Rubies & Potters – Dr. Shawn

Meet Dr. Shawn, our very first Rubies & Potters guest on FamilyRubies.

Rubies & Potters is a section on our blog where we bring to you great minds doing great things!

We’re taking this time out to celebrate them and showcase them to the world in our own beautiful way.

So join this train, and let’s do this together…..

Good day Dr. Shawn…

Where are you originally from? (Country/State)
Originally, I’m from Atlanta, USA…lol (just kidding). Kogi is my state of origin, Nigeria, of course.

What is your Religion/Faith/Belief?
Christian. I believe in Christ, that He came to reset us to our default origin through the expression of God’s great love for us.

When is your birthday?
August 4th. Same as Obama and other great men.

Which school(s) did you attend?
A graduate/alumni of University of Ilorin.

What course did you study?
Went through 9 years of rigorous medical school where I learnt something about medicine and surgery.

What do you do for a living?
I practice in the field of public health, helping Nigeria to fight a good fight against HIV, tuberculosis, Malaria and other issues that affect public health.
I also run a photography studio, Cognito Studios and Imagery Ltd, located in Abuja, where I and my talented team work to provide clients with premium photography services. My work is featured on our website: http://cognitostudiosphotography.com Blog: http://cognitostudios.blogspot.com & http://true2society.blogspot.com Instagram page: @cognitostudiosphotography and portfolio site: http://500px.com/CognitoStudios

Can you tell us your favorite life quote(s)?
“Attract what you EXPECT; Become what you RESPECT”

What about your favorite business quote(s)?
“You can’t have a million-dollar dream, with a minimum wage work ethic”

Dr., what advice do you have for intending Medical doctors?
If you are yet to get into the program, don’t rush. Be sure it’s medicine you want to do. If you are in already, don’t spend one second longer in med school; do your due diligence. And have an open mind. Develop your creativity. Learn about yourself.

What advice do you have for intending professional photographers?
Learn. Practice. Learn. Practice. Expose yourself to the work of others. Find a mentor or two. And then go learn some more and practice some more.

What advice do you have for intending bloggers or bloggers?
Frankly, I don’t feel qualified to give any blogging advice. I’m very much an amateur. (We laugh…????)

What advice do you have for those planning to start off a business of their own?
Develop a vision around your business idea. And make sure it is a business you are passionate about.

What advice do you have for those who wish to combine various business/activities with their regular profession?
Wow. Not a cross that is easy to carry. Passion is key. Passion is what has helped me get to where I am today. Other qualities you need are a good work ethic, loads of creativity and flexibility. And a good belief in yourself and your abilities.

How benefiting or fulfilling has this journey been for you?
I’m still on the journey…Fulfillment comes whenever I achieve an objective, create a work of art, make a life better, teach someone something new, be an example and gain a deeper understanding of the truth

Please share one memorable event/episode as a doctor with us…
I was on call one night. They brought in a woman with a complicated pregnancy who had bled excessively and was at the point of death. Luckily my blood type and hers matched. I donated a pint or two. I left to attend to other patients and then went to get some sleep. When I woke and went to check on the woman, she looked up at me weakly and whispered “thank you doctor”. One of the best moments of my life.

Can you tell us about one memorable event as a photographer?
Every event is memorable. But I guess one that always makes me smile is remembering the first wedding I covered. I was a novice, didn’t know my left from right but I had loads of courage, a keen spirit of adventure and a strong belief in myself. I laugh thinking about how I fumbled around trying to get good pictures.

What has been your greatest challenge so far and how did you conquer or how are you managing it?
My greatest challenge has been learning about and managing myself. I am still a work in progress. There are things about me I wish I went to school to learn about. Another challenging thing is learning to cope with aspects of life that just happen on you and you can do nothing about.

What can you say about the “media & photography industry” in Nigeria?
Emerging. The best is yet to come. There are amazing talents out there. Truly amazing. Every time you think you have arrived, someone shows up and shuts the gate. ????????

Which would you say is your “favorite shot” ever taken and why?
There are a lot of my favorite shots on my Instagram page @cognitostudiosphotography and on our website: http://cognitostudiosphotography.com

How has your “faith” impacted your work/success?
God is the source of every good gift. Getting to know Him only makes you better at what you do and helps you cope with the challenges

Doctor, are you married? *all ears opened* All them ladies are waiting to know(LOL!)
Happily, yes with two kids. 🙂    ………………………………………..

What impact have your kid(s) had on your marriage/profession and business?
I am naturally a risk-taker, adventurous, driven. Having kids has not changed that but has made me more calculated, restrained and results-driven. I think about their future and make decisions that will ensure they get the best of life.

Dr. Shawn, so now we know you are a Medical Doctor, you run several blogs, are a professional photographer, a wonderful husband and a caring father!! #Amazing Please how do you do these things…?
I can’t really say until maybe 20 years from now when I start writing my autobiography. However, I’ve got to say that it has been grace. Divine enablement. Some force of good that has kept me above the waves of life that often threaten to drown you. I love what I do. I guess that also counts. I love beauty. There is a lot of ugliness in life but I see the beauty in everything I do and in the people and relationships in my life. I try to focus on that all the time.

Wow! It’s been an inspiring session with our Doctor/Photographer honorable guest, Dr.Shawn.

We wish you a prosperous career ahead as you conquer more grounds.

Thank you!

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Enjoy some pictures from Cognito studios…

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