStudios with limited resources meant I had to work harder to market myself and prove my value. With Shadows of a Black Man, I’ve had to push past frustration when sales didn’t match the attention it was getting. And with Restricted Security, I’ve had to find creative ways to establish trust and credibility in a competitive industry.Through it all, I’ve learned that every setback is a setup for a comeback. The struggles have made me tougher, more strategic, and more determined to succeed. No matter how hard it gets, I keep pushing forward, because I know where I’m headed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a creative entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling, whether through photography, writing, or business. I specialize in photography and videography through my brand, AnaisCreedStudios, where I capture moments that tell a story. My work ranges from portraits to event photography, and I take pride in bringing a unique artistic vision to every project.
Beyond photography, I’m also an author. My book, Shadows of a Black Man, is something I’m incredibly proud of. It dives into deep, personal, and societal themes, shedding light on the experiences and struggles that many Black men face but often go unheard. Writing this book was about more than just putting words on paper, it was about sparking conversations and giving a voice to untold stories. What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with real-life experiences. Whether it’s through my lens or my writing, I aim to create work that resonates with people on a deeper level. I don’t just take photos or write stories. I capture emotions, perspectives, and moments that leave a lasting impact. My journey has been all about growth, resilience, and pushing boundaries, and I’m excited to continue evolving as an artist and entrepreneur.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future revolve around growth—both personally and professionally. With AnaisCreedStudios, I’m working on expanding my client base and improving my craft, possibly upgrading my equipment to take my photography and videography to the next level. I also want to start booking more high-profile projects and collaborations to build my reputation in the industry.
For Shadows of a Black Man, my goal is to get it in front of a wider audience. I’m looking into new marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations and in-person events, to increase book sales and spark deeper conversations around the topics I wrote about.
With Restricted Security, I’m focused on landing consistent contracts and making it a well-known name in Houston’s security industry. Networking and building trust with businesses is a top priority.
Beyond business, I’m looking forward to continued growth as a person—staying disciplined, balancing work with family, and staying focused on my long-term vision. There are big things ahead, and I’m excited to see how everything unfolds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-of-a-black-man-christopher-parker/1147077011;jsessionid=A67168DB9B5F59F41E71051153DC52EF.prodny_store02-atgap02?ean=2940181298026
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/51cam_?igsh=ZGNoNXFvNXA3azNx&utm_source=qr
