Meet Ruth Carter-Hickman | Visual Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth Carter-Hickman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was freedom! I wanted to create a stress free lifestyle where I felt like I could get up in the morning and start my day with breakfast, a nice morning walk or yoga to allow me to center my thoughts and get in alignment with my spirit for the day. When you work a regular 9-to-5 or a job like teaching, you really don’t have any time for yourself. For example, as a Teacher, I’m constantly thinking about new ways to engage my students and new lessons and ideas I can incorporate in the classroom. I give away so much of my energy as an Educator that I’m thinking if I don’t make my own business of visual storytelling a priority that I’m going to loose my purpose and passion. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely passionate about teaching however I’m even more passionate about teaching students that want to learn and not students that can’t stay off their cell phones to pay attention in class and unfortunately, in today’s society, this is our public school system in the US.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Through the lens of people of color, I have explored portraiture and forgotten histories and cultures of the African Diaspora. As a traveling visual storyteller who specializes in digital media, my work is largely centered around cultural diversity and inclusion. Digital media has provided the best platform to showcase the beauty and humanity of underrepresented cultures, communities and people of color.

Amplifying the voice of the voiceless serves as a catalyst for all of my work. My most recent focus has been the exploration of the lack of diversity in advertising as it relates to Afro Mexicans in both Mexico and in California. Specifically, I would like to add inclusivity and value with a powerful tool…, advertising. I began by exploring how Afro Mexicans have been left out of the Mexican census and have gone unacknowledged in Mexican culture for centuries. I began to document the narratives of Afro Mexicans to bring awareness to the beauty of darker-skinned Mexicans to redefine and expand what it means to be Mexican. Now I invite you to celebrate with me, the Mexican Tambien, a global campaign of beauty and empowerment.

The concept was to shoot Afro Mexican iconic portraits of traditional Mexican Cultural icons that are very influential and historic national treasures. These larger than life characters are a source of great pride to many in Mexico and appear on the national currency, the Mexican Peso.

My next project will focus on 12 Afro Mexican iconic child portraits of historic Afro Mexican Cultural icons that were very influential in history. I want the world to know that all people can learn about human ancestors through anthropology. This is the study of human beings and their societies in the past and present.

I want people to know that these larger than life characters are a source of great pride to many Afro Mexicans in Mexico however, unknown to the greater Mexican society and culture due to the lack of inclusion by the Mexican government who just included Afro Mexicans in the 2020 census.

My brand is all about learning about history and heritage. I want to help people understand who they are so that they can have pride in themselves and their culture. In fact, having a historical perspective of your heritage can serve as a guidepost and it often provides information about what you can expect in the future. There is a connection between the past and the future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my best friend to… Hillcrest-Snooze offers different twists on breakfast classics and innovative new dishes using responsibly sourced ingredients.
Balboa Park-best photos opportunities
Chicano Park- is home to a vast, colorful collection of outdoor murals that recount the history of the Mexican-American and Mexican immigrant communities. As a cornerstone of the Chicano Movement, Chicano Park fully immerses you into the rich history that Barrio Logan is all about. Great for history buffs, selfies and photo opportunities.
Los Cuatro Milpas -has been a Barrio Logan mainstay since 1933. It may seem like any old-school Mexican joint, but once you get a taste of their homemade tortillas, it’s no wonder why there’s usually a line out the door.
Hotel Del Cornado-
Seaport Village-
Gaslamp District-
Old Town-
Point Loma Sunset Cliffs-Best Sunset Ever

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out to my parents, William and Darlene for exposing me to a luxury lifestyle at a young age. Once I was exposed to international travel and culture, I knew that I wanted to keep exploring newer and richer experiences for the rest of my life. They both taught me the value of hard work, being of service to others and how to truly be present in every moment with loved ones as we are not promised tomorrow. I learned how capturing those moments of emotions were timeless and that spending time with people that we love and care about is what really matters and is priceless. My dad was the first person to put me in front of the camera and and behind the camera at the age of 5 years old. I fell in love with being both behind the camera and in front of the camera and I think that’s what makes shooting with me unique. I’m an expert at both and can help any client feel comfortable with my global approach and communication skills.

Website: www.ruthhickman.com

Instagram: @ruthhickmanphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-carter-hickman-21797946/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIe1x3Bbn8GQrt1pzQITEA/featurd

Image Credits
Ruth Carter Hickman Ruth Hickman Photography