Learnings of the Day
written by Audrey Leboutte
Have you ever wondered...
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Should I study or keep learning on my own?
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What kind of resources or experiences should I seek?
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How do I start building a network?
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Which “doors” can I open or create myself?
Read the insights & quotes from Agneskena.
Legitimacy & Self-Doubt
Quotes from Agneskena
“Doubting doesn’t mean something is wrong: it means you’re asking the right questions.”
“It’s healthier to compete with yourself than with others.”
“The bar always moves, so don’t lose yourself.”
Key idea: Doubt is not weakness, it’s part of growth. The real competition is internal, not external.
Community as Strategy
Quotes from Agneskena
“Community is key.”
“I started showing people what I was doing and they reached out to me.”
“Go to people. Show them your work."
“Your vision builds your universe? believe in what you offer.”
Key idea: Visibility grows locally through sharing long before it becomes professional recognition.
Mental Training for Confidence
Quotes from Agneskena
Surround yourself with people who believe in you.”
“Your support group tells you when you’re speaking your truth or from a place of frustration.”
“Be brutally honest with yourself, but gentle too.”
“Don’t be afraid of negative emotions.”
Key idea: Confidence is a practice, not a personality trait. Support, honesty, and emotional literacy build resilience.
Who is Agneskena?
My name is Agneskena, a name I inherited from my maternal grandmother. I grew up surrounded by women; my three sisters, my mother, and my grandmother. This has been a crucial element in the way I move through the world and how I see it. I am proud to carry this heritage into my photographic work. I was born in Belgium, but my roots are in Congo. In my personal projects, I use photography and video to tell stories that are often difficult to express. Most of my inspiration comes from my own experiences as an African woman in a Western society. I depict the versatility of being “Black.” My photography is characterized by warm colours and soft tones. I like to say that this reflects my approach to my craft.