Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Misty Hoyt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Misty, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Ultimately, optimism is a choice. However, it does come more naturally to me. My brain is wired to forget easily. This can oftentimes be a curse. But when it comes to a positive mindset, it’s a blessing. For instance, in the immediate aftermath of someone hurting my feelings, I think to myself, “They must be having a bad day.”
And sometimes life just happens to us. Car accidents, our parents aging, death of a loved one, losing a business deal, employees making costly mistakes. Again, my brain is wired to let go of things, only dealing with them as necessary. I also believe there is a silver lining to be found in any situation.
For instance, losing a loved one is tough. However, after some time, I remind myself of not what could have been, instead focusing on what we had. One of my toughest losses was a 13-year-old cousin. Baby D. Awww…. Baby D! I was so excited for him to become an adult, so we could be trouble-making friends. We will connect again, I am certain. In the meantime, I am ever so thankful for the time we had, the winks we shared and those soul-warming hugs.
Then there’s business!! During the onboarding process, I tell my contractors how important truth is to me. If they make a mistake, I just ask them to tell me. I have made a plethora of mistakes in other photographers’ businesses as well as my own. At the end of the day, we need to remember it’s photography, not brain surgery.
From my husband, I have also learned to stop and ask, “Will this matter 6 months or even 5 minutes from now?”
Please don’t get me wrong, I am not perfect. There are those moments, those days, even sometimes those weeks, where every little thing sends my mind in a negative direction. Is it really those people and those instances that have me obsessed? More than likely not.
Consistent meditation and prayer are my best friends. If I can’t shake it, the dogs and I head out for a 5:30 am walk. There’s something about the lingering night’s stillness that instantaneously connects me with God. He gets me through it each and every time. Although sometimes it takes more than a week of quiet conversation and reflection. Consistency wins the day.
And, thank goodness for my husband who reminds me of who I am in those times when pessimism starts to take over.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a corporate photographer with a team of other photographers, editors and administrative help. We at Photography by Misty are not your average photography business. As someone who gets life’s juice from others, having a team is a very meaningful part of my business. Not only is it great to have the insight of others, but our company is helping other creative and business minds accomplish their financial freedom. Whether a contractor has been with me 10 years or 6 months, they are encouraged to put family first, while also developing skill sets. Most will eventually move on, but I am grateful for the journey and for helping them mature along the way.
With an ever-growing business and team, I am able to personally market my business and, more importantly, able to better serve my community.
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?
The most valuable lessons in my life and the success of my business have been getting to know myself, not being afraid to ask for help, and understanding I cannot control others or the timing of things.
Spending time getting to know yourself is imperative to living a life of freedom and happiness. With so many outside influences, knowing who you are and what you want can be one of life’s biggest challenges. It took me years to discover, not just my passion, but my basic need for people by mentally collecting quotes from others, reflecting on my experiences, taking personality tests and praying.
Asking for help can be delivered in a plethora of ways. Very seldom do I literally ask for help. Instead, I hire people to aid directly in my business, pay business coaches, listen to business podcasts, little to audible books and attend continuing education classes and seminars, I take notes and action – sometimes years later.
That leads me straight to the third most valuable continual action (really a reminder) I take in my business. Control 0r, is more like, not taking control. We definitely cannot control other people. You can influence, of course, and we should. Can you imagine if parents didn’t try to influence their children – what a nightmare. However, if your influence is not delivering desirable results, back off, and continue to live by example. Learn from their examples, too, oftentimes those who are the least like us help balance life. Not a positive person? Spend as little time with them as possible. Breaking up is hard to do, but oh-so worth it. And, as much as we think we would like to control the timing of things, someone else knows better. I had to wait several years before my now-husband would say yes to a date. However, had he said yes when we were 16, it is highly unlikely we’d be married now. It was imperative that boy & this girl did some maturing.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” and “Outwitting the Devil” are two of my all-time favorite books. The most valuable nugget of wisdom for me was the secret to success. What is it? I cannot tell you – you MUST discover it for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://PhotographyByMisty.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/photographybymisty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmajQR6Cj5U_22kr8krkT1Q
Image Credits
Photography by Misty team
