Meet Amanda Scherping

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Scherping. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amanda, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout

This question is really interesting and I think our society is currently in a place that is very conflicted on what, women specifically, should and should not be doing when it comes to work and self-care and “burnout”. I personally think the self-care trend is very dangerous and can breed laziness and selfishness. Of course, all of us need to take care of ourselves to be able to function efficiently and thrive, but we should not avoid hard feelings or situations. Life comes with many hardships, sadness, pain etc. and so often we try to run from these feelings because they make us uncomfortable. When really, all of the feelings of this life (both good and bad) are what make this life so beautiful. The good times cannot exist without the bad times and vice versa. So, I digress.

My answer to this question is this… I no longer “avoid” burnout. I listen to my body and I work my tail off. When my body signals to me that I have overloaded it or overdone it, I listen and I rest in whatever way I might need it at that time. But sometimes with 8 children, a farm and two full-time jobs, I do not have time to “rest” and the sheer fact that I have to power through a rough season is actually what prevents burnout. It may seem like a backwards way to view it, but the “to do” list is always there and I don’t have “less burnout” by avoiding the list. The resiliency you create in your brain from doing hard things will create new energy and ambition to allow you to move forward.

Bottom line, humans don’t give themselves enough credit anymore. We can do hard things. A lot of how we “feel” can be very misleading and truly successful people don’t arrive there overnight or by not working hard. Burnout therefore, can ultimately be a state of mind. Change your perspective and how you look at the hard times and it can change your life. I see it as an opportunity for growth.

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?

My 9-5 job is a Dean of Students at a high school. I have coached and taught for 15+ years and am highly passionate about working with high school students. I have specialized in working with at-risk youth. My other “full-time” job is a photographer and my business is Dreaming Tree Photography based out of West Central Minnesota. I have 8 children and we live on a farm, which I guess is kind of like my 3rd full-time job. We have cattle (the cute fluffy ones with horns ha), chickens, hogs, and lots of barn cats.

My favorite color is green. I am loyal to a fault. I believe in hard work above all things and I hate small talk. I feel my feelings deeply and feel yours too.

Photography is an artistic outlet that I have fallen in love with over and over again for the past 10 years. My business is based more on relationships than it is photos. Humans are my passion. My goal with my business is to capture emotion and feelings over the next “trendy” IG post. Each human is so unique and different and if I can create something that speaks to your soul, makes you feel seen and beautiful, then I believe I have done my job.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe that hard work and persistence can get you anywhere. As long as you don’t give up, and your heart is in the right place, you will find success. It might not be exactly the WAY you envisioned it, or on the timeline you desire, but it will come.

I also believe that bringing the “humanness” back to small businesses is so important. Be vulnerable and honest and raw with your clients, patrons, guests, etc. and they will be drawn to your energy and feel safe with you.

Do not get caught up with social media algorithms or trends. Stay true to what you believe in and find beautiful and the right customers will find you.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Currently, I am struggling with balance. This question is funny because my first question was about burnout and I went on a small rant about how I don’t believe in burnout, and now here I am confessing that I struggle with balance. Ha, the irony.

I am dialing back on photography to help resolve my balance problem. I am focusing on a few select clients that I connect with and shooting sessions closer to home so I have more time for my family and my farm. As my children continue to grow, I will have more flexibility with my time, but right now my focus is on my family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreamingtreephotomn.com/
• Instagram: @dreamingtreephotomn

Image Credits

Photo credits: Dreaming Tree Photography by Amanda Scherping