We recently connected with Andria Edlund and have shared our conversation below.

Andria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you think about spending on things like coffee when times are tough?

When times are lean it can feel really hard to want to spend money on anything. One of the things I prioritize during rough times is marketing. I feel like the instinct is to tighten the belt, however marketing is something I choose to invest in when times get harder. I have had super successful marketing seasons and I know when we are having an off season it isn’t because we are doing things differently it is because something has shifted and we get to learn and grow through that.

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

I’m Andria Edlund, the owner and photographer behind Andria Joleen Photography. We’re based in Utah and serve clients across Utah, Colorado, Alaska—and really anywhere your story wants to take us!

I first got into photography like a lot of moms do—taking pictures of my kids. My husband gifted me a nice camera, and not long after, my dad informed me I’d be taking my sister’s senior photos. No pressure, right? I dove into learning the technical side of photography and instantly fell in love. What started as a hobby turned into a calling, and eventually a business I couldn’t imagine life without.

We specialize in weddings and family photography, but if I’m being honest, couples are my favorite. I love getting to tell love stories through images that feel natural, joyful, and deeply personal. My goal isn’t just to give you pretty pictures—it’s to create an experience that feels easy, fun, and like you. I want every client to walk away thinking, “That was actually so fun… and wow, we look amazing!”

What sets us apart is how much we prepare our clients to enjoy the process. From detailed session guides to location suggestions and timeline planning, I take care of the details so you can just show up, be in love, and have a great time. I believe the best photos happen when you feel relaxed, confident, and seen—and that’s what I build into every experience.

My business is deeply shaped by my belief in the importance of little moments. I’m always watching for the in-between—the hand squeeze during a first dance, the tears grandma didn’t expect to cry, the wild laugh between poses. Those are the photos that carry weight years down the road.

One of my favorite stories happened at the Bonneville Salt Flats. We were doing a couples session when the groom-to-be secretly messaged me asking if he could propose at the end. She had no idea. When he dropped to one knee, her face lit up in the most beautiful mix of shock and joy. It was raw, real, unforgettable—and getting to capture that moment? That’s exactly why I do what I do.

I’m also really proud of what I’ve built as someone with ADHD. Running a business hasn’t always come naturally to me, but I’ve stuck with it, grown through the hard parts, and learned to structure things in a way that works for me and my clients. It’s been the kind of education no one can teach you—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

At the end of the day, I want people to know this: your story matters. Getting your photos taken isn’t about perfection. It’s about preserving the parts of your life that are too precious to forget. I’m just lucky enough to be the one who gets to help you do that.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I had no idea what I was stepping into when I picked up my first “real” camera. I loved photographing my kids and jumped at the chance to take my sister’s senior portraits when my dad asked. That led to classes, courses, and a deep love for the craft of photography. But I was not prepared for the weight of the business side.

Running a business with ADHD has been one of the most humbling and stretching experiences of my life. It’s not that the creativity was hard—I could grow that skill. It was all the backend: juggling marketing, scheduling, managing files, learning new systems, staying organized, staying consistent. I didn’t realize how many tiny decisions and mental tabs would constantly be open in my head.

I’ve had moments where the overwhelm felt paralyzing—where I honestly wondered if I was cut out for this. But what I’m most proud of is that I didn’t quit. Every time I hit that wall, I’ve found a way forward—usually by giving myself permission to ask for help or outsource something. It took me a while to learn that I don’t have to do it all to be a good business owner. I just have to keep showing up, learning, and serving well.

One moment that stands out was after I had outsourced a few pieces of my workflow that were really draining me. I remember finishing a session, uploading the images, and realizing I actually felt excited to edit and deliver them again. That spark had been missing for a while. Outsourcing didn’t mean I failed—it meant I finally gave myself the tools to stay in this for the long haul.

And that’s the goal: to build something sustainable, not just impressive. To stay present with my clients and tell their stories in a way that matters—even if the behind-the-scenes of business ownership is a little messy sometimes.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m a lifelong learner through and through—so it’s hard to pick just one resource. But a few have really shaped the way I think about running a business and showing up for my people.

For the business side, Building a StoryBrand completely changed how I talk about what I do. Before reading it, I thought sharing my work was mostly about showing pretty photos. But that book helped me realize I needed to make my clients the center of the story—and that my job was to guide them through an experience where they felt confident, cared for, and seen. That shift helped me get out of my own head and focus more on service, which honestly made marketing feel a whole lot less intimidating.

I also love the Enneagram and the book The Road Back to You. It helped me understand myself better—especially when it comes to the mental clutter I often feel as a business owner with ADHD. The Enneagram gave language to some of my patterns, like the way I tend to push hard or get scattered when things feel uncertain. It reminded me that I don’t have to do business like anyone else—I get to build something that works with how I’m wired, not against it.

As for podcasts, The Jasmine Star Show has been a go-to. I like how practical it is, but also how much permission it gives to show up as a real person behind the brand. I learn best when I can hear someone explain something and see how it works in real life—so video courses and podcasts have been huge for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andriajoleen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andriajoleenphotography

Image Credits

Andria Joleen Photography