Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elsay Yoder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elsay, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism has always been a part of who I am. Before being adopted and moving to America in 2007, I lived with my family in Ethiopia. I was young then, so I didn’t learn much of my family members’ personalities, but I knew that my father was a positive man. When he gave my twin brother and me up for adoption, it was one of the hardest moments of his life. But, he smiled and had hope that we might have a better life. And we truly have. For that, I am eternally grateful. A part of me always knows I have something to be thankful for. Even on my worst days, I know I have a family that loves me, food to eat, access to many resources, and hope that there will be a better tomorrow. I know some people have less than I do, and others have more. But my optimism helps keep me grounded and reminds me that I have so much to be thankful for.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a freelance photographer and filmmaker based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and I love what I do. I love creating, connecting with folks who share a passion for this art, and sharing my work. Another thing I am passionate about is creating work that inspires and entertains folks and highlights different perspectives to share with the world. I believe there is so much good in learning from others, and filmmaking and photography is a beautiful way to do that. Recently, I launched a new website with a store where you can download beautiful, high-quality digital prints. These prints showcase beautiful landscapes, nature scenes, and city ambiance. You can find those on my website linked below if you are interested, and it would mean the world if you purchased one for yourself or someone else.
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?
Three things that have helped me through my journey in running my business have been the support of my family, especially my parents. I am incredibly grateful for my parents and the opportunities they have given me. Another thing has been time management. When you are in the world of entrepreneurship, and you are your own boss, it can take a lot of work to stay focused and timely. Over the years, I have learned just how much of an impact it can have, and it’s still something I work on today. But managing your time and how you spend it matters so much. Your success and wins will be a reflection of what you spent your time doing. And number three is connections. Be bold and talk to people. This is 100% easier said than done, but one conversation can do so much. It can lead to a beautiful friendship, sales lead, or ten more connections. It can make all the difference. The best way to improve on these skill sets is to be authentic, stay confident in your work, be mindful and intentional about these practices daily, and know that no one has it fully figured out. We’re all out here trying to make it work, but if we can consistently be conscious about how we spend the time in our days, it’ll become more manageable than you think.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love connecting with like-minded individuals or teams. Regarding my work or just creating relationships in general, I love creative people who have a passion for crafting cinematic films, stylistic photography, or visual art. But it doesn’t end there. If you are interested in working with me, I would love it if you DM’d or emailed me with the social links below. I believe working with people is such a great creative outlet. And my inspiration and passion for creating grows so much when I connect with others. Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I look forward to connecting with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: yodercaptures.com
- Instagram: yodercaptures
- Facebook: Yoder Captures
- Linkedin: Elsay Yoder
- Youtube: Yoder Captures
