We recently had the chance to connect with Jesikah Black and have shared our conversation below.
Jesikah, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
That is such a great question-one that I reflect on often in prayer. For a long time I thought I was supposed to do something grand, something big and obvious with clear markers of success and servitude. It’s when I removed my perception of what a calling should look like and actually started to listen, I found I was deeply called to do something much simpler. And in some ways I find it much more challenging. My calling is to continue doing exactly what Im doing! Wild, isn’t it?! Keep doing what I’m doing and do it better. That looks like loving people-especially when its hard- caring for my family and home with intention, and continuing to grow the business I have poured my heart into. With plenty of substitute teaching and school volunteering in the mix, my cup overflows! It may not look revolutionary on the outside but to me, its sacred work. And leaning fully into that, without fear or comparison, has been its own kind of brave.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Jesikah – a wife, mom and a photographer with over 15 years experience behind the lens. My brand is all about creating a space where people feel comfortable, even if they don’t usually love being in front of the camera. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients, helping them relax and turning photo sessions into fun, memorable experiences.
What makes my work special is the intentionality I bring to each session. I love finding unique or meaningful locations or trying new techniques that reflect each clients personality or story. Each client has a vibe I try to play with at the shoot and sitting in front of their gallery while editing. I’m always learning, always growing and most of all, always having fun!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, my relationship with Jesus has shaped the way I see myself more than anything else. Through every season — the highs, the lows, the questions, the growth — He’s been my anchor and my guide. He reminds me that my identity isn’t based on what I accomplish or how others see me, but in who He says I am: loved, chosen, and created with purpose.
That relationship gives me the strength to show up fully in every area of my life — as a mom, a wife, a creative, and a business owner. It helps me love others better, extend grace when it’s hard, and find peace even in the chaos. It’s the foundation of everything I do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to be still. How to surrender. How to lean into faith when nothing made sense and everything felt out of my control. It stripped away the noise and the striving and showed me what truly matters — not the hustle or the highlight reel, but the quiet strength that comes from trusting God even in the dark.
Success never taught me that. Success is loud and exciting, but suffering is refining. It revealed the parts of me that needed healing, taught me resilience, deepened my empathy, and reminded me that joy isn’t found in everything going right — it’s found in knowing you’re never alone, even when everything feels wrong.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — for the most part, what you see is who I am. I try to show up genuinely and with intention, whether I’m sharing something personal or something creative. That said, I don’t believe everything needs to be shared publicly. I don’t post my dirty laundry, and I don’t engage in negativity online. There are sacred moments — both joyful and difficult — that I choose to keep just for myself or close family.
So while the public version of me is real, it’s also thoughtfully filtered through love, respect, and boundaries. And I think that’s healthy.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
What would remain is my heart — the part of me that loves deeply, creates freely, and desires to reflect the love of Jesus in everything I do. Without the titles, the things I own, or even the roles I play, I believe what’s left is the person God created me to be at my core: someone who shows up with compassion, seeks beauty in the everyday, and tries to love others well. I liken myself to a humming bird – vibrant, full of energy and always buzzing around bringing smiles and positivity wherever I am.
It’s easy to attach identity to labels and accomplishments, but I’ve learned that true identity is found in being known and loved by God — and that’s something no one can take away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jesikahblackphotography.com
- Instagram: @jesikah_black_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesikahBlackPhotos
Image Credits
Jesikah Black Photography
