A lifelong creative and graduate of Howard University, Cydney Stephens has been blazing her own trail in the industry for years. The Tacoma native is an accomplished photographer, graphic designer and videographer who’s work continues to showcase her dedication to her craft and the communities she serves. The product of a creative family, Stephens’ father Marcus is a well-known photographer in Tacoma and her mother Katina brought her love of music into Cydney’s life from a young age.

“My journey has been an interesting ride that I am just now starting to get a hold on,” Stephens said. “I want my work to feel like a warm hug from Grandma. I'm exploring Blackness and telling the stories of Black persons to change the narrative for US. I'm speaking directly to my people through the lens of betterment through diverse depictions of blackness and self reflection.”

In college, Stephens expanded her horizons through opportunities with WildN’Out in Atlanta, including becoming a photographer within the wardrobe department. This led her into more gigs, and Stephens finally felt like she was on the right track. Her trajectory shifted, though, when the pandemic hit and she was forced to return home to Tacoma where she initially struggled.

“I went through a crazy depressive stage,” Stephens said. “I felt inadequate, like I had wasted my time in undergrad because I was forced to come back home. In that state of depression, the only way I could help myself out of it was through creating. It made me feel alive.”

Her willingness to work and continue to pursue her passions through the dark times was an inspiration not only to herself but to those around her. Stephens pushed for opportunities - a drive which continues to be important.

“As I was doing all these things for myself, I could not land a 9-5 in a creative sector. Nobody wanted me. I have received so many "thank you for applying" or "thank you for your interest" emails that I don't even bother to open them,” Stephens said. “As frustrating as that has been, I've had to learn that (1) my value isn't determined on what I do for a 9-5 and (2) the opportunities are not going to be handed to me. I have to break those doors down and create opportunities for myself.”

On of those opportunities materialized at Scope Screenings, when she attended with her friend Tierra Frost. At the event, Converge Media Founder Omari Salisbury spoke and screened a tribute to his father. Stephens, who had previously worked with Converge on a shoot in Tacoma, approached Salisbury and inquired about working with Converge. Now, Stephens is a presence on the Converge lineup who’s work boldly tells the stories of our community around the Puget Sound area, including covering the NHL’s Legacy Classic event in Tacoma during the Winter Classic festivities. Her piece aired on Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle and can be seen below. Stephens also took photos at a Kraken game at Climate Pledge Arena, which can be viewed below.

“Someone once told me, you're going to keep hearing "No's" when people don't see your vision. But the more you work it and make it known, they're going to slowly fall inline once they do,” Stephens said. “I am etching out my vision and running it up as best as possible. I have been walking through life saying, "all they can do is tell me no." I've heard it before. And inaction is the same as a "no". I'm just doing it like I'm Nike.”

For Stephens, her work is about more than just storytelling. She aims to challenge the status quo and build a collective history, showing the world the beauty of the culture and the history around us. One way she’s done that is by highlighting the importance of self-care through a piece she produced with Tierra Frost titled “A Note To Self” for Back2Besa, which airs on FOX 13 Seattle.

“I need to show these young kids that we are so much greater than what social media is pushing onto us. Rooted in history, I want to disrupt everything that Black People have been characterized to be and live,” Stephens said. “I want to show kids the things they can obtain. Not everything is perfect, but we make it work. There is beauty in Black People, our experiences, and our differences.”

Stephens also has a series of interviews highlighting Black business owners in Tacoma called The Rundown, for which she recently received a grant from the city to create a second season. You can check that out here.

Stephens is active on Instagram at @Cydney.Stephens, and posts her work to her website cydneystephens.com.

Make sure to stay tuned for more great work from Stephens across our platforms.

Photos by Cydney Stephens