Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Rose.
Sydney, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always wanted to be apart of the fashion and music industry since I was 12, I just didn’t know how, or what I needed. In high school, I was involved in my school’s broadcast team, but instead of being in front of the camera, I was the interviewer, and most of the times wrote the script for how the video was supposed to go in the editing process. I always worked with two other people, Capri Jordan, and Nick Wilson, and they did all the magic. So, I technically never had to touch the camera, just get the interviewee’s emotional responses to the questions I asked. Both Capri and Nick would film or edit (they switched it up), and I’d just watch the video to see if it matched up with the script — the perfect team.
I went to college in Columbia, Mo, and I was re-introduced to the camera, and rented it out from time to time for my own projects, mostly to see if I still had some skill. I collaborated with other artists in Columbia and would ask them to photograph models for me, but a few weren’t up to my standards, so I started photographing people (models) who intrigued me instead. I would then post my art on social media, mostly Instagram, and I got a ton of good feedback from all over. I ultimately just kept going, and now it’s been my way in with everything — a complete door open. God gave me this gift, and it honestly saved me. It’s a piece of me that I share to the world, which to me is really vulnerable. I speak the truth through my photos. I want to show people my world through my lens. It’s a way for people to truly understand me, or at least try. Everything in this life is poetic to me. Many people have also helped me along the way — thank you. Definitely didn’t get here on my own, and I’m still going.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth at all. In this journey of life, you have ups and downs and that’s what makes it bittersweet. From my parents getting a divorced, to me being involved in a three-car collision, to my mother becoming sick, and having three jobs all the while I am in school with 18 hours for one semester, etc., was hard. Mentally I wasn’t there, physically my body was hurting, really I was burning myself out, and I did. I had to leave school due to family matters and made a choice. I’m actually working my way to going back. It’s been a process, but good thing my parents instilled that hustler mentality into me, and my good friends who help keep me grounded. They’re both really strong in their own ways. Finding yourself is hard, and I am not saying that I’ve completely found myself because my likes and dislikes change everyday, but I know who I am. I know that the possibilities are endless and that the sky is the limit.
Your dreams can change the world, and I guess that’s what makes me crazy because I think my photography is what’s going to help it change, but you know what’s even more, crazier, I BELIEVE it will. If I can go through all of that in one year, literally in a six months time, and more, then I can do anything if my mindsets right. That’s what I tell everyone I come into contact with. Be careful how you speak over your life, your tongue is powerful, with your mind following that. The only validation you need is from yourself. As soon as you start doing things to prove to other people that you can, instead of first proving to yourself — you lost. Do things because it makes you happy, not because you want to impress your parents or friends, or strangers. They don’t care, so why should you? Your parents will always love you, and if they don’t, forgive them. Take the rough road that’s been in your life and let it fuel you. Let it motivate you to become crazy enough for you to believe you can change the world. Purpose over self desires. Find it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sydney Rose story. Tell us more about the business.
Sydney Rose is simply me. I’m branding myself as the real me. I want to show that it’s O.K to be yourself and break the status quo. Forget the labels. Be you. I’m known for photography, but I am a creative director, a conceptualizer, and ultimately a story-teller. What sets me apart is my originality and imagination. When I create something, I think, “how would a child see this.” Like Pablo Picasso said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” I simplify everything. I don’t make anything complicated. I get straight to the point, and I try to do that in everything I say, do and make.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The only luck I have is from God. The vision is from Him and he’s placed it in my heart. It’s my duty to share with others around the world and to hopefully open peoples eyes.
Contact Info:
- Email: sydneyrosee12@gmail.com
- Instagram: Personal: @imsydneyrose, Photography Page: @sydneyrosesart
- Twitter: @imsydneyrose
Image Credit:
Model: Angre Zigre, Acheil Tac, Christina Lual, Chibu Osuji & Stephan Sukie
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