We recently connected with Allie Dykstra and have shared our conversation below.
Allie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
I started my business in 2020 during lockdown at 29 years old.
I had been a photographer since I was a teenager, and back then I knew it was my dream to pursue portrait photography full-time. But the pressure of going to college, getting a good degree & a high-paying “stable” job caused me to put that dream on a shelf during my young-adult years. An annoying voice in my head will pop up every now and then trying to pull me into the “what if’s” of having started my business sooner. For example, “How much more successful could I be right now if I started at 20?”.
But the truth is, I would not have experienced the exponential growth, success, and true alignment within my business had I not gone through the experiences that I had in my twenties. For starters, my degree from Michigan State University secured me a job at Starbucks Headquarters and the opportunity to uproot my life in the Midwest and start fresh in Seattle, Washington. I spent 8 years at a corporate company where I practiced and refined my communication, problem-solving, confidence, and public speaking skills. I spent all of that time getting to know myself and honing in on my personal brand.
I eventually found my way back to photography, and during the lockdowns of 2020 – I was forced to sit with my fears and limiting beliefs around being a business owner. The first few years of my business required a positive mindset and an expansive outlook – which I definitely had to work at.
I see now, that I started this business at the perfect time in my personal journey. I am beyond grateful to be operating my business from a very secure place within myself – I am more confident than ever about what I bring to the table due to the winding road I took to get here. All of my experiences, including the ones that had nothing to do with photography, make me the artist and business owner that I am proud of today.
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?
My name is Allie Dykstra and my business is Alexandrae Photo.
I am a documentary-style wedding & branding photographer based in Seattle, Washington. The ruling intention behind my work is to create a space where you are free to let loose and have a little fun while I capture you in your natural element. A space where we feel called to revel in your rarity and dare to celebrate the striking, inspired, fearless beauty within. My hope is to make people really *see* themselves/their business/their love in my work and celebrate their main-character energy.
I’ve been a photographer since I was 16 years old. I love my craft more than almost anything in this life. I have always been a girl inspired — the music I listen to, the movies I watch, and the art that I consume undoubtedly fuel my vision as a photographer. I live for collaborating with my clients and building on their craziest ideas.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I was starting my business and making the mental transition from working a corporate job to being a full-time business owner, I really had to work on unlearning the “starving artist” trope. The idea that a corporate job is the more sensible, stable choice.
I realized that my narrative around quitting my job to pursue my passions was that it would require a monetary sacrifice. That could not be further from the truth that I see now. In my first year full-time, I matched my starting salary and Starbucks, and in year two, I broke six figures. My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is that I am the one in charge of my growth. I don’t have a manager or company defining my potential – I define my potential.
In reality, having a job does not equal stability. Your fate will always be in the hands of someone else. I much prefer having it in my own hands now :)
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Every choice I’ve made or will make in my business comes from within. I don’t like to get caught up in what others are doing.
I think what’s helped me stand out most as an artist and business owner is that I lean into what excites me, what lights me up. I am not afraid to do things differently or come up with the weird concept because innovation excites me.
I also have an innate professionalism that has come from my years spent working in a corporate office that I think people really appreciate. I know how to communicate with authority and deliver on my promises. I am somebody people feel they can rely on.
And lastly, I put client experience at the top of my priorities. I never want my clients to feel like just another job of mine. True connection requires listening and empathy and I try to approach all of my client connections with intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexandraephoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrae.photo/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandrae.photo
Image Credits
My portrait: Anna Elizabeth Photo All other photos are mine!