What’s your name?
Polly Irungu
Where are you located?
Eugene, Oregon
If you could describe what you do for a living on your own terms, what would you say?
I am a creative who helps others find their creative voice.
Aside from your given title, would you say there are any other titles or hats you wear in this position?
Job #1 College Rep / Social Media team for Def Jam Recordings (DefJamU)
Job# 2 Production Assistant for PAC 12 Networks
Job# 3 Freelance Photographer
*** MAIN *** Job #4 Marketing and branding for my company K&G Hustle
Is this what you always wanted to be when you grew up?
The funny thing is, when I was younger I had a dream to be an FBI agent. I wanted to study criminal minds and then that changed to engineering and now here I am a photographer with my own marketing business.
Can you put into words your career history to date?
When I was 16, CNN iReport featured me as one of six international women journalists to watch. Then at 18, I was invited to assist a fashion journalist at the Grammy Awards on the red carpet in Hollywood, CA. That same summer, I won a spot in a New York City exhibit and had my work featured on a billboard by Creative Rising. The following year, I was recognized by the University of Oregon as “One of 25 Ducks: Who Will Change The World” and was featured in the college newspaper, The Daily Emerald. I received this recognition twice; one in 2013 and 2014. In May 2015, I was awarded Women4Africa’s (women4africa.com) International Young Achiever of the Year.
I began my journey behind the lens early in high school. By snapping anything that captured my eye I perfected my craft and created an escape from reality. I spend countless hours of capturing images behind my camera to create well-rounded photos and master the art of photography one photo at a time. Each and every photo I take is a demonstration of my love to create art for the world to witness.
Besides K&G Hustle, some of my interests consist of fashion, traveling, music, and innovation. Aside from being the CEO at K&G Hustle, I am a regional representative for Def. Jam Recordings and occasionally I also work with the PAC 12 Sports Network as a Production Assistant.
If there was ever a time where you weren’t working for yourself, how did you make the leap from working for someone to working for yourself? Was it an easy transition?
Great question. Everyone has to start somewhere. My first job was at McDonalds as a cashier. I worked there for almost two years to purchase the camera I currently shoot with and a Macbook Pro. After McDonalds, I did a few student leasing jobs at apartment complexes near the University of Oregon. It was while working at my leasing jobs that I realized I am not someone who can do a 9-5 job. I felt like I was suffocating and losing my passion to create. I quit my leasing jobs and switched focus back to my freelance photography work.
By gaining experience outside of the classroom, I was able to score an internship with the University of Oregon Athletic Department as a web intern for GoDucks.Com. That internship led me to be a seasonal production assistant for the PAC 12 Networks (and etc).
Change is never easy. To make such a leap, you have to be OK with doing it alone - at least for a while. You have to understand that everyone is on a different journey and on a different pace. I am about to be cliche but life really is way too short to not do what you love.
Coming back to the present, (haha) what is your morning routine before you start the day?
I thank God for another opportunity to get it right. After saying a short prayer, I check my phone and all social media channels (#firstworldproblems). Then you know, shower, get dressed and Starbucks coffee.
Describe what you do between stepping into your work space and then calling it a wrap at the end of the day (Basically, your average work day):
Ah girl, that is tough to say. My average day is cray. I usually start at around 9am and wrap up around 3am. If I have photo shoots then I schedule them as early as possible. If not, then I have class from 10am-2pm. 2pm-5pm is set aside for homework. 5pm-7pm is set aside for photo editing. 7pm-9pm is my 'me time' (eating, Netflix, browsing the web etc). 10pm-12am look for new opportunities (concerts to photograph, internships etc). 12am-whenever I am tired is set aside for answering emails, and social media work for DefJamU.
What is your favourite part of the day?
About 2am. The rush of creativity that flows thru my head after midnight is sometimes overwhelming. However, I feel like 2am is my primetime.
How do you define internal and external success in all that you do?
Matthew 16:26 - “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
What has been the biggest success so far and why?
My first note from a stranger that said I am an inspiration. When I felt like I was not on the right track it was a positive affirmation. All I want to do is make a difference and give back.
With all that success there’s bound to be some overwhelming moments, how do you overcome the bumps along the way?
Everyone will be bound to have off days, fail, get rejected, etc. I used to be in a dark place in middle and high school. I wasn't sure of my purpose and would be really hard on myself. Then a friend reminded me of the bible verse, (Ps 30:5) “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” You have to search for that inner strength to continue.
Traveling helps give me peace and a new dose of inspiration. I also love looking at the Because of Them, We Can series. Knowing that those who came before us had much larger obstacles but overcame by not giving up is why I must continue. We need to lead the younger generations.
At the end of the day, faith, family and friends. A support system is everything. I know that my story has just begun and I have faith that it will get better. I strive to be better and do better each day.
Ok, so you’re sitting at a cafe across the table from your biggest career inspiration, who is it and why?
Karen Civil. She has changed the game for the entertainment world by simply having a passion and work ethic unlike anyone else. Brands such as Beats By Dre would not be where they are today if it was not for Ms. Civil. I respect her as an innovator, creative, activist and fierce black woman. She is truly an inspiration.
Now, someone new to the career field is sitting across the table from you, what advice do you give them?
The sky is not the limit, the limit is what you make it. You have to ignore the voices within that say “you can’t”, “not good enough”, “that dream is not realistic” and so on. Your attitude is everything. People may laugh at your goals but so what?! You will have to do some things alone. You can't carry dead weight all the time. If it is not adding to your life then let it go!! Last but not least, believe in yourself. No one will care about your dream as much as you. You have to invest in you!! When you feel like giving up, take a day to refocus and reenergize. You got this!!! Rome wasn't built overnight. Oh and also, I am a firm believer of speaking it into existence. JUST CLAIM IT!
Would you go back and do any of it differently or just the same?
I would do everything the same. I don't think there is any point on holding onto the past and having regrets. Yes, I have made plenty of mistakes but it is important to learn, grow and move on.
So if that little kid you used to be before looked at you now, do you think they’d be excited to grow up?
Never in a million years did I think I would have accomplished all these things, meet so many dope people and be living in Oregon. Yes, I think little ol' Polly would be excited and proud. We only see a piece of the whole puzzle.
What do you want to do next?
I want to spend more time on focusing on me. It is important to breathe and listen to your body. But do not worry, I will still be on my grind.
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?
Philippians 4:13New King James Version (NKJV) - “I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.”
Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV) - “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.” - Stuart Scott