We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike “Blu” Priester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike “Blu”, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
In a very short answer; TAKE MORE RISKS, JUST DO IT, DON’T OVER THINK IT, & “TRUST YOUR DOPE!!!”

I started my business with a mobile phone and a dream. I doubted myself so many times all because of my equipment. I had what they call “imposter syndrome” due to the fact that I was not formally taught nor did I have the “latest and greatest” equipment. I now understand that the self doubt is what was keeping my business from growing.

I never went after clients. I never put my name in the conversations. I didn’t think I really had what it took to make it happen. I would focus on the clients that didn’t have high expectations for video work. That mind set held me in a stagnant position for almost 2 years.

It was late 2020, still in the midst of COVID-19. I was working as a project manager for a landscape company. I looked around at my crew, my work truck, my dirt filled hands and simply said to my crew lead “you got this if I leave, right?” I was not happy with where my life landed and that life of no risk was over with. I returned to the shop and told the manager that it was my last week. I called my wife Ashlee, “I put my notice in and I’m jumping out the window with this one.” She sat silently, then agreed by simply saying “I can tell you’re not satisfied and was wondering how long it would take.”

I called my father, who was the one that purchased my very first video camera in high school, and scarily responded to his answering of the call, “Hey Olé Dude, I just quit my job, but I got a plan. So I have to ask you for a favor first.” Reluctantly he asked “The favor? You need money?” I took a deep breath and said “Yes sir, I need to buy a camera so I can start my business, I have to try because if I don’t, I won’t ever be happy. It’s only $250!!!”

I bought the camera off Facebook Marketplace. It was a lightly used Sony A6000. this was the beginning of the BluVision journey, and it has been nothing but great. I listened to a song by my favorite San Fransisco rapper, Larry June where he simply says “You gotta trust your dope.” Im dope for real and I knew it, but now, even more importantly, I believed it. I believed so much that I shot my first big production in Vegas, a wedding!!

From there on I put my all in. I designed my logo, made business cards, built a website, and even started reaching out to big names and telling them that they “needed BluVision.” 2 Chainz, Trinidad James, Curren$y, and Larry June were all in my sights and I shot video content for each one of them. I believe this happened all because I started believing that what I was was exactly what I thought I wasn’t; A REAL VIDEOGRAPHER.

If I had the same confidence when I was shooting with my Samsung Note 3, I would still be here. Just a lot deeper in the game.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had an ear for music, an eye for video, and a mind for artistry. This is what I am most proud of. My attention to detail well surpasses the majority. I am in a sense, editing as I shoot. In my head, as I shoot, there is an open Premier Pro project and I’m already setting up the video. The sound design and score are all in my head and I shoot to that. I love angles. Crazy, odd, different, are all perspectives that allow me to produce great art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I am now living in Charleston, SC. So, first we would go to the International African American Museum (IAAM) and learn about our history and take in the beautiful sites of the Wharf. Next is King Street to eat at some black owned eateries like Mesu, Burbon & Bubbles, or Daves Seafood all located in the heart of the peninsula. Visit the shops on King Street to get the fit right. Hit some black owned cigar bars and go party the night away in another blacked owned establishment, Republic Garden and Bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents of course, My friends that always told me to keep going. My Wife, who always has my back, My daughter, who is my biggest and loudest cheerleader. and I’d like to thank myself, well the young Mike “Blu”, simply for being a dreamer.

Website: https://www.bluvisionproductions.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blu_vision/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblupriester/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloBluVision

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Blu_Vision

Image Credits
Ash Priester Design Co.

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