Meet Margie Dotson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Margie Dotson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Margie below.

Margie, 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?

Oh that comes straight from my mom! My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my mother. She had an entrepreneurial spirit that was impossible to ignore. Growing up, I watched her build and manage businesses with a level of strength and perseverance that left a lasting impact on me. She wasn’t just a business owner—she was a force, balancing ambition with resilience, and I absorbed those qualities.

My mom never backed down from a challenge. She took risks, made sacrifices, and poured her heart into everything she did. I remember late nights where she meticulously planned her next move, early mornings filled with determination, and countless moments where she turned obstacles into opportunities. She didn’t just work hard—she worked smart. She adapted, evolved, and proved that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about persistence and the willingness to keep going even when things get tough.

Watching her navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship instilled in me a deep respect for the grind. I learned that building something meaningful takes dedication, and that setbacks are not failures—they’re stepping stones. That mindset has shaped how I approach my own business. Whether it’s photography or any other pursuit, I don’t wait for opportunities to come to me—I create them, just like she did.

My mother’s influence runs through every aspect of my work. She taught me that success is earned, not given. And most importantly, she showed me that passion and perseverance will always outweigh momentary setbacks. Because of her, I don’t just work—I build, I push forward even when I think I can’t anymore, and I keep fighting for the goals I set.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My work is more than photography—it’s a movement of empowerment. As the owner of MARANDO Studios, I specialize in boudoir, branding, and portrait photography with one goal in mind: to help women see themselves as powerful, confident, and unapologetically themselves. My mother raised me to be a strong woman, and now, through my work, I have the opportunity to pass that strength forward.

I grew up watching a woman who never let obstacles define her. She built businesses with grit and determination, showing me that resilience and self-belief are the keys to success. That lesson shaped me, and it’s what I bring to every session in my studio. I work with women who are stepping into new phases of their lives—entrepreneurs launching businesses, professionals redefining their brands, and women reclaiming their confidence through boudoir photography. Each session is about more than just beautiful images; it’s about rediscovering and celebrating the power within.

What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformation that happens in front of my camera. Many women walk into my studio with nerves or self-doubt, but by the time they leave, they carry themselves differently. They see themselves the way the world sees them—strong, radiant, and worthy. Photography is my medium, but empowerment is my mission.

MARANDO Studios isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about creating an experience that allows women to step fully into their power. I want every client to walk away not just with stunning photos, but with a renewed sense of confidence that carries into every area of their life. Because when a woman truly sees her strength, she becomes unstoppable.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey as a photographer and business owner, three qualities that have been the most impactful in shaping my success are: curiosity, self-trust, and connection. Each of these has played a crucial role in how I’ve built MARANDO Studios, and I believe they are essential for anyone starting out on their own path.

Curiosity – Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have all the answers—but you do have to ask the right questions. Early in my career, I was afraid to ask for advice, seek mentorship, or dive deep into learning something new. Whether it was business strategy, photography techniques, or client experience, I let pride stop me from growing. It took me years to realize the best thing you can do when you’re just starting is to ask, listen, and learn. No one gets to the top alone, and the more knowledge you seek, the more confident you become in your own abilities.

Self-Trust – Don’t Compare Your Journey to Anyone Else’s

It’s easy to look at other photographers, business owners, or creatives and feel like you’re behind. But the truth is, your journey isn’t supposed to look like theirs. It took so much time for me to understand that my unique path was my greatest strength. I didn’t need to fit into a mold, I needed to embrace what made me different. Success doesn’t come from following someone else’s formula; it comes from trusting yourself, making bold moves, and staying true to your vision. Your only competition is who you were yesterday. It’s a practice and I still have to remind myself of this every day.

Connection – Find Common Ground with Everyone Who Walks Through Your Doors

The best skill I’ve developed over the years is the ability to connect with anyone. Whether it’s a corporate executive needing branding photos or a woman stepping out of her comfort zone for a boudoir session, I make it my mission to find common ground. People want to feel seen, heard, and understood. The more you focus on making genuine connections, the more trust you build—and in an industry like mine, trust is everything. Clients don’t just book a session because of the photos; they book because they feel safe, valued, and empowered. That connection is what makes the experience unforgettable.

My advice for those just starting out:

1. Ask questions and never stop learning. There is no shame in not knowing something—there is only power in seeking knowledge.

2. Stop comparing your journey to others. Your path is uniquely yours, and your success will come when you embrace what makes you different.

3. Focus on building real connections. People invest in people. The stronger your relationships, the stronger your business.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I firmly believe that everyone has a particular strength, and when we try to be good at everything, we dilute our ability to truly excel in the areas where we naturally thrive. Instead of spreading ourselves thin trying to master every skill, I believe in honing, nurturing, and building on our strengths—and hiring experts to handle the areas where we’re weaker.

I first learned about this concept through CliftonStrengths, a personality assessment designed to identify your top strengths out of 34 talent themes. The whole idea is that you should focus on what you’re naturally good at rather than trying to fix your weaknesses—and that philosophy completely changed how I approached my business. It was the first time I realized that success wasn’t about doing everything myself; it was about leaning into my strengths and building a team that complemented them.

When I first started my photography business, I thought I had to do it all—photography, marketing, accounting, website design, social media management, and every tiny detail in between. The problem? Just because I could do something didn’t mean I should. There were parts of the business that drained me, took me twice as long as an expert, and ultimately pulled me away from what I do best—creating an empowering experience for my clients.

Over time, I realized that building a strong business isn’t about being great at everything—it’s about assembling a great team. I started outsourcing the things that weren’t in my zone of genius, whether it was hiring someone to handle branding and website updates or working with professionals to streamline my bookkeeping. This shift didn’t just lighten my workload—it elevated my entire business.

When you invest in your strengths instead of spreading yourself thin, you become the expert in your field. You build a brand based on what makes you exceptional. And when you surround yourself with the right people who excel in areas you don’t, you create a well-rounded, powerhouse of a team.

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