Hey honeys and hustlers,
Welcome to my museum of curiosities. As in, Iām very curious as to how I reached this point in my life. Not biologically, but professionally. Iāve been seeing this trend of people looking back 10 years to 2016 to see what has changed, both politically and personally. Professionally, most would expect their career to be significantly improved in a 10-year span. Iām not saying my professional life isnāt much better now than it was as a fresh college graduate, butā¦itās not what I thought it would be, and maybe thatās for the best. I shared a little something on my birthday last year, so I guess I have to keep the trend going.
2016
I graduated with my Bachelorās degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
I started my photography business, Ang H. Studio (now Rootful Media), and photographed my first weddings.
I got my first salaried role.
I got accepted into the Masterās of Peace and Human Rights program at UAB.
2026
My media business has brought in 6 figures across multiple brands.
My short film, Trail Therapy, is finishing its film festival run at Hayti Heritage Film Festival.
Iāve published hundreds of articles, videos, and podcast episodes that Iām proud of.
Iāve spoken to students, business owners, and professional creators about creative entrepreneurship.
This conveniently excludes all the things Iāve tried and failed at. All the challenges that come with trying to find your way in a career, especially when Iāve spent the better part of that time self-employed. It definitely doesnāt account for the mental gymnastics and therapy sessions involved with trying to wrap your head around each iteration of your career while simultaneously understanding and appreciating each iteration of your becoming. I thought I would be making boutique commercials or working on my next documentary film with an in-house creative team while sporting an important title like āHead of Creativeā or āCreative Director.ā
At 32, Iām not obsessing over my title. I like to create things. I like to build things. I like to share things. And thatās all that really matters most days. Would I like a few more zeros to my total income over the years? Sure, who wouldnāt? But on some level, I also know it wouldnāt have a huge effect on my quality of life as a creator. If we are what we repeatedly do, I believe that leaning into my creative gifts has allowed them to multiply in unexpected ways. And I want to keep creating, for as long as possible.
The nice update from last year is that I do think I placed my efforts correctly this past cycle around the sun; I am significantly happier with my work, and that happiness is independent of income. If I had to say what Iām focused on for 32, itās likely allowing my good days to last longer. To affect me in the most positive of ways. Because bad days will always happen, regardless of what we do or think. So hereās to the good days ahead, the good times we choose, and the good people we surround ourselves with.
If youāre at all curious, Iām a size:
share this newsletter with someone you think would enjoy it
share this podcast with someone you think would enjoy it
Alabama Shakes or Elmiene concert tickets
Atlanta Dream home game tickets
Happy Taco Tuesday!
P.S. See you on Substack live tonight at 8PM! Come say hello and celebrate my birthday with me!
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