Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Byrd.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started taking photos as a kid because I was inspired by my godfather who was an architect and a photographer. In eye school, I started taking courses and realized that I loved it even more. During my senior year in high school, my Godfather passed away but thankfully, he was able to see my work in an exhibit in Santa Monica. Inspired by him, I started my photography company fresh out of high school. I interned for performing arts companies and other well-known photographers and I used all the tools I learned to get my here today. It’s been 13 years since I’ve started and since then, I and my husband have combined our companies (he is the video production of our business). I love being in this partnership and I look forward to the doors that are opening up.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been smooth. One thing I would tell someone who is becoming an entrepreneur is to surround your self with people that will push you forward and help you get established. Make sure you have selfless people around you that want to see you succeed. They are many people I have come across that want to leach off of my talent and success but never helped me in any way. But I also have a strong support group; my family. and combined we own six businesses so it’s a creative space to where we can bounce ideas off of each, receive constructive criticism and encourage each other.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in weddings, headshot, event and studio photography. I am known for photography, in general, because I don’t limit my self to just one category of shooting. This makes business very lucrative for me because when it’s not wedding season I am booked for other gigs. I believe what set me apart from others is that I am self-taught. Yes, I did take some high school courses but I have taught my self and nurtured my craft this far. I am most proud of the customer service my brand offers. Outside of our photos and videos, a lot of people love us for our personalities and character. I have had so many people compliment on how they feel safe and comfortable shooting with me and that has brought in a lot of referrals for our business.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Yes definitely. As a child, my parent put me in courses on how to be an entrepreneur and I believe that helped shape me into the woman I am today. I have never worked for someone outside of my self. I love being my own boss.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10420 S 7th Ave Inglewood, CA 903030
- Website: www.ansphoto.com
- Phone: 3234060398
- Email: ansphoto@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.n.sphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ansphotoproductions/
Image Credit:
Models: Tracey Harris, DeMarie, Megan George, Emma J
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