“I didn’t wait for the job I wanted in Cornelia—I created it.”
By the age of 25, Christine had life figured out—married, educated, and pursuing a career in marketing and business development with a global manufacturing company.
While her post-graduate peers scoured job listings, she confidently donned her adult businesswoman wardrobe—you know the one–a colored top paired with dark power pants. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of corporate life, as Christine reflected on her career path, she couldn’t help but wonder if her current trajectory was truly her dream or merely a consequence of decisions made as a carefree 19-year-old college student, casually calculating how many classes she could skip before failing.
We acknowledged, chatting over frothy lattes, that while universities excel in teaching the complexities of microeconomics and Game Theory, they often overlook the practicalities of navigating the working world. Take, for instance, the glaring absence of courses on mastering the art of staying awake during marathon commutes, the indispensable skill of utilizing Sales Force while conveniently tuning out the tutorials, the mechanics of refilling a printer, and let’s not overlook the importance of managing encounters with office characters like Sharon from sales—because, let’s face it, no textbook alone can quite prepare you for that dynamic.
In short, Christine discerned the disparity between the glossy promises of a career on a college brochure and the gritty day-to-day realities of the lived experience.
A Standard Millennial Experience
Throughout this interview, Christine and I are just two women in their thirties, sprinkling Splenda into Farmhouse Coffee lattes, reflecting on the divergent paths our lives have taken since their college graduation.
She discussed the shared millennial circumstance of a career that required overwhelming demands on her time and how this began to tarnish a genuine passion for marketing, even as it prevented her from planting the roots necessary for a well-balanced adult life. She felt like work was never-ending—some weeks were manageable, but the norm was 50 to 60-hour workweeks, coupled with a grueling commute. This relentless schedule left her disconnected from her community, devoid of friendships and recreational activities. It was success at a steep cost—a diminished quality of life. She soon realized that “having it all” in the modern-day vernacular meant “having a career” and she desired a more well-rounded existence that didn’t just let her taste these aspects of life, but experience them to the fullest.
In a departure from the hustle culture that defined previous generations, more and more Millennials are choosing to prioritize their families and embrace simpler pursuits over the acquisition of material possessions like vacation houses and large vehicles. Instead of chasing after traditional markers of success, they seek fulfillment in spending quality time with loved ones, nurturing relationships, and pursuing hobbies that bring them joy and contentment. This shift reflects a growing recognition among Millennials that true happiness lies not in the accumulation of wealth and possessions, but in leading balanced and fulfilling lives centered around meaningful experiences and connections with others.
A Leap of Faith
However, marketing was not only a means to pay the bills; it also fulfilled an essential aspect of her self-image. This remained true until a pivotal realization dawned upon her—her self-image had evolved. This epiphany coincided with a transformative photography class at the University of North Georgia, initially pursued as a means to advance her career at the global manufacturing company which for some time had been her dream job.
Yet, before she knew it, she seized every opportunity to hone her skills, from capturing landscapes and farm animals to photographing her newborn son and friends. It just, pardon the pun, clicked.
In 2022, Christine made the courageous decision to leave her corporate job behind and pursue her passion for photography full-time. A life-altering car accident served as the wake-up call, propelling her to heed the whispers of her heart and trust in God’s guidance. With unwavering faith and determination, Christine embraced her newfound calling, taking her first steps into the world of professional photography.
What Makes Christine Different
In the competitive world of photography, newcomers face daunting challenges. According to VSCO, nearly 60% of new photographers don’t make it past their first two years, research confirmed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building a client base is especially tough without existing connections. The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) found that over 70% of clients prefer to hire someone they know. This makes it hard for new photographers to break in without a network.
As a newcomer to an insular community, Christine recognized the necessity of offering a blend of originality, top-notch customer service, and impeccable skills to carve her niche in the field. With her entire professional trajectory hinging on this endeavor, success was not just a desire but a non-negotiable imperative.
So, armed with her camera and an innate love for people, Christine’s approach to photography transcends mere technical skill—it emanates from a place of genuine connection and kindness. Her ability to put people at ease, to capture their essence and emotions, stems from her authentic care and empathy—a testament to her belief that true beauty lies in the human spirit. Therefore, she focuses on evoking that spirit during her sessions.
During infant shoots, expect a bubbly ball of unicorns and sprinkles to coax out the joy and innocence in your little one. For pregnancy shoots, anticipate a warm and gentle Christine, adept at drawing out the tenderness in parents and capturing the essence of the moment.
Christine’s distinctive style, characterized by vibrant color schemes and mood-evoking hues, sets her apart in a saturated market. From bright yellows and oranges to dusky moody tones, her photographs evoke emotions and tell stories, further capturing the tone not just image of the individuals and setting. Furthermore, her keen eye for design is evident as she personally scouts idyllic locations and curates custom-crafted props to enhance the visual storytelling of her shoots. Backgrounds encompass everything from wildflower-strewn fields and thickets of trees with spring blooms to the cozy interiors of the clients’ homes.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including caring for her energetic four-year-old son, managing household responsibilities, marketing her business, refining her craft, editing photos, and scouting scenic shooting locations, Christine persevered. She confronted painful and sometimes debilitating health conditions along the way. Despite the myriad excuses that could have justified failure, she remained undeterred.
As Christine watched her social media pages and schedule fill up, she noticed a steady stream of positive five-star reviews flooding in. Her portfolio overflowed with high-quality, aesthetically pleasing photos, and her personal cup of happiness brimmed over. Perhaps the greatest milestone thus far was her receipt of the Best of Habersham award, a prestigious and highly competitive contest. This achievement showed that her mission to create roots in the community had been successful, and photography had played a significant role in helping her reach this point.
Conclusion
Reflecting on her journey, Christine marvels at how far she has come in just a few years. She recalls feeling claustrophobic, battling injuries from a car accident, and enduring one health crisis after another. Through it all, however, she sensed that God was not just moving but steering her toward the vision He had for her life—a job that allowed her to be creative, more time with her family, and deeper connections with friends. As she nears the end of her latte, she states with a sense of contentment that she truly does have it all.
