Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paula VM. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paula, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
When I moved to a new town in a different state, I knew no one and felt an overwhelming sense of isolation. To overcome this, I forced myself to get out there and meet people, making a point of networking and getting in front of as many individuals as possible. My belief that life is too short to worry about what others think or feel about me became my guiding principle. Whenever something made me uncomfortable or scared, I pushed myself to do it anyway. Through these experiences, I discovered the power of stepping out of my comfort zone. Each new connection and interaction taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, courage, and the importance of self-belief. My journey wasn’t always easy, but it was through facing these challenges that I grew both personally and professionally. Today, I am not only confident in my abilities as a photographer but also in my capacity to adapt and thrive in any situation. This growth has not only enriched my life but has also allowed me to inspire and empower others through my work.This relentless determination to face my fears head-on helped me build the confidence and self-esteem I carry with me today
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?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I am an artisanal venture visionary specializing in heirloom portraits and immersive photographic experiences. My journey in the arts has been a lifelong passion, leading me to establish my studio in the historic district of Boerne, Texas. Here, I create high-end portraits, branding, and headshots, collaborating with numerous nonprofits and magazines.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to capture timeless moments and transform them into cherished memories. Each session is designed to be an unforgettable experience, whether it’s a child’s tea party complete with an etiquette lesson, or a professional headshot session for businesses. I take pride in offering not just photographs, but meaningful experiences that clients treasure.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my headshot services for local businesses, offering on-location sessions and group discounts to make professional photography more accessible. Additionally, I’m working on launching a new series of themed portrait sessions that blend creativity with elegance, providing unique and personalized photography experiences.
Whether through my studio or on location, my goal is to inspire and empower individuals by capturing their essence with authenticity and artistry. I invite everyone to visit my website, www.paulavmphotography.com and to follow me on www.instagram.com/paulavmphotography to explore my work and stay updated on upcoming events and new offerings.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, creativity, and networking skills.
Resilience: Moving to a new town where I knew no one was challenging, but it taught me the importance of perseverance. My advice to those starting out is to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities to grow. Develop a mindset that sees obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
Creativity: As an artisanal venture visionary, creativity is at the heart of everything I do. It’s essential to continually nurture your creative spirit. Surround yourself with inspiration, whether through art, nature, or diverse experiences. Practice your craft regularly and don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks.
Networking Skills: Building a network from scratch in a new place was crucial to my success. For those early in their journey, prioritize building genuine connections. Attend industry events, join local groups, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to new people. Remember, every connection can lead to new opportunities.
Additionally, studying business and treating everything you do with a mindset of growth and profit is of the utmost importance if you want a sustainable career. Understand the principles of running a business, from financial management to marketing strategies, and apply them to your creative endeavors. This approach will ensure that your passion not only thrives artistically but also supports you financially in the long term.
To develop these qualities, immerse yourself in experiences that challenge you, stay curious, and always be open to learning and growing. Resilience, creativity, networking, and a business mindset are not just skills but lifelong practices that will continually enrich both your personal and professional life.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I am actively seeking collaborations with fellow creatives who are passionate about exploring new artistic realms. Whether you’re an artist, fashion designer, set designer (including those eager to learn), model, musician, or anyone with a creative spark, I would love to partner with you. I thrive on experimenting with mixed media art and delving into film noir inspired prints, aiming to create compelling and distinctive works.
If you’re interested in collaborating or exploring creative synergies together, please reach out! You can connect with me through my website, www.paulavmphotography.com, or feel free to email me directly at info@paulavmphotography.com. Let’s come together to create something extraordinary and inspire each other’s artistic journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paulavmphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulavmphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulavmphotography
Image Credits
Makeup/Hair: Jessenia Taft @TexMex Glam
Makeup/Hair: Molly Farris @Molly Farris Makeup Artist
Styling by: Paula VM
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