Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Jourdonnais. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Owning my own business is, without a doubt, the most fulfilling and rewarding endeavor I could imagine. The excitement of building it from the ground up is undeniable, even though I occasionally find myself succumbing to the notion that I may be lagging behind other photographers. However, I’ve grown to believe that what’s meant for me will come in due time.
I genuinely feel that I am precisely where I should be. After recently relocating my business across the country, there were moments when I contemplated taking on a “regular job” to make ends meet. Instead, I channeled that energy into implementing new software, refining my marketing strategies, and acquiring new skills that would propel me in the right direction. Embracing these novel and uncomfortable tasks has resulted in significant personal and business growth.
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?
I am a passionate wedding photographer, splitting my time between the picturesque landscapes of Montana in the summers and the sun-kissed shores of Florida in the winters. My photography style is defined by its authenticity, capturing moments filled with genuine emotion and sincerity. Employing a blend of documentary techniques and editorial aesthetics, I craft imagery that tells a story and evokes a sense of timeless elegance.
In my practice, I place utmost importance on communication, ensuring that every client feels heard and understood. Creating an exceptional client experience is not just a goal but a commitment, and I take great pride in advocating for each client’s unique desires and personalities. Whether it’s capturing intimate moments between couples or coordinating with vendors, I approach every aspect of my work with unwavering dedication and wholehearted enthusiasm.
Above all, I see my work as more than just a profession—it’s a calling to love and serve others through the art of photography. Every day, I am honored to use my craft to celebrate love, create cherished memories, and spread joy to those I have the privilege of working with.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
When my little side hustle bloomed into my full-time gig back in 2020, it felt like a real turning point for me. That’s when I decided to take the leap and hire my very first business coach. Honestly, I hadn’t even realized how much my own mindset was holding me back. I’ve always been a pretty down-to-earth person, never really one to delve into all that mindset stuff. But working with my coach opened my eyes in ways I never expected. It’s true what they say—you don’t know what you don’t know.
Through our sessions, I learned to see every stumbling block as a chance to learn and grow. It’s been a game-changer for me. Now, I approach challenges with a different perspective, seeing them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. I’ve come to believe that everything that comes my way, whether it’s what I wanted or not, is ultimately meant to help me along my journey.
Letting go of the need to control every outcome has been freeing. It’s allowed me to trust in the process and accept that some things are just out of my hands. When things don’t go as planned, I’ve learned not to beat myself up about it. Instead, I see it as a sign that something better is on the horizon. It’s like they say, “rejection is protection.” This shift in mindset has given me a newfound sense of peace and confidence as I navigate the ups and downs of my career journey.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I’ve found that kindness is the most powerful strategy in building my business. It’s all about shifting away from the mindset of constant competition and instead focusing on genuinely serving my clients. There’s real magic in letting go of control and simply striving to provide exceptional service.
The true testament to success, in my experience, is the glowing praise from past clients. Word of mouth has been an absolute game-changer for me, propelling my business to new heights. I’ve learned to approach every shoot, every wedding, with the same level of care and intentionality that one would bring to a celebrity event. It’s about treating each moment as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (because it is) ensuring that every client feels valued and cherished.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleyj.photo
- Instagram: @ashley.j.photo