We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paige Harker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Paige, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

When I look at the education system as a whole. I see beyond the Veil. Like any business, it has its own marketing agenda to funnel the illusion that you need it to be successful or worthy.

Analyzing all the successful Entrepreneurs and Creators around me. That are doing big things. Almost always… those that went to postsecondary, what they studied… is completely irrelevant to what they do now.

I would argue that self-learning, mentorship, and taking time to find yourself is the most fundamental and critical thing during those early years, when deciding which career path to follow.

I believe that one of the most harming things society does to the adolescent mind at such a young age, is provoke them to enter collage-debt and chose a career before discovering themselves.

Travelling the world and trying new things was essential to me finding my purpose. Having the freedom to be creative, to learn what I liked, and I didn’t like… was a key code to me finding myself and my place in this world.

I don’t know if I would be where I am today had I taken on college-debt and the 9-5 lifestyle. Many of these things that we are programmed to think is normal.

it’s not normal to ask someone at the age of 18 to decide what they want to do with the rest of their life. The most liberating and constructive feedback we can give the younger generation when choosing their life path is to discover and get outside of the city they grew up in — go explore, fail and try again!

We can’t know what’s better that’s waiting for us, if we don’t leave the nest and experience the different ways of living that are available to us.

Trying new things that challenged myself abroad…. Is what gave me so many of the life skills I have today.

I believe the real world teaches us more than any classroom academic system ever will. And, with today’s accessibility to knowledge… You really can be whatever and whomever you want to be. If you’re eager enough to succeed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started as a Content Creator/Travel blogger in 2016 at the time I had travelled to over 32 countries solo. I wanted a way to share my experiences online. In 2018 I started another business hosting Photography Retreats for women. When the pandemic hit, that came to a halt with the current state of travel. I completely rerouted from living in Bali, to spontaneously moving to Tulum Mexico in Fall 2020.

This decision altered my life path completely. In all the best ways.

At the time I felt empty. I was lost and by the grace of the universe, I crossed paths with meditation and the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. His teachings transformed every aspect of my mind, body and soul.

From here is where my journey began to discovering my purpose. I slowing transitioned from offering Photography Packages for Influencers to pivoting into Personal Brand Photography for Soul-Led Entrepreneurs.

What’s beautiful about starting a Personal Brand opposed to a niche business is, it always gets to be an extension of you.

As you change, so do your offers, and when your community is invested in YOU as opposed to your services, it gets to feel like your business is always growing with you.

When I look at my clients now, it all makes sense… We are all just energy, we attract, what is inside of us.

My clients now are primarily Conscious Creators and Entrepreneurs. Women doing the inner work and following their soul’s purpose.

I believe Photography has a profound opportunity to allow yourself to be fully seen. When the intention of a photoshoots is built around self-love, empowerment and self-worth. The end result will be nothing short of transformative.

Showing another how whole, worthy and divine they are, is one of the greatest gifts I can give.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My story is likely, a lot longer played out than most need to, especially if one invests in mentorship sooner. However I hope my story serves as a reminder to never give up and keep persevering.

I started Blogging and building an audience online through sharing my Solo Budget Travel Tips. From here I create digital products to sell online while working my waitress job at night that was extremely flexible with allowing me to travel for extended periods of time. I would use these trips as a way to capture photos and content to continue building my brand.

I then took on a full-time role as a content creator for a media and events company where I used this opportunity as mentorship. I wanted to learn how the business scaled significantly through social media platforms.

When the pandemic hit it was huge opportunity for me to pivot in my own direction completely. I made a bold move to reroute to where travel was open, Mexico. I didn’t know at the time Tulum was destined to be one of the most talked about and traveled to destinations during 2020-2021. Within 3 months of moving, my Photography offers picked up. I’ve continued to evolve and scale since then.

It’s usually those big decision that scares us the most, that when we face the fear and walk through it. We are rewarded the most. Even if we have no idea how it’s going to work out. Believe in the knowing that it will.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social Media. Instagram Specifically. I Believe there’s so much power is sharing your life’s lessons and what makes you unique online.

It allows those coming into your world to decide if they’re for you or not, right away.

Often times when I’m asked if I’ve ever had a nightmare client, I cant think of one! All my clients already know, like and trust me before they book. When I shoot with someone, if feels like reconnecting with an old friend.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.purposebypaige.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purposebypaige
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purposebypaige
• Other: photography portfolio : https://www.instagram.com/futureselfcreative

Image Credits
Paige Harker @PurposebyPaige