We recently connected with Tia Henry and have shared our conversation below.

Tia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Asking family and friends to support your business can sometimes feel even more daunting than asking complete strangers. There’s an instinct to expect unconditional support from those who care about you, but often, these same people might ask for discounts or extra services for free. While it’s natural for loved ones to want to help, it’s also important to recognize that their support doesn’t always look the way we expect.

In my years as a freelance photographer, I’ve learned that if someone asks for something they weren’t offered—whether it’s a discount or extra work—they’re not necessarily supporting you; they’re supporting what they think you can do for them. And that realization can hurt. But it’s also been a crucial lesson in setting boundaries, understanding where I stand, and practicing forgiveness.

Vocalizing my feelings around this has helped me avoid uncomfortable situations, but ultimately, I’ve come to understand that I can succeed without needing everyone’s approval or support. It’s about believing in your worth as a business owner, confidently pursuing your dreams, and knowing they will come to fruition—whether or not those around you fully support you in the way you might hope.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a portrait photographer with a strong focus on capturing the authenticity and essence of human experience. My work is heavily influenced by fashion, blending artistic direction and fine art composition to create intimate, reflective portraits that highlight emotion, personality, and individuality. Each image is thoughtfully composed to showcase not just outer appearance, but the raw, natural beauty of my subjects.

I offer personal branding, portraits, and creative direction, with a focus on delivering high-quality, fashion-inspired images that resonate on a personal level. What sets me apart is my ability to create work that feels both powerful and vulnerable, offering a unique perspective on human connection.

I’m most proud of my ability to stay true to my creative vision while consistently evolving my craft. I’m passionate about capturing the unique story of each person I work with and delivering more than just a photo, but an image that truly reflects their essence. One of my long-term goals is to expand my work into the world of fashion and collaborate with brands and magazines, bringing a distinct, creative voice to larger platforms.

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

My creative journey is fueled by ambition and a desire to remain true to myself and my vision for my career and life. I embrace the freedom to create without limitations, capturing the essence of my subjects through fashion, artistic direction, and fine art composition. My goal is to push boundaries and create meaningful, powerful work that resonates with others, while continuing to grow and evolve as an artist.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My journey has been full of unexpected pivots, but the most significant was when I decided to restart my photography business at the end of 2024 after a long hiatus. For years, I had been caregiving for my late grandmother, who suffered from dementia, which was the most challenging and transformative time in my life. When that chapter ended, I found myself at a crossroads—back at home, struggling with depression and self-doubt, unsure of how to rebuild my life, career and identity.

Restarting my photography business was as much about rediscovering my passion as it was about reclaiming my sense of purpose. I invested in new equipment, revamped my portfolio, and slowly started putting myself out there again. It wasn’t an easy process—there were (and still are) moments of doubt—but it taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to my vision. That pivot reminded me that it’s never too late to start over and chase what truly inspires you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tiahenry.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/tiahenry_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-henry-730b8215b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Photos by Tia Henry