Tonight one of my absolute favorites is being honored as a 2026 Memphis Grizzlies HBCU Empowerment Awardee, presented by Pinnacle Bank.
When I got the random pop up ad calling for nominees on my timeline, I had just finished editing pictures from her birthday shoot, honoring her beloved alma mater LeMoyne-Owen College. I knew I had to write something to encapsulate how much I felt she deserved this honor, and a month or so later she called me to say “Gab did you do this?! Did you nominate me, because I got selected!!”
Ms. BJ is many things to many people, but to me she a blessing. I’m so grateful that God put us in each others paths through art, food, community, and service. As a Memphian with no blood relatives in the same city (the only Memphian in my family lol) I’m so thankful that Mississippi gave us you! We do not deserve you, but I’m glad you stayed to nourish us anyway. We needed it, I needed it and I’m so proud of you.
I wish I could be there to watch you accept your award and be on that Jumbotron, I already know the fit is going to fabulous 💜
“You know, my path to higher education has always been super personal, especially growing up in Meridian, Mississippi. From way back, graduating from a Historically Black College wasn’t just some vague idea; it was *the* dream. It felt like this bright shining beacon of hope and opportunity that held so much meaning for my whole family and me. It’s funny, I actually hopped around to six different colleges because of all my travels, but landing at LeMoyne.
That was the ultimate destination, and I couldn’t be prouder.” - Ms. BJ Chester-Tomayo, owner, Alcenia’s
Good times over the weekend with @theartofmem@themrkt901 🤩🎄
Thank you to everyone who came out, shopped, and enjoyed the perfect (very windy) day with us!
Did you buy something from our first “useful things” drop? Tag @nse.studio_ so we can see how you use them!
📸 @nse.studio_
This shoot was a surprise. Kaya did not tell Oasis that their date night was going to be a little different that evening. This was also Oasis’ first couples shoot. It’s turned into one of my favorites. I had a hard time choosing which images to share, but I think these really captured the sweetness that these two share for each other. Happy Anniversary, K+O!
One of the goals I set for my 30th birthday back in September was to work with 10 new black entrepreneurs or artists (or both!) I had the pleasure of creating some lovely lifestyle and product images for the tea fairy herself @blackmajestea ! ☕💐
Nadia is hosting a tea party/birthday celebration and fundraiser to celebrate some recent milestones, accomplishments, and generally have a fun time while gaining the resources necessary to sustain and It’s happening Nov. 1st, 6–9PM at the historic @thefourway (official dinner starts at 7:15, so don’t be late!). Come dressed to impress and enjoy an evening filled with live music, tea-infused desserts and cocktails, and plenty of fun — all for a great cause.
Tickets are on sale now via the link in her bio. 🎟️ ($55 in advance / $75 at the door / VIP $100+). Every dollar helps support her community work and business.
Swipe for outfit inspo!
In honor of World Photography Day, I’m sharing a reading list that was first put together for the closing of Not Only Seen, But Felt by Rheannan Watson, Program Director & Coordinator for Memphis-based nonprofit @litisliberating@901cafenoir
These books explore image, memory, culture, and storytelling—reminding us that photography, like literature, holds history, sparks conversation, and shifts how we see the world.
Add a book to your list. Keep making images. Keep shining a light. “The fact that nobody is listening doesn’t mean you stop. In fact. The opposite is true. The fact that nobody is listening means you have to do more, and you never stop.” - @larrysgeneralstore
📚 Reading List:
Bisa Butler: Portraits — Bisa Butler
If I Can Cook/You Know God Can: African American Food Memories, Meditations, and Recipes — Ntozake Shange
The Modern Day Black Alphabet — Arial Robinson
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations — Toni Morrison
Black Archives: A Photographic Celebration of Black Life — Renata Cherlise
Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness — Zanele Muholi
Carrie Mae Weems: Kitchen Table Series — Carrie Mae Weems
Lorna Simpson Collages — Lorna Simpson
Eyes That Commit: Black Women and Non-Binary Photographers: A Visual Survey — Renée Mussai
Art on My Mind: Visual Politics — Bell Hooks
✨ I’m currently running a special for Black artists and entrepreneurs. $200 • 1 hour • 30 images • 1 location. DM to learn more.
30 days until 30 ✨
Back in February I had the pleasure of photographing the brilliant Kris Keys during her solo exhibition Come Roll My Hair: Stories from My Grandmother’s Dining Room. Her diasporic work moves between history, fashion, and art with fluid, vibrant strokes of watercolor.
The images we created together are versatile—powerful enough to tell the story of her exhibition, polished enough to serve as a headshot for an article, personal enough to promote her tea, and professional enough for her pop up workshops.
And that’s my point: artists need images that reflect our brilliance. Not dark, blurry placeholders. Not “good enough for now.” Your future collectors, curators, and readers deserve to see you and your work clearly.
So as I count down 30 days until my 30th—during Black Business Month—I’m offering a special: $200 · 30 images · 1 hour · 1 location. My goal is to work with 10 new Black artists or entrepreneurs before my birthday, September 18th.
As an artist myself, I know how many hats we wear. Let me take this one for you 🎩 . DM me or email [email protected] to plan and schedule your session.
