We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Cader. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

When I started my company A Joyful Rose, part of my vision was to be able to photograph children of all abilities. I want to show the beauty we all have. I also love to give back, and I am always up for an event where I give my time and/or some proceeds to a cause or specific organization.

Ashley , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

have always been passionate about photography and took classes throughout high school and college. I never thought I wasn’t “good enough” and always said I would be a photographer in my next life. I entered the teaching world and worked with kids ranging in age from 6 months – 10 years old. I then became a director. Upon having children, I knew I wanted to be present for them but also fulfill myself and make some income. Photography became that connection between my past life as a student and teacher into my present life as a mom.

I love having fun and being silly with the kids I photograph. I love challenging myself and being creative in new ways.

My motto is, “let’s try it. If it doesn’t work oh well.” Some of my favorite photos from my portfolio are the ones I was unsure would work.

I am also all about capturing a moment, emotion, or feeling and my goal is for you to view the image again and feel those same feelings and have the memories of that exact moment.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before kids I had a career as a teacher and school director. Upon having children, I knew I didn’t want to go back to work full-time and miss out on key milestones, everyday activities, and being present for them. A friend of mine recommended I pick up my camera again and see if I still had my photography skills from my high school and college days. I posted on a local Facebook group that I was offering free photo sessions to locals.

The first photo session I did was a family of three. It was so much fun and I realize afterwards it was the first time in over 4 years I truly felt like myself and in my element.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Part of what sets me a part from other photographers is the interactions you will have with me. For me, I believe the end result of a photo gallery needs to be professional and gorgeous, but I also think it is the experience as a whole/ What I mean by this is simple, if the 5 year old is hungry and doesn’t want to pose for a family picture, then we take a break and get a snack. Or if the 2 year old wants to run around and won’t sit still, let’s make it work! I am all about connecting with the people I photograph, making them fee comfortable, and having fun!

In this regard, I think doing event where families saw me interact helped them se my personality and want to work with me. Yes, I want you to love the final result images as well, so of course you need to like my style too. But overall, being present and communicating with prospective clients really helped.

Of course, reviews an word of mouth is super helpful too :)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ajoyfulrose.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajoyfulroseac?igsh=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087890752326
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-joyful-rose-huntington-beach?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)