For this blog I wanted to highlight an amazing Memphian, as well as, express the importance of doing what you're passionate about, because passion leads to purpose. So, to begin, allow me to introduce you to Trevelyan Easter. A 28 year old Memphis photographer/videographer born in Detroit, Michigan but raised in Columbus, Mississippi. I've known Trey for eight years. We both attended The University of Memphis together, and thanks to our beloved Greek-lettered organizations, we became friends (S/O to U of M Greeks). Recently, Trey assisted me with stepping outside of my comfort zone by asking me to partake in a photo-shoot. Now, this photo-shoot was a great idea however, my shyness and nervousness tends to overpower my thought of me low key being a model. I was excited and nervous at the same time and for me, I knew that those feelings would produce awkwardness. I got to location number one and did not know what to expect, but here is a lesson on energy and passion. When you have two creative people, who love what they do, and it has meaning to them, magic will always take over. I had an AMAZING time doing something that I felt would not come natural if I wasn't able to see the picture before I took it. You could visually see the love of photography coming from Trey. I mean, he would suggest different spots and angles, and I wouldn't be able to see what he saw until he showed me the picture. We spent a few hours together in the blazing hot sun driving around Memphis, taking pictures, and talking about our passions. We laughed, expressed how we both needed to dedicate more time to our dreams, asked why we were passionate about the things we were doing, and Trey even gave me the background of how he ended up in Memphis for college, which is inspirational by the way and needs to end up on the University's website some how. The energy was CRAZY, and afterwards my soul was full of joy and purpose. Creating and feeding off of each other's energy reminded me of why I had to fully put my all into writing and whatever else my creative soul wanted to do. We are not given these talents and ideas by accident!! Even if you're told that what you want to do won't lead to you being financially stable still find a way to do it. Nothing is worse than settling in life, thinking about who you could've been and what you wanted to do. Talk to God and ask him how you should accomplish what you can't stop thinking about. I know I've probably said this to Trey so many times since September, but that day meant a lot to me. I hold back a lot and hide a lot of my personality because I've just always been reserved and quiet. My family and friends know I have a big personality, but I've always been hesitate about sharing it with the world. I mean, I've been writing since I was in elementary school, and it took me until I was twenty five to put some real energy into it. For me to not just let those close to me read things I have written. There is so much more to me than what I allow the world to see and I hate that I have been holding my gifts hostage. Not allowing myself to step into my purpose BUT that stopped two years ago and I don't plan on turning back. No matter what you think will happen take the chance! If something does work out initially don't think of it as failure, but as a chance for redevelopment. It can even be that God wants you doing something at a different time than you intended. Work with your friends and support them. Listen to others share their stories, as well as tell others your story, because you will never know what it does for you or someone else! This is what working with a friend and sharing stories did for me. A friend reached out to me about taking some photos for his portfolio and it brought me joy and understanding! Again Trey, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! For being am amazing individual and an inspiration to me!
P.S. This will be the mushiest you all will ever see me until a book comes out..maybe ;-) Also, I have included the link to my photo shoot. https://www.behance.net/gallery/57383231/Trenika-Matthews-Blog-Set Visit kineticsmediagroup.myportfolio.com/ for more of Trey's work and more information. Double P.S my amazing sorority sister just posted a blog on how millennials should network across and not up! Please check it out!! It is a must read and so important for us to do!! Link below! https://jasminesweet.blog/
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So, I try to keep up with all the things that are going on within the city and lately I feel like there have been more than my two eyes can handle!
Here are my top 5 must knows: 1. Amazon for the W We all know that Memphis hasn't been shy about wooing Amazon in the fight to be the home of their second Headquarters. Well, recently it was announced that Amazon was seeking a local tax incentive to build a 615,440 square-foot fulfillment center supplying the city with 600 new jobs. This is in addition to Memphis still competing for HQ2. The new home for the center is set to be 3292 Holmes Road. 2. Mud Island & The Riverfront The riverfront is a location favorite for visitors or Memphians to visit (Well Mine) but even though it's a fave we're all aware of the overdue make over the area needs. So, when I heard of a proposal for redevelopment of the riverfront last year I was super excited. NOW, to add to that excitement I recently read that Memphis may be getting an aquarium! Apparently during a City Council meeting there was talk of ways to fund the project and the location being Mud Island. The project has to be approved by the Tennessee Building Commission and full council. This project would be included in the complete redevelopment of Mud Island and the Riverfront. 3. South Main Redevelopment South Main seems to be a part of the Memphis makeover train too. Back in February an application was approved for the development of the former Memphis College of Art graduate school building. The project will include a hotel at 477 S. Main St and a retail and commercial space at 484 S. Front St. Other things to be sighted in the area will be a gastro pub, high-end Mexican restaurant, meeting space, gym, side walk repairs, landscaping, and public art. 4. Midtown Additions Last Month it was announced that there is a plan to build apartments across from Minglewood Hall in Midtown with the average monthly rent set for $920. The development is said to be worth 24.7 million dollars and located at 1544 Madison Ave. There will be 217 one to two bedroom apartments, a media lounge, 24 hour fitness center, business center, and bike storage. The application was considered on Wednesday at a board meeting with Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County. I have yet to here of an approval. 5. DOWNTOWN DINING WEEK!! Downtown Dining week is set for November 13th-19th. During Downtown dining week guest of the participating restaurants get to order from a predetermined menu. You may either choose a three course meal for dinner or receive two-for-one lunches at special prices. They also have some parking specials for guest! I have included the link to the website for more information on restaurants and deals! https://www.downtowndiningweek.com/parking-discount According the Memphis Business Journal the city's developments are near $75 million. Also, the Tigers (Football) are 6-1 and The Grizzlies Won their season opener! DO NOT Sleep on us! |
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