We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ciera Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ciera, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Well that is a very long story. So let’s hit some highlights… I have always loved taking pictures, but growing up I was taught to have a more practical job. So I went to cosmetology school, then college getting 4 degrees, but never found that PASSION I felt while taking photos. Then one day God took things out of my hands. I was injured and told that I wouldn’t be able to do hair as a career anymore. Although I have since proved the doctors wrong by returning to a salon, I took that as a sign to focus on my passion. Even if it was just driving around and parking on the side of the road to take pictures, I toned my craft. Youtubing, researching, learning everything I could to do this the RIGHT way.
I love showing the beauty around us. That means I stick to true colors. What we see in a session is what you get.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Ciera. I’m a mom, photographer, cosmetologist, partner, dog mama, traveler, My ultimate goal is to help people feel beautiful and special. Because they are, AS IS. I also pride myself on being affordable. As someone who couldn’t afford maternity pictures myself, I never want someone to feel like they can’t afford their memories. So, whether it is a payment plan, barter/trade, we will work something out. There is no reason to wait, life doesn’t.
Kids only stay small for so long, animals leave us, along with our elders. Milestone’s are meant to be celebrated! Birthdays, promotions, baby’s, love, new homes.
My favorite thing is when clients become more like friends. And we can celebrate these milestone’s together! It brings tears to my eyes getting to watch these amazing lives flourish. From a graduation shoot to a couple shoot, to engagement, wedding, maternity, newborn … it’s truly a blessing.
I am super excited about a woman’s empowerments event I am hosting.
So, this is really amazing actually. I am a survivor of domestic abuse and the counseling center that helped me has connected me with some of the women they are currently helping (with consent). I am offering FREE self-love shoots to these warriors to help rebuild their self-confidence. Days leading up to this event I will be collecting donations (to $PureMomentscb on cashapp). With these donations I will be creating some goodie bags for these women. Selfcare items, hygiene products, gifts cards so they can get items they need. I will also have some kid options for them to pick through for their little ones.
I am very excited about this. Not only because of my personal connection to this cause, but just to be able to meet these warriors. Everyone’s experience is different and many people, especially recently free from abuse, feel isolated. I just hope to make these women feel less alone.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Stay humble, communicate everything, pay your dues. My biggest piece of advice for anyone, in any business, is to stop comparing yourself to others! We are all on our own path. Life should be about community, not competition. Find your own style, your own way to do things, your own words.
Trail and error is the best way to learn. We are also in the prime era for technology. YouTube, Tik Tok, there are so many awesome ways to learn new techniques.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would LOVE to collaborate with others! I’m always down to swap headshots and things. But I am also interested in finding others outside my business to connect with. I recently partnered with Project Sitrep, a printing company ran by a veteran. Amazing artwork.
I’d love to find a bakery or other hands on creator to work with!!
Facebook.com/puremoments.cb
Instagram.com/puremoments.cb
https://puremomentsphotography94.mypixieset.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://puremomentsphotography94.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: Instagram.com/puremoments.cb
- Facebook: Facebook.com/puremoments.cb
- Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/pro/referral/bVoiMMYOH6yYAN0
Image Credits
All photo’s taken by Pure Moments Photography
