We were lucky to catch up with Bekah Wriedt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bekah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?
I think vacations are one of the best things a creative or business owner can do for themselves, for their business, and for their friends, families, and clients. Taking space away from the hustle rejuvenates the soul, and sparks fresh vision. Without being refreshed and re-inspired, burnout is inevitable. In my opinion, burnout is much harder to recover from and takes more away from a creative than a couple weeks away from work.
I love taking time away from my business as some of my favorite ideas and re-energized passion have come from these moments. In November I took the month off and solo traveled Europe. This time was truly one of the most pivotal times in my personal life and business life. It was a time of refreshment for my soul that allowed me to come back and create from a space of abundance and inspiration instead of just trying to hustle and create work that drained my soul.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a fashion, lifestyle photographer based in Chicago. I love creating high-quality photos alongside global non-profits, entrepreneurs, and fashion designers where there is consistently a vision of what can be! These movements empower people and communicate with passion.
As someone who is motivated by vision and purpose, it is my greatest joy to create for brands that see the world beyond what it is, and create the world as it could be! They impact people and the planet with a purpose greater than themselves through beauty and intention.
Storytelling has always been part of my life.
As a first-generation German-American, I’m consistently inspired by the wealth of stories and beauty exploding from my Opa’s film photos.
These images make me fall in love with the simple beauty that clothing and texture adds to stories.
These images inspire me to care for and celebrate our environment.
These images teach me to see the world from different perspectives, and empower people.
These images sit above my desk reminding me of where I’ve come from and where I’m going.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I started getting into photography when I was a little kid by using my parent’s camera. But as I grew up and learned more, I spent my freshman year of high school saving up for my very first camera, a rebel t3i! From there, things grew organically! I started off shooting seniors, families, and assisting a lot of photographers. As my business grew, so did my gear! I love looking back at the journey it has been, because it has been so sweet to see the growth and progression!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Garden City by John Mark Comer: This book helped me see photography as a way to bring beauty and healing into the world!
Used Book Stores : I love wandering through book stores, flipping through everything. I always come out feel inspired and excited to create! Reading things about creativity and also about every other topic helps to expand my perspective.
French Vogue: Subscribing to fashion magazines outside the US keeps me updated on global trends and ideas!
Anything You Want: This book on the mindset of being an entrepreneur introduced a practical and helpful mindset about starting a business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bekahwriedt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekahwriedt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekah-wriedt-269600141/
- Other: Email: [email protected]
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