Today we’d like to introduce you to Vinny Nyamu.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
How I got to Views with Vinny has been the most non-linear journey in my life; however, I am so grateful and in awe with every step and backward step I may have taken. My creative side was gently stirred in high school when I took a photography class as an elective. As a teenager, I intended to get an excuse to leave class and Rome the halls. Once my high school career ended in Spring of 2016, I put the camera to rest entering college. The reason why is that my friends needed a model to get their reps in their craft as upcoming photographers. I cherished supporting my friends and seeing the evolution of their craft because I was their model. I was able to soak in their knowledge and continue that gentle, calm flame inside of me as a creative but unsure how to add more fuel to the fire.
Fast foward to Spring 2021 post covid era. My mom asked me what was one thing I wanted for my birthday. I immediately called her and shouted, “Camera!” Her reaction was, “Woah! Why?” I told her I was tired of updating my phone due to yearly updates. For such a simple reason, I was unsure what it would propel to. I began slowly immersing myself in using my camera as a hobby during my beginning stage of love for nature. I would use it for hikes and trails all around Austin. I would get lost on purpose to capture hidden gems and explore new foldings for potential rock climbing trips (which I have yet to make). This is what I was consumed with during the whole year 2022. I used my camera as a hobby, primarily during hiking trips and travel destinations.
In 2023, the fire inside me was fueled with multiple matches and fuel that set the man on fire with raging passion. At first, I needed a push. I needed this push with the help of my friend Wisdom Edioma. He shared one of his visions with me: to bring something new, creative, purposeful, and community from all backgrounds and races to Austin because he saw a need and lack. I resonated with this because I needed a new taste in Austin and a new challenge as an upcoming photographer to search for my style and if I truly wanted to go forward with landscape or work to get people. I immediately responded to Wisdom, “Count me in,” not knowing what I was expecting from that day. Ever since that day, we decided to take our own goals and merge them. It was a night and day change within myself. I was in a mini-transition phase in my life. I was pursuing one dream to become a physical therapist, but that door was closing daily. I decided to pivot within my education career and pursue my MBA in Global Business Administration to better myself educationally and become more marketable within the corporate world. As I begin my MBA journey, it will simultaneously occur as Wisdom launches Westborn Collectives, and I will be the primary photographer/videographer.
In this time, Wisdom and I become more than business partners; we have become brothers. Through his vision, I was able to grow as a photographer, moving from landscape to portrait. It was not the most effortless transition, but I love to learn and take on challenges. Having long days from my day job, graduate school pursuing my MBA, self-teaching myself new skills past midnight, watching YouTube videos, and putting to work on weekends. In spring 2023, we did 4 events; in Fall 2023, we did one big event called RestFest, where we merged with StudioMid22 with the help of Michelle Ngo. I am one of her staff photographers within her Studio this Spring, 2024! Through these events, I have been able to craft my photography & videography skills, share them amongst other creatives, and cultivate new relationships with entrepreneurs, Where I met Nicole, owner of Bizgo. Nicole was a great voice of reason in my beginning phase to get an LLC and a great resource to make it possible. She assisted in legitimizing my hobby into a legitimate business and helping me become a business owner. This is one thing I have yet to consider myself doing at the beginning of 2023.
It is cherishing looking at these life moments that have enabled my growth because I could not have done it without myself. My family and the surrounding community have been there to encourage me and be a voice of reason. In Spring 2024, I achieved every individual goal I set for my business, like launching a website, opening a business account, and numerous fun, creative projects using my gifts to glorify God and individual talents and gifts. I ensure those I work with can showcase their unique and rare personality and passion just as much as my friends did for me when I was younger.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been a challenging road. However, that is what makes it fun and beautiful. One of my core values stems from Romans 5:3-5. In summary, it states that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. While shuffling full-time day jobs, being a full-time graduate student, and turning a hobby into a business have been challenging. It has taught me the importance of intentionality, discipline, and communication.
I fully intend to be better than I was the day before, from the little to the most significant things. For example, I intentionally create time for my family, friends, and clients. I communicate directly to all channels to ensure we’re all on the same page and to eliminate any confusion and distractions. The little thing is asking people how they are feeling vs. how they are doing because it sets the tone of a conversation rather than your ongoing conversation. However, to embody this, it takes discipline like no other. I selfishly cannot say I do not do this myself. I have been able to sharpen my discipline through the help of therapy, mentorship, and close brothers and sisters (non-biological) to keep me accountable and not be sidetracked with the shuffling with my self-ambitious goals and consistently to ensure I shower myself with self-love within the busyness.
I am, lastly, communicating my struggles with the respectable members of my community. Through my struggles, I know I am not alone and have people praying and encouraging me from far and near. This is such a beautiful feeling that is easy to take for granted because it is easy to count what is wrong or not being my way vs. what has gone right and the mountains I have overcome through the grace of God. I ensure I begin my day with words of affirmation to myself. Knowing that each day brings its hardships, I know with God, all things are possible, and I am too blessed to be stressed!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Alvin Nyamu. However, I go by Vinny, owner of Views with Vinny. When clients book with me, I ensure that I communicate to them that I specialize in personalization in photography and videography. My passion resides in creating beautiful pictures and videos showcasing people’s skills, talents, business, etc. Which is what brings the most joy and happiness? What sets me apart from others is that I have yet to have a specific specialty. I view myself like a Swiss knife. I can do anything so there are no self-limitations and to ensure I broadcast people’s dreams and visions on their platforms.
Are any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
One of my favorite books fueling the fire of my passion is “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. That book gave me a whole new perspective on mental toughness and the importance of how we (self) can be our worst enemy in life to achieve goals that may seem unattainable. Yet, self-determination, self-awareness, drive, and motor skills are all in motion one step at a time. Well, the rest should be a piece of cake. The next book is, “Atomic Habits by James Clear. I relearned the importance of compounding building habits to achieve those “big goals.” Habits play a key part in our lives. Healthy vs. Non-healthy. The biggest changes that one can make in their own life is unlearning those “toxic” or “unhealthy” habits is what will lead one to a well sound mind, lifestyle and growth in self-love. Lastly, these two books “Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty and “How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes. In summary, these two books provided practical steps to improve oneself mentally and in confidence and step-by-step instructions on putting them into practice.
Pricing:
- Professional Headshots $300
- Lifestyle & Creative Package $325
- Commercial & Marketing $500
- Enragement $350
- Events : Email Inquiry
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vinnyviews.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinnys_views_?igsh=Z2lkdnN4MnQ3aGJs&utm_source=qr
