We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Farley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alexis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
From the moment I learned how to handle a camera in high school, I was hooked. Photography became more than just a hobby; it was my passion, my calling. After graduating, I found myself working in fast food, but deep down, I knew that wasn’t where I belonged.
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and obtained my business license, determined to turn my passion into a profession. It was a daunting journey at first, filled with uncertainties and challenges, but I was fueled by my love for photography and the desire to make it my full-time career.
Over the next four years, I poured my heart and soul into building my photography business. With each photoshoot , I honed my skills, refining my craft and developing a unique style that set me apart. Clients began to take notice, drawn to my creative direction and innovative projects.
Through hard work and dedication, I gradually built a loyal clientele, each project fueling my passion even more. Whether it was capturing the intimate moments of a wedding or bringing a brand’s story to life through imagery, I approached each opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism.
Now, as I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but feel proud of how far I’ve come. From fast food worker to full-time photographer, I’ve turned my dreams into reality. With my camera in hand and creativity as my guide, the future is bright, and the possibilities are endless.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Starting my journey in high school, photography became my passion and later evolved into my profession. Today, I provide a range of services, including portrait photography, food photography, graphic design, and web design.
What sets me apart is my commitment to bringing my clients’ creative visions to life. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a person in a portrait, showcasing the beauty of culinary creations, or crafting visually stunning graphics and websites, I thrive on turning ideas into reality.
I take immense pride in being a full-time photographer and the success I’ve achieved within my community. Potential clients should know that professionalism is at the core of everything I do. I believe in letting my work speak for itself, and our motto, the Devine Experience, reflects our dedication to providing clients with an exceptional journey from start to finish.
We go above and beyond by offering makeup services with our packages, ensuring that every detail is perfect. Our commitment to creative direction and posing helps clients feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
One aspect that truly sets us apart is our hands-on approach to creating unique experiences. We DIY props by hand, from life-size Barbie boxes to huge shape cutouts, adding an extra touch of creativity to each shoot. We’re especially renowned for our birthday photoshoots and special edits, which have become a signature of our brand.
In summary, I am deeply passionate about what I do, and I take pride in providing clients with an unforgettable experience that exceeds their expectations. From capturing moments to creating lasting memories, I’m dedicated to making every project a success.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative is the ability to express oneself authentically and connect with others on a deep emotional level. Creating something from nothing, allows artists to tap into their innermost thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and share them with the world.
Additionally, the creative process itself can be incredibly fulfilling. The act of bringing an idea to life, overcoming challenges, experimenting with different techniques, and seeing a project through to completion can be deeply satisfying and fulfilling.
Ultimately, being an artist or creative allows individuals to express their unique perspective, connect with others, and make a meaningful impact, which can be incredibly rewarding on both a personal and professional level.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Once upon a time, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with unwavering passion and determination. Armed with my creative talents and a drive to succeed, I eagerly launched my photography business, eager to share my vision with the world.
In the beginning, things seemed promising. Clients were drawn to my unique style and personalized approach, and business was booming. However, as time went on, I began to notice a troubling trend. Despite the quality of my work and the value I provided, some clients seemed more interested in bargaining for cheaper services than acknowledging my worth as a young entrepreneur.
At first, I tried to accommodate these requests, hoping that compromising on price would lead to long-term relationships and referrals. But as the pattern continued, I realized that I was undervaluing myself and the quality of my work. I was sacrificing my worth in exchange for fleeting opportunities, and it was taking a toll on both my business and my morale.
Determined to take control of my destiny, I made the difficult decision to pivot my business strategy. Instead of catering to clients seeking cheap services, I focused on attracting those who valued quality, creativity, and professionalism. I revamped my branding, emphasizing the unique experience and expertise I brought to the table.
As I shifted my focus, I encountered new challenges and uncertainties. But with perseverance and a renewed sense of purpose, I began to attract a clientele who appreciated my worth and were willing to invest in my services. These clients not only recognized the value of my work but also respected me as a young entrepreneur striving to make a name for myself in a competitive industry.
Through this experience, I learned an invaluable lesson: that my worth as an entrepreneur should never be compromised for the sake of appeasing others. By staying true to myself and my values, I was able to pivot my business in a direction that honored my worth and allowed me to thrive. And as I continued on my journey, I did so with the confidence and determination to never settle for anything less than what I deserved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devinestudiosphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/devinestudios_photography?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexis.d.farley?mibextid=LQQJ4d