Today we’d like to introduce you to Mick Lowery.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Photography and owning multiple businesses is something that I always longed for. The two combining as one at first was not a part of the plan. To be honest, I did not have a plan at first. My first camera was given to me at the age of thirteen. In the beginning, photography was just about taking pictures and being in nature on my free time. The older I got, photography became my center of peace. Photography became my own personal secret passion. Going through college and working two part-time jobs, I needed an outlet that brought me peace and it was my camera.
Fast forward into 2019, I was in San Diego with a friend of mine, and of course I had my camera. I love scenery images. My friend I was with at the time became highly interested in the images I took. She introduced me to her father, who coincidentally had so editorial programs. We talked about the different types of lenses and editorial programs. Stating he will assist me as much as he can and encouraged me to chase my passion. For me to share with the world something that is so close and personal to me was nerve wrecking. However, I believe my work was amazing so I took that leap of faith.
I attempted to run so many businesses prior to running media content business. The first successful business was selling sports hats and t-shirts, which lasted seven years. That particular business taught me how to be bold, courageous, how to know what to say and who to say it too. Also the definition of grind and focus. Starting my photography business in the beginning of 2019 was exciting, challenging, and honestly the best thing I have done in my life. I took my art, my passion and shared it with the world. I love photography and being the CEO of my own business. I wanted my passion to be an inspiration to so many people because if I can do it, I believe with the right characteristics, anyone can do it.
My business kicked off in a way that I did not imagine. It has been successful since I started. The launch was better than I expected. Prior to my launch, my close friend and mentor Jamal Tillmon, also known as Jamal the Superstar Barber, seen my work and immediately believed that it was my purpose. He took me under his wing, meaning every hair competition, hair show, and worked his family events. March in 2019 was my official launch. With March being women’s month, my official launch was to do a free photoshoot for all single mothers. I really did not think that through. The reaction to that special went almost viral and caught myself doing multiple photoshoots throughout the week. The launch was a major success. Lowery’s Unique Vision was now birthed into the world.
In present time, my business and my craft has expanded across the United States. I have been flown out to different states to do photography work, as well as worked with other business owners. Met with some of the greatest photographers from Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. I have managed other photographers as well, booking them for graduation shoots and Mother’s Day events. To see my business grows in this manner is remarkable. To get here, the first thing I had to do, was to be able to take advice and learn from those who are at the level in life that I want to be in. Being open to learning is important into running a business. Another factor that got me here is staying determined not to stop or give up. Of course, I had my days, like Nipsey said I went through every emotion. However, when you feel like the world believes in you, have friends that look up to you, and people that have invested their time into you, I guarantee that will keep you motivated. I had to learn the true definition of self-discipline, sacrifice, and focus. I did not go to the malls, fancy restaurants, or hang out with friends. I couldn’t do those things and buy the necessities for my business so I made the right decision. I lost jobs because I called off to go do photoshoots at least 4 through 5 times a month! I became a thousand percent dedicated to my business and my craft. It was no longer a secret personal passion, it became my purpose. When your passion becomes your business, nothing will make you happier then being fully dedicated.
I have noticed the inspiration that I have become to the people from my culture. I seen the smiles and glow in people’s faces, not only when I complete a new gallery, but when I can provide another photographer with a booking putting money into their pockets. In 2021, I met a new friend that helped me with registering my business with the state, that consistently encourages me to compound, helps me stay focused, and lifts me up when times get hard. No matter how successful, your pressure always hits. Pressure and growth go hand and hand. The right people around you will always have you in the right position mentally. When your mind is right, you can think clearly and make the best decisions. The support plays a huge role, but support only comes when you believe in what you are doing. I believed in myself, people recognized it and believed in me as well. With faith, dedication, and guidance is how I got here today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in life worth having comes easy. One of the main struggles was remaining disciplined and saving money. Surprisingly as your value grows, so can your bank account, with that remaining disciplined and focus is key. I had to consistently remind myself that every dollar and every second counts. Another struggle I was faced with was life outside of business. Life goes on and life happens, rather if your business is successful or not. Sickness in my family and my own health has been a struggle. Learning how to juggle business and my own personal life was a task. Some days you have to say no in order to say yes in the future.
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?
The first thing to know about my business is the name. The name of my business is special, yes my last name is one reason, but what it stands for is the main reason. Lowery’s Unique Vision abbreviation is L.U.V. Pictures can be placed all across the room, pictures reminds you of good times. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the Bible it says that God was the word, in the beginning was the word, and God is love. So if pictures are worth a thousand words, the word is God, and God is love, that means the LUV images all throughout someone’s home will encourage and provide hope through everyone’s home. L.U.V specializes in family photography just for that reason. This business is created to spread hope, encouragement, motivation, and most importantly love. This alone is what sets me apart from others. This business specializes in photography, videography, prints, and also managing others for bookings. I am known for my beautiful scenic background. Due to my loving to travel to different countries and states, I decided to also expand the business with my own art collection. People love to see that type of artwork, and it provides such a joy that’s priceless.
My most proudest moment brand-wise is when I was able to book and manage other photographers and videographers. To supply someone with income is remarkable feeling. Not just income but a sustainable income, meaning getting paid more than $50 per hour. That feeling is unexplainable. That provides loyalty and trust. Those two attributes are again priceless. I want readers to know that this brand is seriously about giving back. This brand is about L.U.V. all the way through. The brand is about inspiring, motivating, employing, and growing. Yes there are times that get hard, but again nothing worth having comes easy. Life is about growing, learning, and motivating. My mother once said you haven’t learned anything if you unable to teach it to someone else.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Earlene Lowery – my mother. She has been my number one supporter with this business. My number investor. Not enough money in this world can pay her back. Just my own success and making her proud. Yes she’s my mother, but she makes me feel as though I can accomplish anything in this world. Rather if I wanted to be an Olympic tennis player with no tennis experience, she will make me feel like I can make it happen.
Jamal Tillmon – my mentor, my friend, my first & still current client. Jamal Tillmon aka Jamal the superstar Barber. Saw my gift and pushed me to stay focus. I remember I went to him with so many different other things. However, he didn’t believe those things were for me. He never said it, but I just knew. When it came to this photography media business, he believed in me and knew this was my passion and purpose. With his profession as a celebrity barber, he made me his content creator, and I cannot thank him enough for all the encouragement, bookings, and faith he had in me.
Storm Jeter – this woman does all my paperwork for me. Yes, I am the business owner, but that paperwork with taxes and many different other things is something out of my league. Lord knows she is the legal paperwork queen. I appreciate her time and knowledge so much. She encouraged me to ask questions, she made me feel comfortable that I can trust her with legal information, and she is a beast at what she does. My nerves goes through the roof, but when she gets to work I can relax. As we all know we legal information is highly confidential, and she is someone I can trust.
Long Term Clients – I have a few long-term clients and friends that have encouraged me to keep going, not necessarily with their words but through their actions. For example, my friend Brittney Ross nominated me for this inspirational column. I also have friends that have told me encouraged me by letting me know that I inspire them to be better. Of course, my long-term clients keep me motivated because they believe and appreciate my work and my passion.
Contact Info:
- Email: luvimages20@gmail.com
- Website: www.luvvisuals.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: @lowerys_vision
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/micklowery
Image Credits:
The single picture of myself was captured & edited by Milk-it Media.
