Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Hogans.
Hi Miriam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Miriam Hogans, a creative by nature, photographer, musician, and multi-business owner (Hogans Coffee Co., Eight Twenty 8 Apparel, HumandKind Fine Arts & Film). I am a Louisiana native who relocated to Austin Texas in 2014 to attend college and to assist my god parents with ministry at Freedom Temple Pentecostal Church. While in school, I remained a faithful church member, minister of music and youth director all while pursuing the things that I love to do.
After undergrad, I pursued grad school and obtained a Master of Jurisprudence degree in Business Law and an MBA. I have always considered myself to be a “forever student” and have always expressed myself in the arts regardless of where I was in life. My eldest sister and I lived in front of the camera when we were kids. We pretended to be talk show hosts and constantly had a camera in our bags to capture moments of people and each other – amongst other things.
Fast forward, my life changed after being selected to be a trip photographer on a mission trip to Brazil the summer of 2024. It was crazy how it happened. I was initially supposed to go to Vietnam, but I prayed about it and that door closed which allowed me to go to Brazil. Long story short, I picked up a camera again and completely shocked myself. You see, I have attended several mission trips but the desire to create came around full circle while in Brazil. There was something special about the worship services. I was able to capture pure emotion and authentic shots of the citizens of Manaus, Coari, and the people of the Amazonian villages. This experience pushed me to start “HumanKIND Fine Arts & Film Studio.” The desire to capture raw emotion through photography and film in the most natural way came alive. Since then, I have secured photoshoots with clients, completed two short films on my personal YouTube channel as well as a documentary titled, Life as We Know it, which sheds light on homelessness in Austin Texas.
My ambition and determination in life allows me to pursue things that interest me without limitations. I have grown as an individual because of this mindset and will continue to pursue every idea that God has placed in my heart and mind. In the past, I was afraid of both failure and success (crazy) which caused me to remain stuck in a cycle, trying to achieve things that other people were doing that never interested me. So, I am thankful for maturity and growth as well as the ability to understand and know the call on my life. Being raised in a family full of creatives and entrepreneurs allowed me to eventually realize that creativity and entrepreneurship is in my lineage.
It’s funny because I have learned that the desires and things that are birthed in us early on in life may not make sense when we initially pursue them, but if it is truly a call, a gift, or ability, it will come back to you regardless of where you are in life. I have learned that I am at my happiest when I return to the things that I once loved and was once passionate about in my early adolescent years. So, don’t let people put you in a box. There is nothing wrong with having multiple interests. I feel that it would be abnormal to not have multiple interests. We were created by the Creator to create. Whether I become a lawyer or a big business owner, I will always find myself with a camera in hand. If you do not know where to start, do it all until you realize what works and does not work. That is why I am sane today. What’s amazing is that my family supports me, my church family backs me, and Jesus Christ leads me. I would not be who I am without them. This is only the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a challenge, but I’d have to say that I am thankful for the bumps in the roads. As mentioned before, I struggled with the fear of succeeding and failing. One might say that this struggle is impossible but it’s not. It’s simple – FEAR. I have once allowed fear to captivate my thoughts and my mind which held me back from starting a few things and the fear of success has caused me to not finish a few things. At times I would begin to think that it is impossible to succeed on any scale of success. Fear is a real thing and once it grips your mind, it is hard to get control of yourself in some ways. In the age of the influencer and the influenced, we see many things that can detour us and change our minds about who we are as individuals. I’m learning to not be afraid of ME and what’s on the inside of me.
Over the years, I have become fearful and began to take detours by pursuing other people’s interests that never interested me, only to end up back at the beginning of where I started. So, why waste time doing what you don’t like? I am learning to do what I am called to do so no more time will be wasted.
So yes, dealing with myself has been the biggest challenge. My own self has gotten in the way of pressing forward. Obstacles will come and now I have learned that it is part of the journey. It’s the bumps and bruises that make us who we are and strengthen us to the core. My goal is to some day secure real estate to home the creative space for HumanKIND Fine Arts & Film.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about HumanKIND Fine Arts & Film Studio?
HumanKIND Fine Arts & Film Studio is all inclusive creative space dedicated to capturing the human experience. We specialize in humanitarian documentaries, event photography, portraits, graduation sessions, and other meaningful life moments. My favorite service that we offer is free services to non-profit organizations, which includes, photography services, branding and film work to advance their mission and exposure.
At HumanKIND, we also produce thought-provoking short films that spark conversations around pressing societal issues. The “KIND” in HumanKIND is what sets us apart—it’s the heart of our brand. We are a company for all of mankind. This spirit of kindness and authenticity fuels our storytelling, both in film and in photography. As we grow, music education will become a vital part of our Fine Arts offerings, enriching our creative impact even further.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with us by collaborating on creative film projects and help support and advance our mission through solid partnerships. We love partnering on short films, documentaries, and photojournalistic pieces that spark change. Organizations such as nonprofits, and brands are welcome to partner with us free of charge to produce powerful media that tells their story and uplifts their community impact. Another way to support us is to simply book us to allow HumanKIND to bring your vision or story to life. Lastly, spread the Word – connect with us on social media, share our work, and invite others into the HumanKIND movement. Every post, share, and conversation makes a difference.
Pricing:
- $175 – Photography Standard Package – 45 Minute Session – Choice of location, 10 digital images
- $275 – Photography Deluxe Package – 1 hour Session – Choice of location, 12 digital images, 2 outfit changes
- $375 – Photography Special Events – 4+ Hours – 25-30 Digital Images
- $75 – Photography Life Events (Weddings, Baby Shower, Graduation, Birthdays, Branding – 4+ Hours – 25-30 Digital Images – Unlimited Wardrobe Changes
- Contact us for Filmmaking/Videography Services
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.humankindart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativescholarr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhogans
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Creativescholarr
