Today we’d like to introduce you to Genn Franks.
Hi Genn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In late high school and early college, I was experimenting with apparel and photography. There was interest in art, fashion, design, film, music, and things that required expression from as far as my mind could think back. I remembered always being one of those girls who could never find their name on anything custom in stores paired with having my own unique style. In March 2014 I started Ayoka’s Originals for custom apparel. June 2015, I launched inGENious Photography, and by April 2016, I relaunched under the brand umbrella Genn Franks, which encompassed creative photography, custom apparel, videography, graphic design, content creation, and commissioned art. Since 2016 I have added even more to my roster. As time evolves, so do I.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Originally, yes—things were smooth because I had what felt like an unmatched level of faith in myself. I didn’t know a lot about the actual business aspect of things. I thought all I needed was talent & guts. To be a go-getter. As time went on, and professionalism had to outweigh my desire to just be creative—as well as my naturally introverted personality—things became increasingly bumpier. My clientele grew, and what started as a personal outlet for creative expression across different mediums slowly turned into a business that demanded serious investment—financial, social, physical, and sometimes even spiritual. And the more that happened, the more I had to learn. Grow. Adapt. Pray.
Entrepreneurship is hard! It’s rewarding, but it’s no cake walk. I never thought I’d see the day when I even contemplated not picking up a camera again. These days, though I still reach into my #NeighborhoodHitGirl bag every now and then… The photography game just isn’t the same for me anymore.
Now, I’m more focused on design. I still move in and out of my gifts as I see fit—which, in itself, is another area of growth. I have the autonomy to do that now. I’m yet navigating through making design affordable while still honoring my time and talent. I desire for people to be take pride in how they show up.. It matters. This is one of the reasons that makes being the Fly Supplier worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m Genesis Ayoka Roberts. Best known as Genn Franks. When I’m asked, ‘What do you do?’ it always tickles me, because my brain immediately starts listing so many things that are fighting for the answer. To sum it up, I just say I’m an artist or a creative. What I’m known for really depends on who you ask! Some might say I painted a mural for them… that I designed their living room, took their birthday photos, or that I’m the hat lady. It could be anything.
What I’m most proud of is my resilience—and my ability to maximize the talents God has given me, while still keeping the main thing the main thing. My attention to detail has paved a way for me in retail. I’m grateful. Honored to be used.
What sets me apart is that I’m an asset to anything I’m a part of. Places, projects, and people are better because they’re connected to me. And that’s not coming from an arrogant place—that’s all God’s doing!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to find and observe people who do what you want to do—and do it very well. Reach out to them, ask questions. Be teachable. Go outside, even if it’s by yourself! Introduce yourself to people. Put yourself on people’s minds so that when opportunities arise they think of you.
So many doors were opened for me because of who I knew, not just what I did. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because success and growth come from a place of pruning and discomfort. I have the unique challenge of carrying an extremely extroverted purpose while being deeply introverted. But my personality can’t get in the way of my calling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gennfranks?igsh=MWlqZHQzOGdlOGU0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ny2ZGLHj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gennfranks?_t=ZT-8vkoiWhB2qo&_r=1
