We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Coakley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Ashley, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
I try my best to stay active and keep a workout routine to improve my quality of life. Having two large dogs who need a lot of daily exercise is one thing that forces me to stay on the routine of at least walking a few miles every morning. But I don’t think just walking provides enough exercise for me, so I also add in some weight lifting or extra cardio at the end of my work days. I absolutely love our Peloton for an easy way to get my cardio workouts in, and I enjoy finding weight lifting videos on the Beachbody website. I’m noticeably more productive when I’m keeping to my exercise routine and in a generally better mood as well.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a full-service pet photographer, I take pride in offering a client experience that leaves people with stunning, high-quality artwork of your pets—artwork they can cherish for years to come. I understand the joy of seeing beautiful images of your fur babies every day because I, too, have created fine art albums, wall art, and desktop prints of my own dogs. It fills me with happiness, and I want every one of my clients to experience that same joy.
Each photography session is tailored to client needs, ensuring the resulting artwork perfectly complements their home. My deep understanding of dogs allows me to capture moments they may have thought impossible, and I fully guarantee their satisfaction. From helping clients choose outfits to planning the session details, I’m with them every step of the way, making sure the session is fun for everyone—because the best photos come when both people and pets are enjoying themselves. Whether their dog is shy, full of energy, untrained, or a senior who may have trouble seeing or hearing, my knowledge of dog behavior enables me to work with any dog, making every photo session a success.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as an entrepreneur, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that contributed to my growth were patience, a commitment to mastering my craft, and a genuine passion for connecting with clients.
Patience: Building a business takes time, and the journey is often full of setbacks and unexpected twists. Developing patience has helped me navigate challenges calmly and stay focused on long-term goals. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace the slow growth. Be patient with yourself and the process; allow yourself to learn and make mistakes without feeling rushed. Building something meaningful takes time, so trust that progress will come if you stay dedicated.
Commitment to Mastery: Becoming skilled in your field is essential to standing out and building trust with clients. Whether it’s technical knowledge or industry-specific skills, consistently investing in your own growth is key. My advice for new entrepreneurs is to prioritize learning. Seek out workshops, find mentors, read extensively, and practice every day. Excellence doesn’t come overnight, but staying curious and committed will create a solid foundation for your business.
Passion for Client Connection: Building real connections with clients is vital for any entrepreneur, as it fosters trust and long-term loyalty. Beyond the product or service, people value genuine care and personal investment. My advice is to approach each client interaction as an opportunity to understand their needs and provide value. Authentic connections set you apart and create a reputation that attracts people to your business.
To those starting out, remember that growth is a journey. Focus on developing one skill at a time, don’t rush results, and always stay true to the passion that inspired you to start.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always looking for quality collaborations with local pet businesses. I believe that working together not only benefits our businesses but also strengthens the local pet community and enhances what we can offer to pet owners. I’m especially interested in partnering with pet-friendly cafes, pet boutiques, groomers, trainers, veterinarians, and rescue organizations—businesses that share a commitment to providing exceptional experiences and care for pets and their owners.
If you’re a local pet business interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect! You can reach me through my website at www.doginspiredphotography.com/contact or send me a message on social media. Let’s explore ways to create value together for our clients and celebrate the pets we all care about!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doginspiredphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doginspiredphotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dog-inspired-photography-redondo-beach?uid=EXzYm3K0THrbxkb2vZUWcA&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Dog Inspired Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
