We recently connected with Christi Porter and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Christi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

My definition of success is maintaining the perfect balance of work and play.

As most Americans feel the weight of inflation, it’s now more important than ever to set yourself up for financial success. In my experience as a photographer and social media manager, I’ve learned that I value schedule flexibility and living life without the fears of financial stress… but how does one do that?

Create avenues for passive income and never work for an hourly wage. In the end, a customer should pay for a service based on your experience, work ethic, and knowledge. Whether you get a job done in 2 hours or 20 hours, only the end product or service should matter. Know your value, and never settle on your dreams.

Christi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Specializing in Photography with a BA in Graphic Design and Marketing, I found myself pursuing entrepreneurship at a young age, and never looking back! Christiana Collective has allowed me to expand my portfolio of brand photography, web design, social media marketing, and other forms of virtual marketing under the comfort of an LLC and being my own boss.

While in college, I found myself immersed in the world of Charleston weddings. Through my experience as a wedding videographer and photographer, it led me to Pinnacle Weddings. As a current contract employee, I maintain a busy weekend schedule of wedding photography. During the week, I enjoy the perks of a flexible schedule. This allows me to be available for any client meetings or photoshoots with ease.

I feel so blessed to experience the fruits of competitive drive and hard work at the young age of twenty-five. Filled with optimism, I will always seek to make more connections and meet more people in the pursuit of a dream. Everyone deserves an equal chance to live a life they are proud of, and I aspire to be a part of making that happen.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In my opinion, the creative industry as a whole is severely undervalued and underpaid. In a world full or smart phones and endless opportunity via the internet, it’s hard to compete with someone who claims to have your same expertise but only charges a fraction of your prices. I see countless people aspiring to be “professional photographers” and/or “content creators” but don’t have the same education or skillset as someone who has earned these titles. It’s important to give someone starting out a chance, but as their knowledge grows, so should their wages.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

My opinion does not always matter, and the customer is “always right.”

Transitioning from college to the real world hit me like a ton of bricks. While in school, your projects are always what YOU think are the best route, but the real world does not work that way. Within the past two years, I’ve had to deal with clients whom I’m doing graphic design work for and have been 100% shut down. After receiving the negative dump of endless displeasure and critique, I sucked up my pride and gave the clients exactly what they wanted. People can be stubborn, and in the end it’s our job to give them what they want. Some people will be open to your advice, and others will not. Maturity is being able to decipher when to push back and when to let go.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christianacollective.com
• Instagram: @christiana.collective
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/christiana.collective
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/christiana-llc