We recently connected with Joely Hackmann and have shared our conversation below.
Joely , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
I honestly just brushed it off. Being a teenager in high school while owning a business will give you (in my opinion) a lot of Judgement & hate. When going through high school (Currently a Junior in high school) I feel as if every student/kid deals with some sort of hate/judgment. I remember when I first started photography it was the second seamster of freshman year had just gotten through the first seamster of freshman year, which was a huge change from middle school. I decided to take the leap of faith to try something new and to put myself out there. I couldn’t have made it without the support of my teachers, as well as my photographer bestie Lexi. Now it doesn’t get to me because I’ve been through it so many times, from the littlest things to things that shouldn’t matter.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hey! It’s Joely owner & photographer of Joely Hackmann Photography.. I’m based locally in KC and love exploring new areas that KC offers. A little bit about me outside of what I do from the business side is I’m a Junior in high school, and VERY involved. What I mean is FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) District officer Vice President & VP of public relations, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Educators Rising, Girls Volleyball & Boys Wrestling manager, Natalie’s Studio Style Squad model 2023-2024, and lastly part of our school’s powerlifting team. After high school, I planned to go into Special Education teaching as well as continue my photography business. Just this past June I worked with students in grades 5-6 with mild to moderate intellectual disability grades which I absolutely loved doing, With my business I’m slowly starting to move towards Weddings, Seniors, Couples & Sports because I’ve found that’s my passion. Now that doesn’t mean I won’t do family, & sports anymore I just won’t promote it as much. I’ve learned a lot in the business from working for myself, as well as managing school, & another job outside of the business. As I always say be the girl who just went for it, because you never know where life will take you!
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?
Looking at that the most important quality I’ve found is being there for everyone no matter the situation whether in the business world or outside of it. People always say I have the quality of the biggest heart you will ever meet because I’m always there for everyone. The biggest skill I’ve learned is time management because you are working for yourself. Throughout the past 1 year half I learned that managing a business & school is not easy. With time management I’ve been able to block out a hour per day for emails & messages, then at night (most of the time) is when I edit. Some advice I can give everyone is to find a routine/schedule that works for you.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I would have to say my teachers (Amie Turley, Jayme Breault & Amanda Riley) as well as some of my friends that I’ve met, Hailey, Angela, Erin, Jalee & my mom. They have all been there for me to support me welter that been in school, business questions, or teaching. Most importantly Mrs. Riley helping me with my DECA project & making it national has been a highlight of my business because I was able to talk to people all over the world about it. I’ve been able to make improvements and take everyone’s advice and put it towards my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/joelyhackmannphotography/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelyhackmannphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelyhackmannphotography
Image Credits
Lexi Fishe
