The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The biggest thing I had to overcome was believing that I was worth it. Worth the time, worth the investment. Self Doubt can be such a crippling thing. And this was especially true when I had to show up on my social media. Hiding behind the camera all those years made it very hard to step in front of it and open up to invite my community into me and my life. But when I did, my business grew. And so did the opportunities that followed.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The long hours. The not knowing how or what to do, or even who to ask. The responsibility. The hustle and grind. The worry. The doubt. Yeah sure, there are cons. But for me the pros of owning my own business far outweigh the negatives. I can work remotely, allowing me to work from anywhere in the world. I can be available to homeschool my son, allowing him to step out of a system that wasn’t designed for minds like his and access education in a way that works for him. I can choose my own hours meaning that I am there for my children when they need me, as well as having the flexibility to take holidays and sick days whenever they are needed without fear of losing my position. And I get to do what I love, and meet wonderful people, doing incredible things, in amazing places along the way. How could I be mad about that?!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My businesses are both continuing to grow and I look forward to seeing where the roads take me. I want to connect with humans making a real impact on their communities. And I want to celebrate the lives of our loved ones, from the moments they are first born to the final moments that they are with us. I want to explore more of this incredible country I am blessed to call home, and learn more about the histories and cultures of the people who live here. This year I want to tell all the stories of love, life & loss and everything in between.
Find out more at www.kerryhodgephotography.com and www.arastudios.co.nz.. You can also connect with them on Facebook @kerryhodgephotography and @arastudiosnz and on Instagram @kerryhodgephotography and @arastudiosnz.
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