Professionally, my “why” is multi-faceted. When I was graduating from University, I had a male professor tell me that I’d never make it professionally as a photographer. For years, I let that voice spin on repeat in my head and ultimately ruin my confidence in what I was passionate about. Finally, more than 10 years later, I found my own voice again and it propelled me to break down many barriers that others had built around me. I moved away from where I had lived for 30 years and my family portrait photography business was born. Ashley Nichole Photography. For 10 years now, I have thrived in the industry with an award winning; family portrait business that I built from the ground up.
When I look back over my years of networking in my area to get my name out there, it was other women in business you kept my confidence moving forward. Quickly, I learned community over competition was helping to propel many woman owned small businesses in my little area of 30A in Florida.
My “Why”
First and foremost, my “why” will always be for my daughter, Hazel. I want to show her that women, moms, and wives are capable of their work being their passion while also being present in their everyday lives for the people that matter most.
From having my passion stomped on, to rising above, my professional “why” will always be to prove the nay-sayers wrong, while also trying to give back to what (or who) helped me most.
This is ultimately why I have decided, when branching out my photography business and adding in new skills I have developed over the years, that I wanted to focus on helping other women propel forward. The community that is built when women connect with each other is empowering, contagious, and powerful to all who see it.