We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Wentworth and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Hannah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always loved the idea of working for myself, setting my own schedule and holding to my goals as an individual/business owner. I know this might be a grass is always greener on the other side way of thinking, but working under my own values and creating my own customer service experience has always been a dream. It took me many years to focus on what I really desired to offer my clients. In this, I realized that there was only one way I was going to achieve it, jumping in and starting now. So that is exactly what I did. I think many people forget that anyone can have a good idea, it’s the good ideas that you act on that really can come to fruition and get you to where you desire to be. That for me has always been being my own boss.Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work/art has grown very much with who I am as an individual in the last few years. Always evolving and changing, never staying in the same place figuratively. My photography has become a reflection of others narratives, in their everyday journey, business and passions. I strive to showcase my work by drawing out the subjects authenticity, capturing creative perspectives, and customizing plans to help achieve the look and the feel for each subject and client I work with, which I feel like sets me apart from many creatives in my industry. I love using vibrant colors, textures and even lighting that create dynamic images. Dynamics thru extravagance and subtlety. I am most proud of being able to not only help problem solve for my clients, but also getting to see them fall in love with themselves and the end result. Overall, I am most excited about meeting new people, hearing their stories, helping them achieve their dreams and seeing the results of all their hard work. I have been doing photography for the last 13 years. About 5 years ago, I started a journey of finding my creative self. This began by taking the plug in finishing my college education in photography. Furthering your education in this way is not required for this field in order to be successful, for me learning the mechanics behind the camera, lighting techniques, and professional editing skills were essential to my own success and overall confidence as a photographer. It allowed me the security of knowing I had an expertise and foundation that I could offer all my future clients. This was not an easy path. It was an uphill battle most the time, creatively and emotionally. It made me have to overcome many insecurities and It forced me to step into being self assertive, knowing art is subjective and not everyone will like or agree with your perspective on your work. It made me believe not only in myself as a person but also myself as an artist. I have learned many great tidbits over the last few years. 1: hard work and determination is the only way through an obstacle. 2: Inspiration doesn’t always create motivation or even great work. 3: You must keep working at it. 4: You are only as good as your last work, so keep moving forward. I would love the world to know that my business and art is about helping others discover their own magic, thru creating custom imagery for small business, entrepreneur, and creatives all over the area, that showcases their true passions to their clients. This is what I thrive off of.If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I think about where I would take a someone new to the area, it makes me excited. I would start out by taking my friend to the Houston Graffiti Park. The colors and artistic expression there is extraordinary to take in, plus its a great place to grab some fun photos. I would then next take them to get coffee in the heights at a wonderful place called The 2nd Cup. They do great work with helping stop sex trafficking and have such a wonderful space to catch up and get some work done if needed. I would then take them to the Museum District, Sam Houston Park and Houston Zoo area. The beautiful scenery around this area is one of my favorites. The butterfly exhibit at the Museum of Natural Science is definitely a must see. I would then take them to one of my favorite burger places, Smashburger, where they are really great with all those with food sensitivities like myself. We would then go to the heart of downtown and rent a scooter or bicycle and ride around on to really experience and take in all the architecture the city has to offer. The week would end with an adventure down to Galveston to experience the sand and see air, making sure we would not forget to stop at Buc-ees to grab the traditional fudge and jerky. I believe there are so many wonderful places in the great City of Houston to see and one week would never do it justice. This just means another trip is in the future and the fun will begin again!The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I moved to Houston a few years ago, I struggled with finding people to surround myself with that were not only like minded in striving for similar goals, but also hitting the goals they set out before them. It wasn’t until I meet Kate Davis of Crescent Creatives at a networking event that i felt like i found it. She is an amazing, talented and young brand strategist and graphic designer. Being in the branding industry myself, I felt like she not only was able to understand my goals, but also helped me by being a strong sounding board for all of my wild and crazy ideas. I have a lot of those. I really believe receiving great support is like iron sharpening iron. Although for many it might be a one way street, I love being encouraging just as much as I am being encouraged. In this, I feel like it fosters healthy boundaries and gives accountability to the working relationship between you and your support. I am so thankful to be bless with someone like Kate!
Website: www.sheauthentic.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sheauthenticphoto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheAuthenticPhoto/