From Camera Gift to Creative Empire with Rhonda Nunn of Just Keep Smiling Productions

Ep #123 — From Camera Gift to Creative Empire with Rhonda Nunn of Just Keep Smiling Productions

Part of noseyAF's 31 Days of Black Business series 🖤

What happens when you refuse to pick just one lane — camera, director's chair, mic, or sewing pattern?

Rhonda Nunn got her first camera from her dad in sixth grade, walked onto Chicago State's campus determined to be known as "the photographer," and built that into Just Keep Smiling Productions — an apparel line, photography and videography business, and independent film studio, all rooted in a philosophy she landed on one night in prayer at 18 years old.

What We Talk About

• How Just Keep Smiling started as a clothing line in 2013 before growing into photography, videography, and directing — and the three words that came to Rhonda during a moment of prayer that became the whole philosophy
• Why Rhonda refuses to niche down, and how being a "one-stop shop" — from weddings to music videos to short films — actually funds her own creative projects
• The unexpected turn: Rhonda's honest talk about difficult clients, the wedding where she had to refund a couple after a hard drive dropped, and how she's learned to protect her time and rates

If you love origin stories about turning a childhood gift into a full creative practice, this episode is for you.

All about Rhonda Nunn

You're gonna love Rhonda — she's a visionary creative from the South Side of Chicago who leads with faith and purpose. She's an independent director, producer, writer, photographer, videographer, and music producer, and the founder of Just Keep Smiling Productions, where she brings powerful stories to life. She's also an active professional in the film industry and a dedicated humanitarian, hosting an annual charity basketball event, Just Keep Giving Day, each November.

Things We Mentioned

• Just Keep Smiling Productions — photography, videography, directing, and apparel
• Daniel McKnight (The Dreamer Who Manifested Love) — Rhonda's short film, written, produced, and directed by her, starring Julian Williams and Bria Jackson, currently in post-production and on the film festival circuit. Filmed at Chemistry in Hyde Park.
• Just Keep Giving Day — Rhonda's annual charity basketball event held each November at Dalton Park District

Chapters:

• 00:12 - Introducing Rhonda Nunn
• 00:26 - The Journey of Becoming a Photographer
• 12:00 - Transitioning from Passion to Professionalism in Photography
• 18:45 - Navigating Client Relationships in the Creative Industry
• 23:30 - The Creative Journey: Embracing Versatility in Art
• 29:21 - The Importance of Community Service
• 33:59 - Building a Legacy: Reflections on Kindness and Authenticity

This series is supported by Off the Grid, a podcast for small business owners who want to leave social media without losing their clients. Find them at offthegrid.fun 🖤

Connect with Rhonda Nunn

• Business: Just Keep Smiling Productions
• Rhonda’s Instagram
• IG: @justkeepsmilingproductions

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Episode Credits

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Stephanie Graham

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Cover Art: Emma McGoldrick