We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elizabeth Frere. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth below.

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I ever took was giving up my full time job as a high school teacher (13 years) to stay at home with my children. I was giving up a substantial salary and career path – to be a mom. At the time I never realized how physically and emotional demanding teaching was on my body. I never knew how the stress could manifest so physically in my body. My mental health was suffering a lot. There were many days when I just could make it to school – teach – and would be back in bed by 3:30 in the afternoon just to lay there until the next morning. Let me say, I LOVED what I was teaching. The students were the best – they were truly what kept me alive and wanting to go back the next day. But teaching for me was all consuming – I taught culinary classes (home ec). Food literally consumed my life – I thought about my next meal – in the context of what could I teach my students about it. What new restaurant could I go to and tell them about my experience tomorrow. I’d scroll all the food apps on my phone at night.- looking for recipes, reading about new foods – it consumed my every thought. Now, I believe I was a good teacher – and a truly passionate teacher – but I couldn’t let my brain rest. It was on over drive. Fight or Flight ALL the time. The stress I was putting on my body and mental load was literally breaking down my body. I ended up leaving school one day and drove myself right to the ER – using my walker to get into the door. I could barely walk -and I didn’t know why. They admitted me for 8 days – and at the end they didn’t really have much to say. And now – looking back I think it was stress. I think my body was overloaded – and I was too embarrassed to say I needed a break. I remember being in the hospital still making lesson plans for the next day – and just putting in for a sub. But not reaching out to my principal to say – “Hey I think I need a break – could you help.”

Fast forward a few months and we were pregnant. I had prayed for a baby for years – and finally my prayers were answered. Pregnancy was going well and then COVID hit – so I started teaching from home. Once I had my son I knew I couldn’t return to the classroom. I believe at first I told everyone I was just going to take some time off – and maybe return. But I knew I was never going back – I couldn’t do that for me or my body. The family we were building needed me more than my classroom.

With a very supportive husband – I was able to step back from then teaching world. At that time I had being dabbing in photography for a bit – but was probably only working 2-3 hours a week on it. I took the break. I enjoyed all the smiles and giggles from my son. I rejoiced and my body healed. My mental health started to heal – although motherhood is another obstacle I’m still learning to navigate.

Then life was moving along – spending most of my time with my son – and my husband gets laid off. Now, at the time we were a one income family – he carried the health insurance. So, literally the next day I went to work on my business. He started to watch the kids full time – and I started to market myself to see if I could support our family in this time of need. And you know what – God had it all planned out perfectly. I now had the time and energy to devote to photography – and I went full force, Looking back – our family was under a lot of stress at that point – but God gave us the strength to know He was going to provide and we needed to go through the valley. But the valley is where I found the strength and motivation to push my new career of photography to the next level.

Last year my business supplemented my teaching income and I was able to be home with my kids. In 2022 I had my daughter – and she is the light I needed. They are my motivation and God knew what I needed when. It’s been a journey – but in all honesty I wouldn’t change a thing because it has made me stronger and bolder.

Elizabeth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Elizabeth, the founder of Joy In Photos. I grew up in Perrysburg, OH and transplanted to Columbur for The Ohio State University in 2004. I taught Family and Consumer Science classes (formerly the old Home Ec) for 13 years at Hilliard Davidson High School and cherished every moment of shaping young minds.

I’m blessed to have three incredible individuals in my tribe—Evan, Benson, and Genevieve—they’re simply the best a girl could ask for! My husband, Evan, and I crossed paths at Lifepoint Church, where his drumming skills in the church band caught my eye. After just six weeks of being engaged, we tied the knot and started our journey together. Our son Benson brought boundless joy into our lives when he was born in August of 2020, prompting my decision to transition from teaching to being a stay-at-home mom. And then, in May of 2022, our daughter Genevieve completed our lively, goofy, and joyful family of four, filling our home with even more love and laughter.

I first picked up photography as a hobby, initially to capture precious moments of my beloved dog, Braxton, who was like a child to me. However, as my human children came along, my photography evolved to document every milestone and fleeting moment of their lives. Nowadays, my camera finds its place on my countertop, within arm’s reach, ready to be picked up at least once a day. It has become an extension of myself, allowing me to freeze moments in time and create lasting memories of the ones I hold dear.

Capturing the memories and livelihood of children is not just a job for me—it’s my passion. I believe in preserving those timeless moments and turning them into cherished memories that families can proudly display on their walls for years to come. It brings me true joy to be able to do this for other families, knowing that I am helping them create lasting reminders of the love and laughter they share.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the journey is the most rewarding aspect of my photography career. When I reflect on the photos I took in my early years, I can see tremendous growth not only in the quality of my work but also in the overall customer experience. As a creative entrepreneur, I wear many hats—from marketing and accounting to branding, graphic design, social media management, and photography itself. Despite the challenges, I find fulfillment in every role. Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons from fellow local creatives and have built a strong network in Columbus, Ohio, which continues to inspire and support me on this incredible journey.

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?

Being a creative is a non-traditional lifestyle. I lived the traditional lifestyle of going to college, getting my masters, teaching at a public school for many years. What I came to realize my hobby could actually turn into a career – it changed my whole perspective. Growing up – I heard it many times over – keep your hobby as a hobby. Fast forward many years – and I took the big risk – and turned my hobby into a career. Surprise – it worked! But, I here is the thing – I needed the business, accounting, and marketing knowledge I received in college to sustain a fruitful company.

Now, my days look quite different—I no longer adhere to a strict 7-3 PM classroom schedule. Instead, I rise with my children, nourishing them with breakfast each morning, and adapt my work schedule around their needs, seizing moments to work during their preschool hours or nap times. Despite the juggling act, I cherish the flexibility that allows me to be present for my family, whether it’s building forts in the morning or running through sprinklers all day. This is the life I’ve envisioned—a life where I can tuck my babies in at night and create cherished memories with them every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joyinphotos.com
• Instagram: joyinphotos
• Facebook: joyinphotos