We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Warriner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, adhd, and bpd. Life was really hard for a long time. It was a struggle for me to get through everyday tasks. I began to self harm and had numerous suicide attempts. I felt as if there was no end to the pain and struggles I was dealing with due to my mental conditions. I was heavily medicated at one time, but I found what helped the most was not medication, therapy, or doctors. While those are all essential to success in overcoming mental health disorders, my determination to succeed as an entrepreneur is what truly got me through it. I threw myself even farther into my photography business, learning as much as possible and marketing myself further.
I grew up with horses my entire life, but when I was 16, I bought myself a new barrel horse. He was a big project and carried a lot of baggage just like myself. As silly as it may seem, I really related to him and he helped me through a lot. We understood each other and helped each other in ways I didn’t know were possible. Even though he couldn’t talk, he brought me off the ledge a time or two. Horses are very therapeutic. They can actually sync their heart beats to yours. Through reducing your heart rate, they can ease anxiety and PTSD. This horse brought my spark back and I wanted to share that with others. I began teaching horseback riding lessons. I have always had a love for teaching and clearly a love for horses so this was a perfect match for me. I took on multiple jobs in the horse industry, working an incredible amount of hours. I became a sponge and soaked up any and all information.
I have big goals for both my photography business and my riding and teaching career. That is what keeps me going. I still have hard days but they are fewer and farther between.
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 started my photography business when I was merely 13. I began by doing pay what you can shoots before creating a price list, business cards, and a website. I slowly increased my prices as I gained experience and my business continues to grow with every passing year. I love capturing special moments for my clients and watching ordinary pictures become extraordinary through the editing process.
I have owned horses my entire life and began showing them when I was very young. When I was 17, I started teaching riding lessons and have fallen more and more in love as time has passed. I plan to buy my own property in the near future so I can expand my lesson program and begin boarding and training. I hope to build a large indoor arena to host shows and clinics, expanding my reach. I love helping my students reach their riding goals. When they have a light bulb moment or make a break through with their horse, it really inspires me. Watching their progress through lessons and competitions encourages me to keep going.
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?
I don’t believe that I could have made it so far without my dedication, hunger to learn, or passion. Find something that you are passionate about and stick with it. I am naturally a very determined person. If I set my mind to it, I will not give up and that has brought me far in life. Set goals and stick to them. Do not quit until you have accomplished them. It may take a couple weeks or it may take several years but don’t be discouraged. Everyone progresses at different rates and that’s ok. Setbacks will happen but you will get through them. Remember that no one will ever stop learning. It is not possible to know everything about any subject. Be a sponge. Learn through every avenue you can find. Take classes, watch YouTube videos, and simply listen to or observe others. You may not agree with everyone’s methods or what they have to say but you can still learn through them. Sometimes it’s just as helpful to know what not to do. Do not discredit anyone, don’t argue, simply listen or watch and create your own opinions. Many things are trial and error. If you fail seven times, get up eight. You will be humbled, but you must learn through your mistakes. Just don’t give up.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I am overwhelmed, I take time for myself. Oftentimes, that takes the form of a self care day. Take a shower or bath, book a massage, facial, or haircut. I enjoy putting essential oils in my diffuser, listening to music, reading a book, listening to podcasts, learning through YouTube videos, or watching a show. Take some time to snuggle with your pets if you have any and just relax. It’s easy to get caught up in this fast paced world and bite off more than you can chew but it’s important to focus on yourself sometimes, cut yourself some slack, and just take a mental and physical break. Take a few hours or take a couple days then write up a to do list and crank it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilywarrinerphotography.com
- Instagram: emilywarrinerphotography
- Facebook: Emily Warriner
- Other: TikTok: emilywarrinerphoto
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