Originally published on Forbes.com
Do you think Wiz Khalifa would come to Morehouse College to do a popup event?”
In 2010, Cameron Kirkland sent that direct message to Khalifa’s booking agent on social media platform, X, formerly Twitter. Then a junior at the HBCU, Kirkland had just discovered a passion for fashion and to convene fellow fashion lovers in one place, he sought out Khalifa to sell apparel on campus. As it turns out, Khalifa was on tour and Atlanta was the only location he hadn’t booked. So, Kirkland’s request was upgraded to an actual performance.
A $4,500 payment later, Khalifa performed. And “Cam Kirk” the creator, started his journey to becoming a millionaire. “It’s trusting your instincts and being open-minded,” Kirkland tells Forbes.
Kirkland, CEO of Cam Kirk Studios, shares his story in Forbes’ “Journey to ForbesBLKSummit,” an editorial series leading up to the second annual ForbesBLK business conference in Atlanta on June 23-25. ForbesBLK will amplify entrepreneurs like Kirkland, who take distinctive approaches to business, thought leadership, and economic problem-solving.
In 2017, Kirkland, 35, launched a photography studio after he noticed a void in the marketplace to capture content for younger and star musicians in Atlanta on the rise. Kirkland has since worked with notable entertainers including Future, Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, and producer Mike Will Made-It. His 4,000-square-foot creative loft is also the go-to destination for clients including Atlantic Records and Nike.
Kirkland, a former Forbes Under 30 Atlanta judge, estimates he’s made $6 million from his photography business. Income includes fees from his portfolio, studio sessions ranging up to $260 per hour and he makes money from camera equipment rentals. Also, Kirkland makes income from commercial collaborations with blue chip brands including Coca-Cola. Kirkland also started Collective Gallery, a photography agency that signs creatives and advances them $10,000 each. Collective Gallery profits from percentage splits and management fees.
Over the last two years, Kirkland estimates the two businesses averaged $2.3 million. “I’ve grossed millions of dollars with my camera,” Kirkland says. “It’s amazing to see how open-minded people have been to content.”
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