Today we’d like to introduce you to Arica Avery.
Hi Arica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve loved taking pictures since my parents bought my first camera at 12 years old. I used to love taking pictures of my family and friends during picnics, family reunions and everyday life. After high school, I became intrigued with capturing priceless moments as a teen such as Prom, Homecoming, Band competitions, Sports and so much more. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to capture those special moments forever.
I carried my love of photography to college, taking pictures of school-sponsored events and student events. After college, I was determined to expand my love of photography and begin creating video content by taking a job at a local Broadcast TV station. During this time, I learned to create commercials and promos. While working at the local Broadcast TV station, I created and developed a media company “Beam Photos & Production” that takes all of my experience from TV and photography, combine it to offer a variety of services to my clients.
After feeling the need to expand and take on more long-form content, a media angel connected me with STL TV. The team at STL TV including Andre, Ms. Donna, & Schalene helped me develop my skills in scriptwriting, directing, producing, and editing programs to add to additional services to my business. My favorite experience to date was working on the show Close Up TV with a group of talented young ambitious people. We were given opportunity the opportunity to create, develop, advertise, and shoot a full-length TV show that promoted successful St. Louis businesses and music artists.
Inspired by the experience I gained from STL TV gave me the confidence to create, produce, and direct my first social media Live show called “Wind Down Wednesday”.
“Wind Down Wednesday” is a 30-minute bi-weekly social media live show that is a fun virtual happy hour that gives business owners, entrepreneurs, and authors a space to promote and wind down from everyday life to discuss a variety of topics including ownership, self-health, mental health, and much more. 2021 has been an amazing year so far for business. I am excited for more opportunities to come.
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?
The road to success will forever be bumpy. Being an African American woman in media I’ve been overlooked, undermined, and undervalued on several different jobs and positions throughout my career. But my passion for photography and video encouraged me to continue on my journey. I expect the road to be hard, uneven, and scary at times. My goal is to encourage and guide others aspiring to become a creative in media.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Beam Photos & Production was created in 2014. My team and I use unique locations and staging to capture fantastic moments in life. Beam Photos & Production specializes in Outdoor Photography and Promo Videos. During the pandemic, we began to see a more drastic need to support and promote local businesses. As a result, we began focusing more on small businesses and corporate services including Advertising Commercials, Promotional Videos showcasing small businesses, products, and services. I pride myself on providing an all-inclusive marketing and media experience that includes, Scriptwriting, Staging, Video Production, Shoot & Editing. My team also includes a makeup glam squad for the ladies. We provide everything to have a success beautiful photo and video shoot.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe that the grace of God is the only luck you need in life and business. I have never been a lucky person. Never won anything of value. However, God has always provided me with the tools needed to build the next step to the next level. I have also had the opportunity to be mentored by some amazing people that took me under their wings and taught me from their mistakes to become better.
Contact Info:
- Email: beamphotos.stl@gmail.com
- Website: https://beamphotostl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamphotos_stl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beamphotostl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TKUfvDC1Uf2iz2_-BgwLg
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beam+Photos+%26+Production/@38.665017,-90.3208501,10z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x5bccf3dfc6197fa7!8m2!3d38.665017!4d-90.3208501
Image Credits
Beam Photos & Production
