A Conversation with Photographer & Author Adam Eaton

Art doesn’t live in a vacuum. It shapes identity, strengthens communities, and fuels entrepreneurship. In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of creativity and leadership with Adam Eaton, Rochester-based photographer, artist, and author of the book Black Is Beautiful.

Adam’s work captures more than images; it tells stories that invite connection, reflection, and belonging. Through photography and community engagement, he demonstrates how art can be a catalyst for personal growth and social change, particularly within Rochester’s creative landscape.

At a time when artists often struggle for recognition and resources, this conversation highlights why investing in the arts isn’t optional- it’s essential to a thriving community.

Throughout the episode, Adam shares how his creative journey has deepened his connection to Rochester and the people who call it home. His book, Black Is Beautiful, celebrates identity while creating space for dialogue, representation, and pride.

Art, as Adam explains, has the unique ability to:

1. Foster emotional healing
2. Strengthen community bonds
3. Elevate voices that deserve to be seen and heard

His story is a reminder that creativity isn’t just expression, it’s advocacy.

Hosts Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras expand the conversation to include the realities of entrepreneurship in 2026. From managing teams to navigating personal challenges- including recovery from surgery- they speak openly about what it takes to keep a business moving forward while honoring personal well-being.

Key insights include:

1. Why no business owner succeeds alone
2. How vulnerability builds trust and resilience
3. The importance of leaning on your team during hard seasons

This candid perspective reframes leadership as a shared experience, not a solo act.

A central theme of this episode is the urgent need for increased funding and support for the arts in Rochester. Creative organizations don’t just enrich culture, they:

1. Drive local economies
2. Support mental and emotional well-being
3. Create inclusive spaces for storytelling and learning

When communities invest in the arts, everyone benefits.

1. Art is a powerful tool for identity, healing, and social impact
2. Community support is essential for entrepreneurs and creatives
3. Vulnerability can be a leadership strength
4. Investing in the arts strengthens both people and businesses
5. Creativity fuels personal growth and collective...