Ashley Hugghins
Q: Where did you attend college?
A: Gwinnett Technical College
Q: What degree did you receive?
A: Commercial Photography Major
Q: Did you attend your dream college?
A: I didn't really have one :)
Q: Do you think your college education was necessary for your success in business?
A: Necessary, no but it was extremely helpful to have basic technical knowledge before I began a business.
Q: Who or what led you to your current career path?
A: I've always been creative and photography struck me as something fun but also a way to make a living.
Q: Was your current career your first choice, or did you switch?
A: In a way- I started out photographing weddings when I graduated and today focus solely on portraits. More specifically, teens.
Q: Was mentorship significant to your business journey?
A: Yes! I shadowed a wedding photographer when I graduated and it was imperative to me knowing how to price myself, how to create a shot list, interact with clients, etc. I never suggest going into any genre of photography without seeking a mentor, whether it be in person experience or an online course.
Q: How do you approach networking and the building of professional relationships?
A: I love networking and meeting new people! I am a part of a group called Renew that is made up of like-minded business owners that support each other. I've learned that networking is not about going to meet people once, hand them your card, and try and sell them. It's about creating relationships and building meaningful relationships so people trust you and refer you to friends.
Q: What is the ratio of males to females in your business?
A: It's just me! I am women-owned
Q: Have you observed or been affected by a wage gap between men and women in your field?
A: Not that I've noticed but I will say that men tend to be more confident in how they price themselves and women tend to see themselves as "not good enough to charge a lot".
Q: How have you asserted yourself as a powerful woman in your field?
A: I love what I do and try to put myself in rooms I feel I belong. I've been featured in publications, but hearing from clients themselves is what makes me feel powerful.
Q: What has been your biggest tool in gaining credibility in the business world?
A: Having clients speak highly of me to their friends gains me the most credibility. You want to work with someone you trust so people look for social proof of that. Being present on IG also helps me showcase who I work with and my personality so potential clients know if they want to work with me.
Q: How does social media, if at all, impact your business?
A: Since I work with teens, IG is important to be active on. However, getting out from behind social is crucial. I like to use social media as a tool to help people get to know me and see what's going on in my world- personal and professional.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
A: No one will advocate for you better than yourself. If you want to grow, you have to be willing to do the work yourself. You are always your own #1 so be your own best cheerleader!
Q: Lastly, what would be the number one piece of advice you would give to your high school self?
A: That you are only as strong as you see yourself. You cannot put limits on yourself based on what others say or think about you. Self confidence is so important, especially as you get older, so start now in building a rock solid foundation. You can't build on shaky ground.