We were lucky to catch up with Lauryn Pierce recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lauryn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’m a big believer in taking risks. No matter how big or small they are, I believe they are what pushes us out of our comfort zones and into the “bigger and better”. If something challenges you or seems scary, then that alone should tell you to go for it, it could become the best decision you’ve ever made or at the very least, you could learn something valuable from it. This is what happened to me about two years ago, and I could have never imagined I’d be where I am today but here I am- actually living this life.

It all started when I was a full time college student, small business owner, soon to be/newly married, and working a part time job that I loved but it wasn’t really fulfilling all the things I felt I needed to be able to move up in the world. I went through a period of darkness, depression, low energy, no motivation, no inspiration— all the things, and that is when I decided I needed to make a change in my life. I was experiencing burn out in school and work and felt like my husband, Easton, was contributing everything and I couldn’t contribute anything just because of how I mentally felt. I had big plans after my degree to apply to medical schools and physician assistant programs, given my healthcare background and degree path. After sitting back and reflecting on my true thoughts and feelings about where I was, I knew I wanted a little change. After talking with a friend who gave me the idea to apply to be a flight attendant, I definitely hesitated at this but deep down, I began looking at what my life could become if I chose to pursue that. I began researching and making plans and weighing my options, I struggled with how much I actually wanted to apply. I had mapped out my entire life, which medical schools I wanted to apply to, and my business plans for my photography for the next 2-3 years… if I chose to pursue this, it would completely throw my life plan off track and what would people think of that? Of me? Would I become a failure if I postponed my entire life goals to go after a wild haired dream? Would my photography business still succeed if I chose this? Was it a risk I was willing to take? I knew the outcome of none of these questions at the time, except for one…. I was willing to try— because of the peace and excitement I felt AFTER the initial stress/confusion/fear.

As I’m writing this, I’m going into year two of this wild haired dream come true of mine and I couldn’t be happier. There have been many challenging moments, times I second guess if this is really what I want, definitely had some adjustment setbacks—but ultimately, the risk to turn the page on my chapter by chapter planned out life book and accept whatever happens, happens was the best decision for me. Throughout this time I have met so many people across the world, learned so much from the experiences I have had, connected with other creatives and I have started to finally feel like myself again.

My faith has grown tremendously and I have learned to just appreciate and find joy in the now and not worry about the what’s next so much. Having plans and goals in life are great, but dwelling on them and letting them take control isn’t so great. I am so glad I took the risk, jumped head first into this new lifestyle and found who I truly am.

I don’t know what the long term future holds for me, my career plans, or my business plans but I do know that as long as I keep the faith, everything will work out and be even better than anything I could plan for myself.

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.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lauryn. I am a wife, dog mama, small photography business owner, flight attendant, and aspiring PA.

My life resumé is probably over a mile long, but with this I can say I am truly living life to the fullest and experiencing as much as I can.

I have been doing photography for about five years and in 2020 I established my business, Lauryns Lenses Photography. This passion of mine began way back in my senior year of high school when I got my first camera and started snapping pictures of my friends and family. I knew then that I loved the art and wanted to learn more and more. Since then, I have had the pleasure to capture the best moments in life and serve amazing clients/friends.

Going to school, starting a business, planning a wedding, and trying to find my way in life during a pandemic wasn’t easy. I experienced burnout and loss of inspiration at times during my journey. I took a risk of putting my whole life/business plans on hold while I chased after another wild dream— to become a flight attendant. I knew I wanted something different in life for now, to experience things that I never thought would ever be feasible. So I made it happen and throughout this new lifestyle, I have met and connected with so many amazing people and creatives across the world. I have been taught so much and have been inspired significantly. I hope to never stop learning, growing and sharing my brand and what I stand for.

I offer wedding/elopement and lifestyle photography services locally and beyond. I believe in creating an experience that is comfortable, fun, adventurous, and stress-free. I love capturing all the little details and moments that truly turn the photo session into a story, something you can look back on and feel the moment all over again.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative and small business owner for me is the simple fact that I get to play a part in the moments people will look back on and cherish forever. The photos I get to capture for my clients are the photos they will frame and hang on their walls, post to their social medias, and look back at when that time in our life has passed. I give my all when I work with my clients because I know how important photos are— they become the last thing we have left of someone or something, and the moment itself.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal/mission with my business and brand is to provide outstanding service to my clients while capturing the story of the moment in photographs. I hope to elevate the experience, empower my clients, and deliver images that will be admired forever. I also hope to be a light, personal hype-girl, and a friend to lean on no matter what season in life it is or what life has thrown our way. Grow through what you go through, right?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurynslenses
• Facebook: Lauryns Lenses Photography
• Other: Personal instagram: www.instagram.com/laurrryyynnn