Joeli Naya, a Qoma native, has carved out a career by photographing grassroots rugby competitions.
As the face behind Albaster Investments, Joeli has emerged as a favourite in the photography industry, renowned for his keen eye.
Starting his journey in 2017 with a Facebook page, he has gained more than 9,500 likes and amassed a following of 31,000.
Despite his success and actions shots, his path was fraught with doubters who underestimated his potential.
“There were people who undermined me,” he said.
However, with the support of his cousin, former sports journalist Simione Haravanua, Joeli found his footing.
Simione loaned him a camera and believed in his vision when others didn’t.
Self-taught through online tutorials, he transitioned from working in local corporates to pursuing entrepreneurship, driven by the desire for autonomy in his work schedule.
“Usually, I watch tutorial videos on You Tube. One of the most appealing types of control that an entrepreneur has is the ability to choose when we want to work.
“Balancing work and life is an essential aspect of succeeding as a business owner.”
Embracing the motto “Jesus conquers everything,” he encourages perseverance and faith in the face of challenges.
“If you are like most, your life hasn’t always felt victorious. You’ve likely had weeks, months, or even years of dreams crushed, and hope deferred,” he said.
“After a while, you move into survival mode, and visions of thriving and living victoriously are nothing but distant daydreams.
“You begin to question whether it is possible that God can work all this out for my good and His purposes.
“The answer is yes, and all things are possible through Jesus, who loves and strengthens you.”
He advises aspiring photographers to focus on passion rather than monetary gain, emphasising the importance of making a positive impact through art.
“If you’re in it to make the world a better place by photographing and documenting important subjects, making people happy with your images, and making others see the world in a different way, chances are you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more along the way.”
He believes that those who are truly passionate will find a way to make a living doing what they love
