Through my journey, I’ve found influences make a person unique. My biggest influences growing up were hip-hop, fashion (mainly streetwear), and skateboarding. These subcultures have in common that they consist of people who feel like they don’t belong in “normal” society. However, as time progresses, I have learned to appreciate all the different phases I went through in my life because they shaped the person I am today. My goal with Thevi Studios is to create a community with people from all walks of life and to show them even though we may come from different backgrounds, we share many of the same struggles. I want to use my creative platform to share stories in hopes whoever sees them can resonate with their story.

I believe photography is an excellent tool for embracing self-identity. It gives a clear visual representation of the person while allowing the subject and the photographer to have complete creative control in telling their story. I must remember that whenever I am behind the lens, my goal is to build up my subject’s confidence and motivate them to get out of their shell and let their true self be revealed. The moment when you appreciate and understand who you indeed are is when you achieve genuine happiness.