Today we’d like to introduce you to Talaya Woods.
Hi Talaya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a kid ,I’ve always been interested in creating art. I’ve always loved photography, thrifting and designing clothes and modeling. But I never had the chance to explore my creativity just because life happened and I was super introverted (I kinda still am). A couple of years after I graduated high school I met this amazing friend who introduced me to the creative community in the twin cities in 2018. At first, I would just go with her to network and collaborate with artists but that eventually led to me going to this fashion show for Emeralds LLC and resulted in me modeling for their website. I always say everything is Divine Timing and I honestly believe that was the start of my creative career. Since then I’ve been in 3 music videos, 2 of which ended up on BET Jamz, I have had many collaborations and some amazing modeling opportunities. In 2019 I ended up getting pregnant with my beautiful baby boy Taz and I gave birth in January of 2020 only 3 months before the pandemic. During that time it was placed on my heart to start my business The Blooming Effect LLC which resulted me to back into photography and getting certified in Women’s Entrepreneurship. Within the next 5 years, I want to expand into some other projects. I don’t only want to be known as a photographer or model. My creativity runs deep!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and any entrepreneur will say the same thing! I went into my business thinking it was so easy but it isn’t. There are many things that go into running a business. At the beginning of my entrepreneur journey, I made the biggest mistake by mixing business and friendship that went downhill. Even though that happened I never stopped having the vision and drive for TBE. I always stuck with it and even got certified in Women’s Entrepreneurship to learn myself and my business better. My words of advice to any creatives out there. If you have that burning desire to start something, keep at it and invest in yourself! Eventually, you will reap the seeds that you planted and that’s exactly why my business is named The Blooming Effect. As Nipsey Hussle said the highest human act is to inspire and that’s what I hope to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a creative first and foremost but most people know me as a photographer and model. I wouldn’t say that I have a niche I just love to shoot what I shoot, I love to network and I love being in the room with other amazing artists and creatives. I am most proud of my baby boy Taz. He is the reason I am still pushing and planting seeds now. I want him to grow up and be proud of his mama. Honestly what sets me apart from others is that I am a go with the flow kinda girl. When it comes to my goals I just do it. I’m not a talkative person I just make the moves in silence and I do the work when most people are afraid to even start and I love that about myself.
Pricing:
- $125 for 30 minute shoot
- $175 for 1 hour studio shoot
- $75/hr for events (minimum 2 hours)
- $250 for creative shoots
Contact Info:
- Email: thebloomingeffect@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/talayaaa_?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layabaee
Image Credits
Eye Marie Photography
LexFX Photography
The Blooming Effect Photography
Jerome O’Neal
DK Photography
Samantha Leann Photography
