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About Me
My name is Molly! I am the least graceful person you will meet, I fall and trip over anything and everything! I over-use the smiley face in everything I type! Both my mother and my boyfriend tell me that I can not cut lettuce the "right" way (is there is RIGHT way?!?!) I love kid's cereal and I have an amazing boyfriend, and an amazing family! I live in a small town in Mid-Michigan. I grew up wanting to be a teacher, and while I did attempt it for a short while, It wasn't something that I was passionate about. I ended up being in college for about 10 years off and on, and ended up with a degree in creative writing! I am so blessed to be doing what I do for a living, and I love that I can be one of the fortunate people that can actually say that they LOVE their job :)
What sticks out about starting your own business
I could have never guessed that this is what I would be doing with my life! I've always lived for photographs, I've had a thing for snapping photos, but nothing beyond that. My boyfriend bought me a Nikon D60 for Christmas of 2008 and it stressed me out because I had NO clue how to use it. It pretty much sat on the shelf because I was scared to death of it! I figured that he spent enough money on it, that I should probably learn how to use it. I took a class, and had weekly assignments. I would post those photos to facebook, and batta-bang, batta-boom...that's how this whole crazy ride started! I love my business and put way too much of myself into it. I breathe this! I'm not sure anyone truly understands how much work goes into this, unless you are a photographer yourself! But I really wouldn't have it any other way ;) <----see...I told ya...smileys!
Time management, how do you do it?!
AHHHH! I don't! That is something that I try SO hard at. It's so hard when you work from home because there are no boundaries. Now, I don't have kids or anything to worry about, and I'm pretty sure if I didn't have a boyfriend, I would work on this from 8am until 5am everyday. I go sometimes without eating if I see a light at the end of a tunnel! I'm usually pretty good at getting sessions out quickly, but weddings are a whole new ballgame! I spend weeks editing!
What do you do when you have free time?
I love to run. Well, let me re-phrase. I'm not sure I love it, but it does help keep me in shape. I usually run lots of 5k and 10k races through out the year, and I run about 3 half marathons each year. This January, I'm thinking I am going to attempt my first full marathon! Other than that, my boyfriend and I love to travel, love to go to Detroit Pistons and Tigers games, and I absolutely LOVE laughing with my cousins!
When did you start your business?
Officially in March 2010. Unofficially August 2009.
Advice for other women in the business?
Network and support! I know when I started, I had so many questions and really had to figure things out for myself. I still think I take the long way around for things like editing and just general bookkeeping, because I don't know any better. Anyone who has ever asked me a question will let you know that I will spill my guts. I will tell you anything and everything I can to help you out. I absolutely adore Jasmine Star (Who doesn't right?!) But I totally agree with her philosophy of sharing her guts with the world, and then telling you "hey...this isn't the right answer, but it worked for me." That really inspired me to come out of my shell and, while I don't have the right answers all the time, I'm totally willing to share what I know. I'm not one of those photographers who keeps locations and secrets to myself. I will even share with people in my area. Everyone has a certain style, and I think if you are secure enough in your photos and who you are as a photographer, you will get business either way. So share on! Host workshops, teach others what you know! It's a wonderful feeling!
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Eeek! I'm a total twist girl!
Thank you so much Molly for taking the time to work with me on my {Women in Business Series}! I really enjoyed learning more about you and I am sure your fans will as well!
xox
Sharon
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