Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexandra Gushard-Edwards. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexandra, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose after years of exploring. In middle school I discovered my passion for photography but that path wasn’t clear. I would put it down for the next few years and pick it back up when I turned 19 and had my daughter, Nevaeh. I knew that I wanted to start a photography business but didn’t know how to turn that passion into a reality, let alone a business. During the pandemic I was able to put more intention and energy into my photography and create a business for myself, but I still wasn’t clear on my purpose. Within the last year I finally found my passion!
My lack of purpose stemmed from a traumatic relationship that had me questioning myself as a photographer and what I wanted to do with my life. The imposter syndrome were real. It was holding back from who I was meant to be. How did I finally find that purpose? Through personal reflection, building my own confidence, and not wanting my daughter to have to go through trauma/ self loathing to know that she is a beautiful and amazing woman that deserves to feel good about herself. This has also been through a deep understanding of who I am as a photographer, woman, mom, partner and the personal growth is still continuing.
Where in the past I would photograph any and everything, now I am truly clear on who I am serving and what I want to photography. That is… women! Yes, if I want to I will still photograph that event in December. but I now know that what drives me. What drives me is building or enhancing the confidence in women and capturing them in all facets, whether that is professionally or personally through boudoir portraits.
I feel like every woman should appreciate themselves in the now, understand THEIR beauty, and use their body to express themselves through an image.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the lead photographer for Marie Rose Photography & Videography. Marie Rose Photography uses our lens to celebrate women. We give women permission to be the multifaceted person that they are. We reject society’s limits on women and celebrate them in the now through branding images to intimate portrait photography. You may have seen my images in magazine articles, such as, Sass Magazine and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine!
I love working with anyone that wants to show themselves off in the best light. We will provide you posing tips and instructions to put your mind at ease before the session.
Upcoming events that we are looking to do is a session called “Flowers and Friends.” This is an EMPOWERMENT session that allows you to take control of the session. It will be networking, posing instruction, and a short empowerment photography session, as well as a coffee table size booklet so that you can look back at yourself and go “Damn! That’s me!”
We are always taking boudoir clients. We provide a comfortable environment where you can fully express yourself. We also have a variety of branding packages so that you can show your business in the best light!
Book a consultation and let’s meet!
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?
There were so many things that I have realized along my journey. The first thing that I learned and a quality that was impactful for my journey was PATIENCE! I have no patience. I want it… and I want it now! Unfortunately, creating a business requires a lot of patience. I would get so overwhelmed thinking that I needed to be a lot further at this time in my life, without realizing that everything happens for a reason and at its own time.
Another thing that I learned was to DENY imposter syndrome. I spent so much of my journey feeling less than when I walked into the room and I will never do that again. I have worked hard for what I have and the business that I am running and deserve to be in every space that I am in.
The last thing that has been truly impactful in my journey is to outsource! You need help. You can’t do it yourself or give your clients your all if you are wearing all the hats. Maryland, especially Frederick has so many resources to allow businesses to thrive without doing it alone!
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents were complete opposites in my entrepreneurial journey, but I feel like they each played a substantial role in the entrepreneur that I am today. My Dad always encouraged me to be anything that I wanted to be. He was always rooting for me and providing me with ways that I couldd expand my business. My Mom was a very practical woman. She worked her 9-5 for years and retired as a Social Service worker in Loudon County! She always wanted me to get a stable job and make sure I had insurance and other necessary things, especially when I had my child young.
When I was younger, I thought that my mom didn’t understand who I was but as I get in my 30’s and continue to raise my growing daughter, I completely understand where she was coming from. I am a dreamer and a creative. All I do is think of ideas, but that is not a way to run a successful business. I needed the cheerleader to hype me up, but I definitely needed the parent that was going to ground me and tell me to think about things in different ways to make sure that I was able to support my family.
I have shown my Mom how serious I am about my photography business and now she send me leads. She understands who I am and what I am looking to do and has comfort in knowing that I am thinking about all aspects and how what I do will affect my family!
I appreciate them both for all that they taught me and the support that they have provided me. I wouldn’t be who I am without my parents and the way they have raised me!
Contact Info:
- Website: marieroseshoots.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/marieroseshoots
- Facebook: Facebook.com/marieroseshoots
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/marieroseshoots
Image Credits
Marie Rose Photography & Videography
