Today we’d like to introduce you to Patience D’Anunciacao.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Lots of circumstances took place, but I guess it all started when I found myself as a new mom not wanting to return to my 8 to 5 desk job. I asked to go part time but it was declined. I desired as much time with my baby as possible while at the same time I know I needed a career to help with daily expenses for my family. I was also dealing with PTSD and felt a desk job mentally wasn’t for me anymore. I contemplated many of my hobbies as a possibility for income with photography being at the top. Always a happy moment when a cameras in my hand, so why not start there. During this road to self discovery I fell upon a few inserpational people around me who fearlessly went after their dreams. I had to dig deep to find the confidence and made the decision to go after mine. Extremely difficult being postpartum and putting yourself out there. I am naturally very shy and I tend to keep to myself. I simply wanted to love what I did for work while being home as much as possible. I sat down and created a business plan with steps needed to accomplish my goals. I remember sitting down with my husband and saying “here’s my plan!” Our son was 6 months old at the time so this was a serious and scary conversation. I am not the kind of person that would ever want to burden my family. As he would need to carry the full weight of the household expenses until my business took off. A sacrifice I will never forget. The hardest working person I know! I explained how it might take five years to get to where it’s profitable and provides. He was all for it! I think I cried while smothering him in hugs. I recall his encouraging and positive words that helped me make the jump, He has since given endless support in every way imaginable. I used the first year and half after that conversation offering free sessions for experience. The first official year when I registered with the state I took anything I could. I wanted to see where my passion led me. My friends and family cheered me on and I couldn’t be more grateful! Many of whom were my very first clients and continue to this day to book me for their cherished moments. Over the last few years I focused on improving customer service, editing skills, creating an enjoyable atmosphere no mater where the photoshoot takes place, and finding what I am most passionate for photographing. Every month I have goals I aspire to reach and skills I want to learn. Constantly having something to strive for equals growth, which is greatly needed for success. You never want to become stagnate. Today as a mama of two I find myself truly grateful for where I am and how this small business of mine has supported my family these last two years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a small business owner, a wife, and a mother to small children my struggle was finding balance between the three. I think this is a similar situation for any working parent. I am a 100% all in kind of person. Making sure I give 100% to my boys, 100% to my husband, and 100% to the business has been a rollercoaster at times. It’s been a struggle feeling split and needed in so many ways. Setting boundires on my business has greatly improved this issue. My yes and no are firm. I used to put so much pressure on myself If I didn’t quickly respond to an email or inquiry. I would stress If I had a gallery in queue for more than a week. Just unrealistic expectations I had on myself that were very harmful. Just making a few changes mentally was a challenge for me but was the best thing I ever did. That stress has greatly gone down and the business improved by showing that my time is valuable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Finding my niche and honing that in has been a game changer for me. I do my best to only showcase what I love to capture. As much as I love photographing everything nothing brings out my passion more than making another woman feel incredible, whether that be through boudoir, motherhood, maternity, or welcoming home their new baby. Those type of photoshoots truly resonate with me. I find connection and fulfillment in allowing authentic moments to play out and capturing them on different levels of perspective. From laughter to tears, I strive for all those raw emotions. From there I edit each image in detail by hand, curating a gallery full love, created with love!
Contact Info:
- Website: memorieswithmae@gmail.com
- Instagram: memorieswithmae_photography