Today we’d like to introduce you to Montrell Layne.
Montrell, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Little Rock, Arkansas where I was born and raised. After high school, I decided I wanted to pursue a music career. While in the process of developing my talent, I realized that I needed a personal photographer to help shoot music videos and establish my brand. It was extremely difficult trying to find someone willing to invest in my vision. So out of frustration, I purchased my first camera, which was a T3i. After making that decision, I began to shadow local photographers in the Dallas metro area. I put a hold on my music career and started perfecting my craft as a professional photographer. During this transition, I was truly inspired after reading two popular novels “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Law of Attraction.” As I became more comfortable with taking pictures, I decided to label my service MLayne Photography.
The title derived from my first initial and last name so I can make my business personable and inimitable. Between 2012 and 2015, I moved back and forth between Arkansas and Texas because I was struggling trying to find niche, but yet trying to make a living. At one point I was sleeping in my car. At the end of 2015, I was able to establish some financial stability from working in the oil field. I was employed in Arkansas but had to travel to Texas frequently. I did this for a little over a year where I was able to purchase more camera equipment. In 2016 the oil field began laying off workers and unfortunately I was one of those people.
From the money I had saved up, I partnered with a friend in Little Rock, AR to open up a studio. I took a huge leap on faith and began traveling around the country booking shoots with celebrities and public figures. This experience allowed me to build my portfolio prior to moving back to Dallas, TX later that year. When I moved back, I got in touch with an old friend and classmate who introduced me to the nightlife scene where I took photographs at local club events. With this opportunity, I was able to build my brand and network with different artist within the entertainment industry. Although my journey started out rough, I was able to turn my side hustle into a dream come true. I’ve been strictly working for myself since 2015 until now. I’m currently building my photography business into a modeling agency.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all. My main struggles involved dealing with people who didn’t believe in me, not being able to make a living from my talent, financial hardships, and having to build a network from scratch. It was extremely difficult trying to prove myself in a highly demanding and competitive industry, but I was able to make it work and I became successful.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the MLayne Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I take photographs of women of all shapes, colors, and sizes so I can transform them into brands and provide them with creative talent opportunities. My business serves to help women build confidence in their style and bodies while eliminating barriers and stereotypes of atypical models. This is what I am mainly known for along with my broad network of local artist and celebrities. What I am most proud of is that I’ve helped so many people make their dreams become reality. What sets me apart from other photographers is that I’m well rounded with my photography skills and I’ve trained and developed other artist. I have great editorial skills and I’m also talented with videography. I’m constantly opening doors for people I work with and providing new opportunities by connecting them with my personal and professional network.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck. I believe that true success is acquired when opportunity and preparation intersect. When you are hard working and truly dedicated to your vision, the right opportunity will finally come knocking at your door. It may seem like luck at first, but it’s actually the fruits of your labor.
Contact Info:
- Address: 800 Station Dr Ste #300, Arlington, TX 76015
- Phone: 4696004401
- Email: MLayneBookings@gmail.com
- Instagram: Mlayneagency
Image Credit:
Lucy Sando, Oriana Ramirez, Lindsey Guimont, Avery & Ivy Carey, Dj Duffey
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