We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LeTony Hadnot . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LeTony below.
LeTony , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Let me be completely honest with you—I’m a work in progress. These past couple of years, ever since I took the leap into full-time photography, have been a whirlwind of experiences. Some days, my phone is blowing up with booking requests, and the next, it’s as quiet as a desert. It’s been tough, especially with the influence of social media and the constant temptation to compare myself to others. I fell into that trap, mistaking someone’s flashy posts for their supposed success. Unfortunately, this led to my ego taking control and pushing me into a deep state of depression.
But here’s the thing—I’ve recently embarked on a journey of deep introspection. I’ve sought help through therapy, and it’s been a game-changer. I’m slowly but surely finding my way back to clarity, which is helping me regain the confidence and self-esteem I had in my younger days.
I bet you didn’t expect to hear all of that, did you? Haha, life can surprise us sometimes!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Let me share my mission with you—it’s simple yet profound. Through the art of professional photography, I strive to connect the world one shot at a time. Photography, to me, is a universal language that transcends words. It speaks directly to the heart and soul, conveying emotions and setting the mood.
My primary focus is portraiture because I find immense joy in the intimate process of getting to know someone and capturing their essence in a way that makes them feel at ease. It’s in these moments that I can create something truly meaningful, a piece of art that reflects the depth of a person.
Aside from portraiture, I also delve into commercial work and real estate photography. It’s been an incredible journey so far because my camera has opened doors I never could have imagined. It has allowed me to step into spaces I never thought I’d enter and connect with individuals I never thought I’d have the privilege to meet. It’s truly been an amazing experience.
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?
First and foremost, resilience is key. When you embark on the entrepreneurial path, excitement fills the air, but brace yourself for a lot of rejection. However, as time goes by, you realize that it’s all part of the process, and you become stronger for it. Overcoming those hurdles becomes second nature.
Next, let’s talk about fear. It can be overwhelming in the business world, but here’s the secret: fear can be a powerful motivator. When something scares the living daylights out of you, that’s often a sign that it’s worth pursuing. You have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, daring to venture into uncharted territory. It’s in those unfamiliar places where real growth happens.
Lastly, finding your brand is crucial. Sure, trends may be tempting, but if you blend in with everyone else, you’ll drown in a sea of sameness. Stand out, my friend. Find a way to carve your own path and create something unique. Set yourself apart from the crowd and build an inventory of skills and ideas that truly represent who you are.
These are the lessons that have had a profound impact on my journey. And here’s my golden advice for anyone starting out: make sure you genuinely love what you do. Passion is the fuel that will keep you going, even in the toughest of times. You’ll need that fire inside you when motivation wanes and challenges arise. Passion, my friend, is the secret ingredient to success. I can’t stress this enough.
So, embrace resilience, conquer your fears, find your own brand, and above all, let your passion guide you.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed, I have a personal approach that may sound unexpected. Despite not being overly religious, I’ve discovered solace in reconnecting with a deeper spiritual side by having genuine conversations with GOD. In doing so, I’ve come to realize that there is a higher power in control, and he has shown me that if I place my trust and belief in him, everything will work out, even during the darkest moments. This newfound faith has made a remarkable difference in my life.
So, if I were to offer any advice, it would be this: if you have faith in a higher power, be it GOD, the universe, Allah, or any other belief system, place your unwavering trust in them and observe how things unfold. It may surprise you to witness the positive impact it can have on your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.differentminddesigns.com
- Instagram: @differentminddesigns
- Facebook: facebook.com/differentminddesigns
Image Credits
Michael Angeletti, Chase Hunter, Jazzmyne Taylor, Adrian & Ashley Peterson, Jackson Jeffcoat & Willie Jefferson III, Krystal Benson
