Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I have always been drawn to the creative side of things, like painting and sculpture but it was in high school that I gravitated towards a passion in photography. I took a photography course twice and created my own darkroom at home. I fell in love with the developing process. I never considered photography as a career, because I didn’t think I could live off my art, so I went to college and completed a Degree in Business Marketing. I was still obsessed with photography, but it was more of a hobby.

I moved to San Francisco right after college and was employed by Time Inc. Magazine’s Health & Cottage Living and was immersed in the corporate world. When the advertising started changing from print ads to digital, I was let go from my position and I chose then to travel to Europe for 6 weeks. I purchased the first generation SLR Canon camera and that was the start of a beautiful relationship! It was my ‘baby’ and continued to be for ten years until I upgraded. She now rests peacefully along with my old darkroom equipment.

When I returned to ATX, my role was Director of Marketing for a big event planning company and I often doubled as a photographer. When a friend asked me to fly to Cambodia to photograph her wedding, I accepted with delight! I decided to stay after the wedding and explore Southeast Asia while working on my business. I ended up studying Buddhism, reiki, meditation and yoga while traveling. I realized that I could pursue my interests in spirituality while working on my graphic design business, as I could build my business anywhere. So, that’s what I did for an entire year, by myself. This was definitely a pivotal moment in my career.

On a spiritual level, I completed Reiki Healing I + II and Crystal Healing as well as a Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand and I powerfully connected with the ability to tap into the flow of Source energy.

I returned home to Austin, began working on my business plan and successfully became a full-time photographer. I have ALWAYS wanted to create beautiful artwork and share it with the world in service of promoting businesses that help people and the environment. I have always wanted to run my own business and I believe the power of positive thought was a huge influence in that becoming a reality.

Erin, 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?

My path has had many obstacles and points of pivot. I registered the business name Prana Creations in 2012, knowing that I wanted to do something of service to the holistic healing community. I initially created marketing materials via graphic design and websites, and now I use a different medium – Photography. It has taken a long time to settle into one craft only but I feel that this is my calling.

I provide artful expression through photo and video art. Whilst I specialize in photography, the life force energy work comes through any event. It flows within myself and the client. I use my intuition and simply, embrace the beauty in every moment.

Clients enjoy my calming yet energetic personality. We have fun – even when clients say they are camera shy!

So generally, on enquiry, we will discuss the client’s vision for their imagery. I will then support and assist them in any way I can – including makeup artists, stylists, location, etc. My imagery services include editorial and creative portraits, branding sessions, retreats, corporate headshots, personal portraits and so much more!

From meeting so many beautiful souls in this industry, I have recently moved into the realm of creating a supportive, loving community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/atxwomensoulpreneurs].

This embodies women empowerment; where myself and other beautiful humans are providing fun, expressive workshops, designed for women to tap into their divine feminine qualities, step outside their comfort zone and shine their light. They are packed with creativity, laughter and a full heart!

Being in this type of industry has been challenging, so I am proud of myself in regards to how far I have come. Being a solopreneur myself, I know first hand the highs and lows associated with the business process; possible fatigue, burnout, struggling to “switch off” etc. For me, balance is the key. I have learnt to rest my body and mind when it is needed, so I can then be productive for my clients and give them the best possible experience and product, within my business structure.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I would like to think my honesty, integrity and hard work has got me where I am today. I also believe my heart centered approach has made a huge influence.

I love to co-create, brainstorm and get excited about my client’s vision. I observe their actions, their words, their flow and intuitively, I capture their essence through the magic of art. I believe putting this amount of sweet energy and love into each client portrait experience, does not go unnoticed by the client, which in turn leads to positive feedback.

Mentors and professional photographers in my area, have been a consistent role in my success and without it, I wouldn’t know how to level up. I am also eternally grateful for my mother, who taught me to believe in myself from a young age and I believe, that kind of programming really works!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I love to see people happy. When they receive their imagery, I get such joy and excitement seeing their eyes light up! I am here to be of service to that happiness.

I support soulpreneur and creative empowerment, witnessing everyone’s uniqueness and authentic expressions, whether it be through visual art or creative play, through portraits or community events, it’s a magical, rewarding experience. That definitely is a huge drive in my creative journey.

I support the Healing Arts, Solopreneurs and Creatives of the world, so they can reach a wider audience and continue to raise the vibration and consciousness of all communities, worldwide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pranaportraits.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pranaportraits
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pranaportraits
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prana-portraits
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranabyjonesie
• Other: www.pranabyjonesie.com

Image Credits
– Prana Portraits (all by me)