We were lucky to catch up with Ambreia Turner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ambreia , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I became a mother at a young age. I was 17, a senior in high school and there were people who tried to convince me that having a baby would keep me from reaching my dreams and having a college education or even being successful. There were only a few people in my corner that were lifting me up. Every time I looked in the mirror and with every kick, I had to grow stronger and speak life into myself.. I didn’t make excuses for why something couldn’t happen. I just looked for ways to make things happen.. To graduate, I needed a night school credit, so I did it. I needed to go to a college that was close to home since I couldn’t live on campus with a baby, so I went where I had support.
Some days, I couldn’t take my daughter to daycare, so I took her to class with me. Now I use these instances to share why I won’t accept excuses.. I believe that we can find a way or make one!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Ambreia Artistry Photography wasn’t birthed overnight. When I completed my undergraduate studies, I actually had an eye for photography and skills with a camera, but I went into corporate America because it felt safe.
Seven years ago, I embarked on my career as a portrait photographer. No one takes this journey with a fully developed style and in the beginning, that was my experience. I was a natural light photographer, and my styled leaned more towards documentary and lifestyle. Over time, I developed the style that I have now, which is definitely fashion inspired and 90% studio lighting.
I also had the experience of moving my business across states and reestablishing my business, which is now located in Alexandria, VA. I curate beautiful artistic portraits for expectant and experienced mothers to remember their pregnancy and early motherhood in a beautiful way!
I believe that curating the experience to be stress free and luxurious is what attracts women to my brand. Being able to capture connection, joy and their essence is at the core of my goals when working with my clients.
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?
My experience in a corporate role gave me just the edge to succeed in entrepreneurship! I developed in business acumen, discipline which I believe are very important reasons for my success. Being in a role that required 50+ hours per week I developed immense work ethic! My leader was the best in our company and he focused a lot on the development of his team. The business acumen is a huge asset. When you’ve had a peek behind the veil of profit, loss, profit margins, pricing, payroll, team culture and sooo much more, you just get it. The business aspect becomes less about feelings and more about fact.
Lastly, I believe that boundaries are very important, especially if you are a solopreneur! If you understand that you’ve got limited time to service someone and have energy left to serve your family, then articulating your limitations becomes paramount. I am very transparent with the number of hours I can spend with my clients, what my days normally look like and when I am unavailable.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
While I primarily serve expectant mothers in the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland areas, I am looking to serve more women around the world. Our motto at Ambreia Artistry is “Portraiture for Legendary Women”. I’m looking for more trailblazing women, exceptional mothers and brand building women who are ready to curate a visual story!
I’m looking forward to more destination based photography services and connecting women with the beauty that I see inside of them from behind my lens!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ambreiaartistry.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ambreia_artistry
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/ambreiaartistry
Image Credits
Headshot ( Latonya Photography) Portfolio images (Ambreia Artistry Photography 2022-23)
