There’s many reasons to why this *announcement* was delayed, one being I wanted to feel 100% ready to share this so openly. Especially when culture and society revolves around gossip + judgement. But honestly, the delay was mainly because I wanted to share this news in a cool way. I had some elaborate ideas like a short film or maybe a detailed novel. I even tried making a Tik Tok but that was taking waaaay too long for this millennial. So I’ve decided to go the old fashioned way and write a short blog post.
At the end of 2021, I quit my dream job. The job I’d been working towards since the 7th grade. The career I invested A LOT of money + time + hard work in but in return, left me with struggles and tears.
Quit.
Done.
Just like that.
At first, it felt so liberating. I didn’t realize how much weight I was carrying on my shoulders and in my heart. As I closed that door, new opportunities appeared– things beyond my wildest imaginations. I was hopeful and determined that this risk I took would actually pay off.
Spoiler alert – that was just wishful thinking. Slowly, everything started to fall apart and I began doubting (and we all know that leads to a messy mess).
Could I actually live the artist life? Will relying on MY ART and my visions actually help me survive month to month? heck even day to day?
After 3 months of second guessing my decision– I realize today that it was the right one. With every risk you take, you’ll face failure and maybe defeat, just to get to where you want to be.
Each risk I’ve taken in life has been the equivalent of jumping into the ocean….at night.
Complete darkness,
No life vest,
Creatures lurking nearby and unable to tell the difference between harmful and harmless.
I made the jump and I experienced all the darkness that comes from the unknown.
But safe to say, I’m still kicking + floating.
I (unknowingly) started my artist journey as a child who felt misunderstood by her family, peers and teachers.
At 19, people invited me into their lives to tell their stories. Even then, I didn’t realize the impact of what I was doing.
Nearly 9 years later, I’ve finally found the courage and realization that this “creative outlet”, THIS is my purpose in life. It will be hard, it will be stressful but it’s what makes my soul the happiest.
You’re probably thinking, “relax, everyone does this. So many people have been doing this for YEARS. It’s not special.”
And you’re right. It might not be anything out of the ordinary or groundbreaking, but it’s something worth celebrating for me,
a daughter of immigrants who came from nothing and sacrificed everything so their children can have a secure life,
a South Asian woman,
a self taught artist,
this is special.
I want to leave you with one last message:
If you have ever invited me into your life, into your safe space to tell your story – thank you.
If you plan to or wish to do so one day – thank you, to you too.
Because every story I tell is not just another set of bills paid.
To me, it’s the highest honor of life.
To walk into a stranger’s life and document a story you don’t know much about.
B/c that story, the way you tell it, will be priceless one day.
It will be everything for someone.
“Soooo what does this all mean, Nimmi?”
I’m happy to announce that I’m officially a full time photographer + filmmaker,
my books are open &
I will travel anywhere to tell your story.
If given the chance, I will happily join you as you celebrate love, family and life (family + couple + individual films/photos, pre-wedding events, intimate weddings)
I would also love to work with fellow artists b/c we need to be remembered too. Our faces, our voices and our art (count me in for freelance projects + creative films / portraits).
This is just the beginning + I can’t freakin’ wait (+ more announcements coming up in the coming weeks)!
Cheers,
Nimmi (aka Nim Tom)
