We recently connected with Callie Weaks and have shared our conversation below.
Callie, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
For the majority of my life, I have had some very interesting, unique jobs. From being a nanny for the State representative of Texas to managing a Hair salon and getting them to a place of excellence, I have always preferred to not work a regular 9-5. I have, however, worked 9-5 jobs and as much as I loathed them, it taught me how to work with people and always provide value. I think every single person should work in retail or the service industry at some point in their life. I think it’s a humbling experience and teaches us how not to treat people and how to implement positive interactions? in the future jobs
My business provides me with financial freedom and also getting to work on something I’m passionate about.
It’s a wonderful gift to be able to do things in life I love.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Since I was 13, the first time picking up my father’s film slides from the 70’s, I knew I had a gift for photography. It eased my mind, my emotions, and gave me an outlet of complete expression.
My business is set apart down to the first interaction. My goal is to create something meaningful and powerful for each client and make sure they are in the right head space to have a lasting memory that exudes what they were trying to convey when setting up the session. When setting up a session my clients and I will combine ideas to execute beautiful tales and whimsical, cascading backgrounds.
I shoot mostly Natural light and utilize objects for light enhancement, so I have minimal post-processing.
My specialty is Creative Portraits, but I do offer an array of options from Weddings to Promotional photography.
I am proud to provide a safe space for women, the LGBTQ community and walks of life that may feel they are outcasts.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I come from a background of abuse. My ex-husband stole everything possible from me… down to my camera. He made sure to take me as low as possible and take every step so I would be compliant to him and his manipulation. I remember the day I found the strength to leave.
The first photo shoot I took after leaving; ninety-eight pounds, frail with fear and a pile of trauma to work through for my children and myself.
My resilience in life has made my photography business lucrative from day one and since then I have started three businesses and finally all my dreams are coming to fruition. We all have that strength in us. You just have to fight for it and want peace for your future.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I had my photography in place as extra income as I was working other jobs to support my children.
All my businesses have been incredibly lucrative and supported me financially in ways I never thought possible.
At this point in my life, I am a successful Real Estate Advisor, Owner of a cleaning business, Beef Jerky business and 2 Photography businesses.
It’s very hard to juggle it all as a single mother but my children see what determination and drive do for your future and no dream is out of reach,
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thistleandlilac.com
- Instagram: thistleandlilac_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thistleandlilac
Image Credits
All rights reserved Callie Weaks Thistle & Lilac Photography