RTDM: Audrie Dollins
Audrie Dollins
Professional Influencer & Branding Photographer
Frisco, Texas
We want to get to know you! Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I was born and raised in Arlington, Texas a suburb outside of Dallas. I soon moved a few places in North Texas along with finishing my final years in High School in Valley Center, Kansas. Thus molded me and shaped me into loving my home in Prosper/Frisco, Texas. I have always loved photography since I was younger. I remember getting all the feels when I would rummage through old Photos my Dad would take. I remember him preserving the 35 film in the refrigerator and just thinking his camera was so neat! From then I was gifted a Polaroid Camera and dress up my little dog and snap pics! I also loved magazines and would rip images of fashion and make collages in the back of the photo albums of the images I would take! From there over time after having children I found the importance of imagery and took my photography game to the next step offering services to families and weddings. After 5 Years of Family & Wedding Photography and a substantial growing company I was proud of, I met a makeup artist that wanted me to do photography for her blog. (On the flip side I was a blooming entrepreneur with my photography business and along with my husband had two other businesses we were owners of. ) While introducing me to the Blogging World and the importance of the imagery of blogging, I realized the very important niche of Influencer & Branding Photography. My road opened wide from there. I have worked with some very prestigious clients that I am very proud of. The hard work and collaborations my business has the opportunity to be a part of in creating wonderful imagery for entrepreneurs , brands, influencers, & more for the past 8 plus years.
How do you define success?
My success is first defined by being the mother of two beautiful children and wife to my supportive and driven husband. Without them I am not complete. The entrepreneurial / business so-called success to me is always changing. To me success is living and breathing. As an entrepreneur a new form of success is met in some form each day . Some days success can be on a larger scale but the small daily successes create the path to larger ones.
What did it take to make your dream happen and how do you make it sustainable?
Continuous hard work and hustle. In fact at each level of meeting a goal your work doesn't slow down it intensifies. It's learning to have core values but able to be flexible enough to grow with the industry with an edge to leave you standing out. I feel like I have met some level of my dream but it's important for me not to stay too comfortable as this could all be gone tomorrow .
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
I am most proud of the example I am showing my children. To create something from absolutely nothing. That they have the front row seat to hard work and dedication.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
I will say my biggest obstacle is myself. I am very hard on myself to push myself that I didn't do enough or I could do better. Comparing myself to others in the field I am in. I will honestly say pushing through this insecurity is something I still have to continue to work on daily. However, I feel my turning point is the daily affirmation that my clients continue to book. Even those I have worked with for 3+ years, I am still flattered after all this time. I feel if I get too comfortable then that is when I’ve lost the passion.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
God has you! Get all the education you can, stop worrying what your friends are doing, and the love of your life is waiting for you, so JUST BE PATIENT!!
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
Remembering my why and spending time with my family . Also spending moments with clients getting inspired by their why and how my why impacts their lives.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
An investment property , although it wasn't deemed a failure as I don't believe in failure, I believe that we all have lessons and this was one. It was just a consumer of time that brought strain to my family due to it's location. However, with it's location , It brought us closer to family that lived there that we may not have slowed down to visit as often if we didn't have this property. We also made lifelong friends with the local winery owners that have been such an inspiration and are very dear to our hearts .
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
I love Wine, Chocolate, Movies, & Binge Watching TV of Course!! The list could go on and on!! Okay I can't leave out music!! Music is such a big part of me!!
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
My Camera Of Course!!!
What’s MOST important to you right now?
My family will always be most important , they are and will be my forever why. My most important business objective would be continuing to raise the bar and providing quality and top notch imagery to accelerate my client's business.
Share 1-2 books that have impacted you the most:
Light is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell , Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
What have you learned to say no to?
Anything that doesn't put my family first. On the business side, it would be anything that is not modeled in the business plan that I set at the beginning of the year. There was a reason for my plan and to see positive results and I need to stay true to myself and goals.
What's something surprising about you?
I was an athlete and I love sports!! Football, Basketball , Hockey & Softball!! When my husband surprises me with a Texas Rangers game I am on cloud nine for Hot Dogs, Beer, and the Home Team! You can find me at my kids sports or at home watching sports !!
List the Risk Taker Dream Maker(s) that inspired you! Provide contact info and we'll reach out for their story.
Leslie with Backstage Makeup Professionals
Follow Audrie:
www.audriedollins.com
Instagram: @audriedollins
Facebook: Audrie Dollins
Photography & Blog Pinterest: Audrie Dollins
