Today we’d like to introduce you to Olesha Haskett.
Hi Olesha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It started in 2019 out of frustration of being in a boudoir Facebook group with almost 10,000 members and not seeing any Black photographers as educators or rarely any Black or other people of the Global Majority showcased as models or clients. This is still a major challenge in the industry today, but back then I wanted to do something about it. July 2019, I started an Instagram page to showcase the work of Black boudoir photographers. It was a huge undertaking because I wanted to be sure to that I was vetting each photographer because I knew people would use the page to find Black photographers.
What started as a an idea of frustration has blossomed into two private Facebook groups, an international retreat, national workshops, sponsorships, award ceremonies, a global directory and so much more. I cannot begin to describe how amazing it is to see all the talented photographers that are able to build on our motto of collaboration over competition.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge at this time is exposure. It can be very hard to showcase boudoir work of Black bodies, especially of women and fems on social media. The number of community violations through Meta has forced us to slow down on sharing images or video content because we do not want our Instagram, Facebook groups and pages to be closed. It is a balancing act for sure because you never know which image or video will be challenged. We have had educational videos flagged and removed. It is very disheartening because we get inundated with spam messages and profiles that are what we get flagged for. With all that happening we are still moving forward because our services are needed and we are fulfilling a major need in the community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently create a safe space for Black boudoir photographers to meet, share ideas, encourage each other and win awards that are for us and by us. I am known for this and especially giving a giant push to other photographers to be educators. We need more diverse educators in photography that are culturally competent. I am most proud when photographers tell me a client found them on the directory or that they got asked to be a speaker. Those moments make me the most proud because my motto is collaboration over competition. I believe that’s what sets me apart in the industry. I don’t just say it, I offer and share opportunities.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a very shy child, but if I knew you my mouth could run for days! I was fascinated by nature and loved the discovery channel and those DK ultimate guide books. I was also big into mythology and Egyptian mythology was my favorite.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecono.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoterienoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boudoirforblackwomxn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoterienoir
