Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Dixon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When a middle school teacher asked the class “what do you want to be when you grow up?” my answer was something along the lines of: “I want to be a fashion photographer. Yes, in middle school my dream job was to take editorial photos for magazines! Over the years I’ve been in love with photography, art & people. While digital cameras were becoming mainstream I loved to toy around with my parent’s cameras. Even though I had a love for photography & art, I always viewed them as a hobby. When I ventured off to college I decided to get my degree in Business Marketing since I wanted to make sure I could land a job when I graduated & maybe start my business one day. The plan to get a job after college definitely worked since I work full time as a Business Financial Manager for The Navy and have so for almost 10 years! (*Nerd alert* I also love numbers & Excel!!) A few years ago, I dabbled in the world of YouTube making travel videos & encouraging content for others. I went to multiple conventions around the country & was even on a panel! It was fun, but I knew I wanted to do something else within the creative field. Fast forward to Christmas 2018 my husband bought me my first “big girl camera” and it re-sparked my love for photography! Over the past year I’ve been working with friends, family & clients to build my portfolio and capture some magic! I consider myself a freelance photographer, numbers nerd and full time art lover!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenges for me have been believing in myself (I feel like most women struggle with that) and believing that my time & creative work is worth money. Early on it’s so easy to feel like you’re not a “real” artist & that your artwork isn’t valuable, but it is! Your work is worth it. Your time is worth it. YOU are worth it! Stop selling yourself short! Set the bar to where you value yourself & others will begin to see your true value. One last thing, you don’t have to sell ANYTHING to be considered a “real” artist. Being an artist or creative comes from within, not from making sales.
Please tell us about Melissa Dixon Photography.
Melissa Dixon Photography is currently my hobby or “side hustle” as some might call it and consider myself a freelance photographer. Over the past year I have worked mostly with couples and families but I also enjoy landscape & branded photography. Since I studied Business Marking in college I would eventually love to get more into the marking side of photography by working with brands or influencers. As of right now photography is still a hobby for me so I’m never trying to up sell or give the bare minimum to clients just so I can pay my bills. I feel like that takes away some of the stress and allows for my creative juices to flow! It also allows me to work more closely with each client that I book since I don’t book very many clients per month. My photography is more than taking & editing some photos, it’s about building relationships & making some magic!
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I LOVE seeing women stand up and pursue their dreams. One of my favorite things when other women are so encouraging & supportive of one another. YAS GURL GET YOUR DREAMS! Honestly I think women can be positioned to do anything they set their mind to do!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melissamabedixon.wixsite.com/photography
- Email: melissadixonphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadixonphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissadixonphotography
Image Credit:
Melissa Dixon Photography
Alyssa Peet Photography
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