Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Hathaway. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley , thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
In this industry, you hear everything — every compliment, every critique, and every little comment made in rooms people think I’ll never hear about. Spoiler: it always gets back to me. Instead of shrinking or clapping back, I stay in my lane and let my work do the talking. The chatter just confirms I’m on the right track. If people have time to talk about me or my artistry, I must be doing something worth noticing.
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?
I’m the founder and creative behind The Social Edit Co., a boutique editorial photography brand that specializes in elevated branding, lifestyle, and magazine-style imagery. What excites me most is creating photographs that feel intentional, story-driven, and worthy of being displayed—the kind of images that stop people mid-scroll or end up on someone’s coffee table because they simply feel different.
My approach is very hands-on. I direct, style, and curate every detail so the final result feels polished, cohesive, and true to the person or business I’m photographing. I love transforming everyday people and brands into something that looks like it belongs in a high-end editorial spread. That spark—watching someone see themselves in a new, elevated way—is the heart of Social Edit Co.
Alongside running my brand, I also serve as the Editor of Sonoran Foothills City Lifestyle Magazine, where I bring that same editorial vision to our covers and feature stories. It’s been an incredible extension of my creative work and a way to spotlight the people and businesses that shape our community.
Right now, The Social Edit Co. is expanding into more editorial branding experiences, a mobile headshot studio, and custom monthly content packages for businesses that want a refined, cohesive visual identity. My goal is to continue growing a brand that blends artistry with intention—and to create work that makes people feel seen, confident, and celebrated.
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?
Three qualities that have been the most impactful for me are:
1. Creative intuition
2. Resilience
3. Owning my lane with confidence
Creative intuition has guided everything I’ve built. I’ve always had a vision for imagery that feels elevated and intentional, even before I had the language or technical skill to describe it. Honing that intuition — through practice, experimentation, and studying the kind of editorial work that inspires me — has shaped The Social Edit Co. into what it is today.
Resilience has been just as important. Creative industries can be competitive, loud, and sometimes chaotic. People talk, opinions fly, and word always gets back to you. But I’ve learned to stay in my lane, stay away from gossip, and let my work be my response. The ability to stay focused through setbacks, criticism, or noise has allowed me to grow instead of retreat.
And lastly, confidence in my lane — understanding that my style, my eye, and my storytelling approach are uniquely mine — has changed everything. The minute I stopped comparing myself or trying to blend in, my work elevated and my brand grew with it.
My advice:
Trust your eye before you trust trends. Study art, photography, lighting, color, composition. Build a visual library that inspires you.
Show up even when you doubt yourself. Growth happens in seasons of discomfort — keep going.
Stay focused on your craft and your integrity. Don’t get lost in comparison or chatter. Create, refine, and let your work speak for you.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who values intentional, elevated storytelling — someone who doesn’t just want photos, but wants a creative experience. The best clients are the ones who trust the process, appreciate editorial direction, and are excited to collaborate on something that feels polished, artistic, and true to them.
I work best with people and brands who:
• Care about quality and detail
• Value cohesive, elevated imagery
• Are open to creative direction, styling, and posing
• Want their visuals to represent their brand at a higher level
• Understand that great work takes time, collaboration, and vision
Whether it’s a business owner wanting luxury editorial branding, a team needing cohesive headshots, or a client who simply wants to feel seen and celebrated, the ideal fit is someone who appreciates the art behind the image — not just the final product.
At the end of the day, my ideal client is someone who wants their photos to feel intentional, elevated, and magazine-worthy — and trusts me to get them there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleyhathawayphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @TheSocialEditCo_AZ
- Facebook: The Social Edit Co.
- Linkedin: Ashley Hathaway
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
