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

Hi Nina , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

The greatest thing I do for all of my clients is to show them how truly magnificent they are in their image. We all have insecurities. It’s such an annoying thing to have but it’s how we see ourselves and most of the time it’s negative. I have the pleasure of possibly changing that view and opening their eyes to the truth which is your undeniably beautifully and wonderfully made! I do that by learning each client personally and I create a custom way to photograph each person that shows their true self.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, I started Nina Dior Photography 7 years ago which is when I started my Photography career. Everyone always asks me how I came up with the name so here it is, I love fashion so Dior is my favorite high fashion brand and Nina Simone is an Icon I also love so I put the two together and there you have it.

I moved to Texas in 2015 with only what I could fit in my car. I had no idea what I was coming out here to do but I felt like there was opportunity for something here. I struggled that first year pretty tough. I sold cable door to door, I sold credit card machines, I jumped into event planning, planned a few weddings, I learned my work ethic was strong and I was relentless. A friend I worked with was into Photography, she showed me a few things and it sparked an entire fire in me. I threw myself into it, I learned as I went and shot a lot for free. Paying dues is inevitable in entrepreneurship by the way. It’s how you learn.

I started photographing kids first, I have a special love for the little people! I then moved into fashion shows and events, Dallas Cowboys games and eased into working with models and creating portraits. I learned so much working in all of those genres and I’m extremely proud of the knowledge I’ve gained. Now 7 years later, anyone I’ve worked with knows its going to be an experience, I don’t shoot without music and crazy good energy. It has to be fun, even when it’s serious we’re laughing. Because it feels good to feel good.. I adore being a Photographer. I want my followers and potential clients to know they are going to get the best when you work with Nina Dior Photography. And unlike other Photographers, I return my images to you in 48 Hours after our session!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One thing I had to unlearn is the fact I have to work a 9-5. I had no idea I could ever be an Entrepreneur. My generation was taught to get a 9-5 and work 40 hours a week if you want a good future. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but some of us are “go against the grain” type of people, I know I am. I wanted to be in control of my own business. Probably the scariest and most difficult thing I’ve tried in my life. I’ve given birth to two boys and even that was easier than this! I tried different businesses, Event Planning, a clothing brand, Photography and two out of those 3 didn’t work out but I’ve learned quitting can not and is not an option. Becoming and Entrepreneur has rebuilt me. I still hustle but now it’s a coordinated and focused hustle.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my work ethic and how I present myself helps build my reputation. The world is so crazy now, all I want to do is be a light in it. If we are lucky enough to be in each others space, I want your interaction with me to be one you remember positively. I want you to leave feeling amazing and happy. Not only do I want my clients experience with me to be amazing but I also want the service to be in line with the experience, so amazing images is and always will be the very best!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.NinaDior.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina.dior.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latanya.simmons.1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-simmons-4a8098149/

Image Credits
Models: Nichole’ Luke, Jenny B., Jackie Fernandez, John Wilform III, Roketa Raiford, Maxx Payne Designers: BQueen Boutique, Tempting Love Make Up Artist: MakeUp By Maxx