Daily Inspiration: Meet Daniel Gilmore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Gilmore. 

Hi Daniel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in St. Louis, Mo. I was born to my parents Anthony Gilmore and Danele Mosby. I have 5 siblings. I went to Lutheran North High School where I participated in numerous clubs and ministries. Actually, in 2015 my best friend (Clifton Kinnie) and I were featured in the MTV Magazine “Kids of Ferguson Rise Up”. We helped numerous businesses in Ferguson, MO raise money to save their business during the Ferguson Protest. After that, I attended the University of Central Missouri, and unfortunately, I haven’t graduated yet. I started there in 2015 pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. From the University of Missouri, I moved to Kansas City, MO where I am now because I have found out I’d had been privileged to be expecting twin boys. Their names are Aiden and Jaiden and they are now 20 months old. I love them to Death!! Being in Kansas City has been a unique experience, not knowing many people here has led me to a lot of moments by myself but I believe those moments helped me carve out who I really am with God.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road for me has been far from smooth but I wouldn’t trade a moment. I lost my grandmother at 3 years old and I sadly watched her die in front of me in her bathroom. After learning about having twin boys, I was both excited and depressed. Excited to bring life into the world and because both of my parents were pastors, I worried about how my church family shames me. Unfortunately, I watched people who were so supportive of me just look at me with disappointment. That disappointment led me down a road of depression which eventually turned into Post-Partum Depression. It was something I initially didn’t even believe Fathers could get. So, there I was I hadn’t graduated even after 4 years of school, embarrassed because of other people’s disappointment and lost and confused not knowing how to truly be a Good Father. Fast forward to know where I went to counseling, I have turned out to be a Great Father and I want to prove to people that even without a degree your dreams are still possible. That even life didn’t go perfectly planned that you could make beauty out of it, that God can make beauty out of it. I learned that just because people were disappointed with me or their opinions changed, that God never stopped loving me. In fact, I had come to know he loved me more. That no matter what condition I thought I was in he saw fit to use me and say “You’re SO Much More my son”. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Since then, I have started my own Marketing Agency/Photography business that helps Startup Businesses and Churches while also helping struggling businesses who can’t afford help. My heart has always been towards helping those who couldn’t help themselves. I know the feeling of having a great idea that could help so many people but not having the funds or “know how to do” it. I have been a Professional Photographer/Graphic Designer for 5 years now. I LOVE taking Maternity and Graduation Pictures they’re my favorite! I’m known for having a dramatic style because of my background in Fashion. My goal is to leave clients with an experience they will never forget, where they can look back on days where they are down and look back at our session and be reminded, I’m that pretty, or I’m that handsome. I have also always believed that anyone could be a business owner. My passion is helping other people bring their dreams to life. My goal is to transition my Marketing Firm to a Non-Profit and give out numerous grants and resources. To provide spaces for Entrepreneurs to set up shop and take clients in. To start after-school programs in the inner city where kids can be Bussed over to learn skills such as Coding, Graphic Design, and Photography. I believe what sets me apart is my heart for others. I truly believe I was put here to make people’s hearts smile. I can’t wait for my two boys to start working for me. I can’t wait for this to be their first job. 

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I definitely see myself as a risk-taker. Actually, according to my parents, I take too many risks. One of those being my choice to not go back to finish college. There’s nothing wrong with College, I just believe it may not be for me. I may go back to finish one day but it’s not a passion of mines. I think about risk in a much more calculated way since I have children but I’ve always seen myself as a rule breaker. If the rule doesn’t make sense, I have a hard time adhering to it which can be frustrating for other people at times but it also helps them see a different perspective. 

Pricing:

• $150 (30 Minute Portrait Session)
• $350 ( 1 Hour Portrait Session)
• $650 ( 2 Hour Portrait Session
• Business Startup Package ($2500-$7500)
• Product Photography ($250-$500)

Contact Info:

• Email: chosencreativeconcepts@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.chosencreativeconcepts.com/
• Instagram: @FolarinFresh__
• Facebook: Daniel Gilmore