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Conversations with the Inspiring Feniiix Raiii

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Feniiix Raiii.

Feniiix, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a multifaceted creator. My skills include photography, singing, song writing, and poetry. I also paint, draw, and work in digital design. I have been working at my craft as a motivational speaker as well, and I am currently building my own t-shirt line.

I was homeschooled until middle school, and during that time I was fortunate to receive an education rooted in self-expression and creativity. My mom and dad had a smorgasbord of art supplies in our home. From glitter and multi-colored fabrics to beads, pipe cleaners, paintbrushes, colored pencils, and markers, you name it. My young mind was tantalized by the possibilities, and I would just dive right in. I relished in writing poems, and songs, painting, drawing, creating homemade dolls, face masks, working with paper mâché, building unique architecture with my prized legos, and making piñatas, yes, piñatas. My parents would also supply my younger siblings and I, with an abundance in play dough, science kits, and even encouraged us to pick up children’s cookbooks, which if I may add, have helped groom me into the highly favored chef I am today.

All this immersion in the creative world, really stuck with me, but it wasn’t until I was fifteen, when a dear friend, who passed away, introduced me to the field of photography. She wasn’t event twenty-five yet, and was already making waves with her own freelance business. Her skill, success, and encouragement, inspired me to pick up a camera of my own.

In all honestly, she sparked an interest in me that without her, I don’t think would have ever occurred.  Before crossing paths with her, I never took the process of taking images seriously. To me, a camera was just a camera, not an instrument for creating art. She opened my eyes to see the world in a whole new light. She taught me how images tell stories and can be used to inspire, create change, and capture intimate and momentous events.

It is very important to note, that after her death in 2011, I actually put down my camera. Her presence was my inspiration, and without her being there, it just didn’t interest me anymore.

Fast forward to 2012. I went on to graduate both high school, and Eastifeld Community College, with an Associates in Science. Then a few years later, it wasn’t until 2016, when I decided to purse a photography degree at UT Arlington that I knew, how deeply her life touched me. All of sudden, I realized that this was something for me, and I just knew that it was time to pick up my camera again.

I began working on a few personal projects and class assignments. As I got back into the groove, I starting realizing how much I had grown in my craft. I started seeing the value that I could bring to the field. Others began complimenting my imagery, and viola! My passion was solidified!

Now, in just a a couple months, I am graduating in May with a Bachelors of Arts in Photography, and Minor in Communication. I will always be thankful for my beautiful friend for coming into my life, and opening my mind up to creating masterpieces with the camera. Even though she is not physically here with me today, I have come to realize that her inspiration and love, have been guiding me all along.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In all honesty, I have had my share of bumps in the road, and you know what, I have come to appreciate every single one. Each time I didn’t come out on top, or when I lost something, had a break- up, or missed out an opportunity, I realize that these were all catalysts for my growth. I learned new lessons and gained profound wisdom, all of which have groomed me into the mature woman I am today.

One main struggle I faced along my journey was being confident in myself. This stemmed from being bullied in my middle school years. No matter how hard I tried, I could never fit in. My peers saw this and were always quick to make sure I was aware of that fact. At the time, I used to think that not being in the “in crowd” was a bad thing, but now I see that this was my gift. I was born to stand out, my original style is what makes me beautiful and unique. There is nothing dope about fitting in because everyone is the same. I have come to realize, that your individuality is what gives you an edge and whether you know it or not, helps inspire others to be themselves as well.

Another struggle was finding the courage to speak out and share my voice. As an artist or just a human being on this planet, it may seem daunting to say what you feel, with so many people judging, but if you have a message, it is your duty to share it. Right now, someone out there is looking for your skills, your passion, your heart. So, be strong and take a stand.

Always remember there is only one you. Get in tune with yourself. Meditate. Practice self-care. Take the time to study who you are, your purpose, and why you create what you create. I promise you, once you step out, and show what you got, it will feel so invigorating, and hopefully inspire you to keep going!!

Also, I would like note, as as a woman, it is important to realize you hold infinite power to create your reality, and make it what you would like it to be. Remember your standards, and the way you view yourself, will be reflected in how others treat you. Be bold in demanding respect and honor for yourself. Your worth is infinite, and others should treat you as such.

One last nugget is ALWAYS to put yourself first in every situation. People pleasing is lame.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work in the photographic arts is rooted in telling the human story. The real stuff, the raw truth. It also revolves around promoting originality and self-expression. I freelance and specialize in portraiture, architecture, landscapes, film, and video.

I am most known for making others comfortable in their expression, and the unique ways in which I present my imagery. My use of abstraction and innovation, color presentation, and digital editing, give my work its own brilliant edge.

I am most proud of an ongoing series that I created last year in May, entitled “Rep Yo Hair!”. The imagery shown in this series presents unique individuals and their natural crowns from all over Dallas, Fort Worth. All hairstyles are celebrated, from twists, locs, and fros, to curls and waves, I show appreciation to them all.

I love encouraging others to shine their original light, whether it’s in their portraits, or just life in general, and this series definitely reflects those values.

I created this body of work to gain more experience with portraiture, and as away to connect with individuals in my community.

“Rep Yo Hair!”, was also recently chosen to be featured at the J. Erik Jonsson Library, located in the Shirley Phillips Pollock Performance Space. It will be on view during July and August. This is my first solo exhibition and I am truly honored to have received recognition for my craft.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The biggest barrier is our mind. If we hold a limited belief of ourselves, then so will others. Regardless of who is dominant in an industry, you can change the game just by being fearless and persistent in your endeavors to succeed. We as women, must hold ourselves in high regard, and be confident in our capabilities. We can grow to amazing numbers in every field. All we have to do is realize that we hold all the strength, and power to shine, and create change, just as much as anyone else.

If you know you are qualified, go for it, and when someone says “no”, keep going. Each loss is a lesson, preparing you for your inevitable achievements. Trust me, the doors are open for you, the world is awaiting for your contribution. Realize you are worthy.

Another barrier to female leadership is the jealously that some women have toward each other, this can create a divide, when we should be focusing on encouraging and applauding each other.

Now is the time, to throw all the high school behavior away.

It is important to understand, that we all have been born with our own gifts to share with the world, and just because someone performs at a higher level on something than you, doesn’t mean they are better, they just have been given the innate power to do so. If you are not versed in a skill, instead of hating on someone else’s magic, go and ask if they would be willing to share it. Seek their advice and wisdom. You may be surprised to learn that they could use your expertise in an area of their life as well. Open your mind to working as a collective. Each one, teach one. Come together and build.

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Image Credit:
FeniiixRaiii©

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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