Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Hathaway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I love this question. To give some perspective, I started working as a bank teller fresh out of high school in 2005 and quickly worked my way up to management. I maintained my management position for ten years before experiencing corporate burnout. I am sure some of you can relate. I knew there was more to life than sitting behind a computer screen and I knew my creative abilities exceeded my ability to run a bank. While I loved my clients and team, I knew it was time to make a change for the sake of my mental and physical well-being. I had nothing lined up. I was scared- but I knew if I didn’t take the leap when I did, I never would. I took a few months off to reassess. I realized I didn’t want to work for someone other than myself and I wanted the freedom to make my own schedule so I could create a healthy work life balance. I came up with a business plan, picked up my camera and got to work immediately in my community. I hit the ground running and slowly started to build my business. It was hard and it still is. I am constantly second guessing myself, wondering if I made the right decision. Photographers are a dime a dozen and it can be so hard to stay relevant in such an evolving community or artist. Do I wish I would have done it sooner? Sure. But realistically, I don’t think I would have acquired the skills I learned from my previous management role that are pivotal in my current business journey. At thirty five years old, I was given the opportunity to start over to fulfill a passion and pursue my art. Long story short – I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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

Photography has always been my passion. I know this sounds super cliche, but I love that a photograph can tell a story. I was fascinated at an early age with film and over time watching the camera evolve to digital. I specialize in editorial photography. I work as an editor for a local magazine and I do a majority of the imagery for the publication as well. I work closely with local business owners, models, social media influencers, etc. I am true to my craft and I am not afraid to push the envelope with my imagery. I am really specific with my vision to my clients. It’s important to me to understand my clients needs and bring my our vision to life cohesively. I am proud of the fact that I have built a local network in my community and leveraged the contacts I have had from my previous corporate life. I truly care about my clients and it’s important to me to do a good job.

This fall, I will be opening my own studio in the West Valley of Phoenix. It will be a space for all creatives to come together and showcase their talent. The studio will be an elevated full service experience, offering hourly/daily rentals for creatives to host podcasts or to utilize our photo backdrops and high end lighting equipment for a stunning professional photoshoot. We will also be offering exotic car rentals for shoots. I can’t share any more than that for now, but please be sure to follow me on social media for more information.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I mentioned before that I managed a bank in the same community that I have lived for the past 15 years. Over this time, I have met so many people of influence. While working in my corporate job, I was expected to be the face of the bank. I was constantly out in the community, networking and giving back. I quickly developed a reputation for being there when I said I would. I followed up with people when I said I would. I showed up when I said I would, because that helped others build trust in me. In return, I saw the effects those actions had when people came back to me for return business, sometimes years later. It sounds so simple, but showing an interest in helping others means something to them. I believe it is such a rare trait to find in todays world.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I had no interest in attending college because I had no idea what I wanted to do at seventeen and I certainly didn’t want to make student loan payments for the rest of my life. Instead, I joined the work force after graduating high school. I worked tirelessly to save enough money to purchase my first home at the age of 22 when home prices were low. Years later, I sold that home and used some of the proceeds to start my new venture. Real Estate was always something that interested me and I found it to be the most lucrative investment source. I know the economy is tough right now, but it’s never too late to start saving to pursue your dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyhathawayphotography.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: @ashaz.photo
• Facebook: Ashley Hathaway
• Linkedin: Ashley Hathaway

Image Credits

All photos copyright of Ashley Hathaway Photography.