We had the good fortune of connecting with FB MEDIA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi FB MEDIA, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Aiyana- Well. it’s funny because initially I had no intentions of starting a business let alone a media company. I just knew that I loved capturing people and getting to connect while also sharing pieces of their story whether others knew or not. My art page where I shared my portraiture work was hacked at a time that I felt I was really getting into my groove and breaking out of my own cocoon, so when that happened I was like well “that sucks” lol and just got kinda down honestly. I’m a pretty personal person and even a bit introverted so capturing events was super scary for me and I’d never thought to do so until Javan brought it up. Thinking about where and how we started to now, I’m truly grateful he did.

Javan- Photography and videography is something that has always peaked my interest, but my own insecurities and fears held me back from pursuing either. So, once I saw Aiyana conquer her fears of getting out there and making strides towards her love of photography, I decided that I wanted to try myself. FB Media is not only us providing services but also a way to creatively express myself while enjoying the activities and events that I would attend on any given day.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Aiyana- These are all really good questions. I would say my art is developing, & I say that because it’s always changing. I’m constantly learning something new or inspired by artists, experiences, or the things around me. I just know I want people to feel me and the work I put out. What sets my work apart from others is the experience itself. I put a lot if not ALL of my love and dedication into every single shoot I do. I have a keen sense of detail and fire that’s constantly burning and yearning to learn and do more. To say I go to sleep and wake up thinking about photography, and creative direction is an understatement. I’m most proud of getting to assist on a Teen Vogue project, capturing some of our favorite artists, meeting incredible people and just the fact that J and I have done it all together has been nothing short of a blessing. How I got to where I am today was certainly not easy, as I said before stepping out of my comfort zone(s) has been and sometimes still is very unnerving but thankfully my partner and really close friends continue to push me. I am overcoming these challenges by getting up and just doing even on the days when I feel like i’m getting nowhere, I try my best to stay optimistic, & positive. The lessons I’ve learned are to always have a contract LOL, but really just to never give up. Putting your work out there can be scary, reaching out to people or organizations you dreamed of working with can be scary BUT I truly believe that anything is possible. Javan and I are products of that. What I’d want the world to know about me is that I’m really from no place, I’m just a girl with big dreams and a camera, and as for my brand… FB Media is more than a media company, you’ll just have to wait and see.

Javan- In regards to my art, I’m still trying to figure that out because growing up in Canton/Akron Ohio, being an artist wasn’t something that was encouraged. I felt that my only options were to either play ball, work a 9-5, or run the streets. SO, I took my talents to the military. Now in my adult years I am focused on learning as much as I can and gaining as much experience as I can. What sets me apart is the fact that I’m a clean slate in regards to art. By. that I mean I haven’t been influenced by anyone or anything. Every concept or idea that I have comes from me alone. I’m most proud of my most recent vlog with rap artist Mozzy! I got this far professionally by trial and error. Was it easy? No. We over came these challenges by taking a lesson from every failure and success along the way. I’ve most learned how to have better communication with clients and my partner, also learning to take my emotion out and keep it strictly business. I want the world to know that I’m all about love and helping people, and again like Aiyana said our brand is more than just a media company.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we had a best friend come in for a week vacation, we would take them to our favorite breakfast spot The Hungry Fox on broadway right next to the KonTiki restaurant. For lunch, Cheba Hut, and to top it off with dinner definitely have to treat them to D’s Island Grill on Fort Lowell. They have THE best Jamaican food. Unique shopping spots where they could get 1 of 1’s would be at Black Broccolis shop downtown off fourth ave as well as &Gallery. If they like to hike dependent on the time of year, Tumamoc or Mt. Lemon could be nice. On the weekend we’d party at BoxYard with Dj Impeccable, and if they’re looking for recreational activities taking them by Arte Bella on fourth for some fun puff & painting with good food and music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our biggest shoutout would go to God first, without his blessing we wouldn’t have accomplished what we have so far, and next would be Antoine Moore aka Dj Impeccable. He has been our biggest supporter since we started and we honestly consider him to be more like family as time has passed. Of course our family and friends that root for us here in Tucson, Phoenix and all the way to Ohio, Florida, Texas, Atlanta… etc. they know who they are! We have continuously received an abundant amount of love and it’s never unnoticed or unappreciated.

Instagram: @__fbmedia @blogait @aiyananaomi

Youtube: ETV

Image Credits
FBMEDIA

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