Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Love.
Jimmy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m that kid who had the break the chains/expectation of what it looked like to be successful in my family. While I was in high school, I was in this program(not by choice) called JROTC. A training program for those who wanted to join the military. Not really knowing what I wanted to after high school, my dad was very adamant about me staying in the program!
While I was in high school, I was also in the drama program, which is where I met the best teacher in the world, Mrs. Cook! My senior year, a few months before graduation she encouraged me going LA to pursue my dreams. She said, “you might just have to save your coins and go out there and hustle.” At the moment, I knew exactly what I had to do. Hustle.
In June 2016, at graduation was blessed to earn a 1,000 scholarship and that money is what sent me off to Cali! Fast forward three months later, the Cali Adventures begin! I originally moved to California to pursue the dance industry. Because California is so big and the opportunities are endless I undiscovered a few other gifts. I’m a dancer but also a professional photographer and makeup artist!
I started dancing when I was junior in High School (I’m 20 so about four years ago) and started photography and makeup in August 2017! Cali has been one of wildest rollercoasters I’ve been on. As I face challenges financially, spiritually, and internally.
Although at the moment, it didn’t feel good, I can say that I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! My biggest asset was getting closer and getting to know my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in heaven! I wouldn’t have been able to take a step forward without them! When I faced situations that I would tell myself I’m not good enough, God would affirm me in saying “I’m more than enough.”
When I thought I hit rock bottom, God would always show Himself to be worthy and provide for anything I needed! Moving to California was definitely the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever made! So anytime God says let’s take that leap, I have learned but also am still learning to just reply with “how high?”
After my time here I’ve learned to completely put my trust in Him because I can’t do it in my own power! I would encourage anyone and everyone to pursue your biggest hearts desires! A lot of the time we get scared cause the dream is too big. I firmly believe that in those moments God steps in because in Him you can do anything. He doesn’t expect us to do this by ourselves!
I think the biggest thing I’ve had to face was questioning/knowing my worth. Up until this day, I still question who I am and what I’m capable of doing. The one thing I love about God is that He’s a God of repetition. If I ever needed to be reminded, He’s never hesitated to affirm me. He doesn’t get annoyed when I forgot (which I appreciate cause I’m very forgetful).
Pretty much, I’m the kid that didn’t know who he was, his worth, or what he was capable of. I wish I could say that it’s all over, but I feel like it will be a never-ending process (praying it’s just gets easier). In Christ, I’ve learned more about who I am. All the strength I’ll ever need is in Him.
That’s my story in a nutshell.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Financially it’s been crazy! There would be a moment of prosperity and moments where the valley was just DRY! It was hard because I wanted an open schedule but need an income of a full-time job. It definitely could’ve been easier, but I chose to sacrifice a full-time job to be able to put more time into my craft!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the issaLoveThing story. Tell us more about the business.
Issalovething is my baby! It is a photography business that also incorporates makeup! I think I’m so proud of where my business is now because of all the hard work that was put in to make it where it is now.
I think what sets me apart is Christ. With every shoot, there is a prayer that I bring to life my client’s vision. Never do it want to go on a shoot and take photos of what I want, but instead make sure I capture what they want.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I would hope that photography would be a safe place. We live in works where you have to be a size zero and have smooth skin, but I would hope we could do to a place of capturing raw and real people. Don’t me wrong, I love a good edit but never do it want to edit someone so much that they feel like they have to hide behind the photos!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 910-723-8348
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/issalovething__/
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