Nicki has been coming to see Kelly since Jan this year, and since she has referred lots of her friends to us, that it inspired us to create our referral program! She's also a couples and family photographer in Denver.
We wanted to feature Nick in this weeks spotlight, read her full interview below!
What are you known for in the Denver community?
I guess it depends who you ask! I grew up and went to school here in Denver and majored in theatre at both DU and Denver School of the Arts so I have some close ties to the theatre community, but I now primarily spend my time working either my full time job or my photography gig. I'm a family and couples photographer and also work full time for a start up called SonderMind. Additionally, I hope to establish a reputation as a Denver small business advocate! I'm mostly kidding but I do love getting the word out about awesome small businesses and seeing the community spend their money there instead of Amazon, Starbucks, or other big brand companies when possible (some of my faves are Let Em Have It Salon, Honey's Soap Company, Denver Fashion Truck, and Hooked On Colfax).
What inspired you to get into your passion?
I have always really liked candid genuine pictures, and started getting interested in photography towards the end of high school. I got a real camera and then found a local photography class that I asked for for my birthday. I got to learn about some of the basics and then throughout college continued to take classes and free webinars where I could find them. I really got inspired to pursue it more seriously because my sister, also a photographer, real estate agent, mom, and all around badass, encouraged me to! She told me about an online program that was all about helping photographers hone their craft and build an excellent and consistent experience for their clients. I still have a ton to learn and am working on improving with every shoot, but that education and my sister's confidence in me inspired me to really give it a shot.
What advice do you wish you could give your younger self?
I have no idea! Embrace your curly hair. Take things less seriously. Be nice to people. Invest in the friendships that matter the most. Drink more water!!
What kind of impact are you hoping to make in our world?
I just hope that I'm able to make people feel celebrated and supported. It seems kind of small and silly, but at the end of the day I feel like that's what so many people are seeking (in addition to food, shelter, healthcare, and other basic essentials!). I really aim to do this as a friend, manager, peer, photographer, partner, family member, business patron, etc. I try to leave meetings letting people know I appreciate them, celebrate my girlfriend's and friends' accomplishments and ideas, cheer for the lives my siblings lead, make clients feel glamorous and comfortable on camera, and point all my curly-haired pals to Let Em Have It so they can live their best curly-life.
What are your hobbies?
Aside from photography, I love music! I sing with Denver's Voices Rock choir and also play guitar, bass, and some piano.
What are your favorite forms of self care?
The pandemic really forced me to get better at self-care, and I've found a neighborhood walk, some pineapple curry, a nice candle, and a night of binge-watching Drag Race really does the trick.
Where are you from?
Denver!
What is one of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in life?: One of the most important lessons I've learned (and am still learning!) is to take things less seriously when possible. I still am working on this all the time, but when I compare my stress levels from now to a few years ago over little things and what I let that do to my day or even my whole week, I'm proud of how far I've come. I still have a long ways to go, but using the moments where I don't have the win I was hoping for to motivate me and strategize for a better outcome next time, rather than beating myself up or wanting to give up, has been a huge learning that has benefited me in all areas of my life. It also means that I can then put my energy into the things and people that really matter!
Are you an existing client and want to get featured in our client spotlight? Email info@letemhaveitsalon