We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Dixon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
There are plenty of explanations that could be a factor as to why I work so hard, but the main thing (and person) I’d say who’s inspired me to never settle and never stop hustling is my dad. Growing up poor my entire life, living in Baltimore City, it felt like a destiny already in place for me that I was never going to truly live my full potential and not fall victim to a systematic lifestyle, but that wasn’t the case growing up in a family full of creatives either. My dad used to sketch and just create things, build things, and always have a drive for that ‘something more’ feeling, and surely I picked up from it. Started working 2 jobs at 14 and today I have a full time job AND a functioning photography business, because I never settled for the work that was just already offered. People have always reminded me in my life to never stop learning, and to learn is to work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Lauren and I am the owner of The Lauren Experience! I don’t just do photography, though I do specialize in photography- I also offer graphic designing, creative direction, video production, event coordination and party promotion! If you’re in Baltimore City looking for a move, you have found the right person!
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 impactful qualities that have helped me on my journey are resilience, time management, and leadership. Coming into the art industry originally as just a sports photographer hasn’t been easy, as there are 1.1% of colored women in this field. It’s been importing that I always find a way to bring attention to myself and my work, clearly communicate my intentions, goals and objectives to clients and potential clients, and remember that this is my business at the end of it all so how I am seen is how my business will be seen!
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Consistency. You know what they say, the hardest part is always starting, and I feel as starting and being consistent with what I want to do has progressively improved when people get to know me as a business owner. People see consistency when it comes to posting, being booked, enjoying what you do in the moment, then they feel more drawn to you as an individual because they can see the seriousness behind the craft!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Lauren Dixon, @TheLauren.Exp
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
