We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Gillen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started my business almost 16 years ago. I have always had a passion for photography. Growing up I always had a camera in my hand. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I loved it so much. I was the head photographer of my yearbook in high school and I loved the thought of freezing a memory that can last forever. My parents had always instilled in me to have a great work ethic. They taught me whatever I chose to do in life, love it, give it 100 percent and to enjoy it. While I was in college, I chose to get a job at CVS developing photos. After graduating from Texas A&M with a marketing degree and sitting at a desk all day, I decided I wanted to do something creative and different. While planning my wedding, finding a photographer was the most important part for me because pictures are the one thing that captures the memories for a lifetime. After the wedding I thought to myself “I could take wedding photos and I would love it!” That’s where it all started. I slowly built a portfolio and photographed sessions and weddings for free or next to nothing. I built a website to showcase my work and word of mouth was my best friend. In the beginning I didn’t know if it would take off or just be a hobby. My husband and I didn’t have much money at the time and investing in a camera was a large investment for us. I am very grateful that my husband believed in me more than I did myself. We opened our first credit card to purchase my first DSLR camera and I honestly just jumped into things. The main thing that has gotten me where I am is that I never quit. When I began making money, it confirmed that this truly was my passion. I enjoyed every moment of capturing lifetime memories for others that would be shared with their friends and families for generations to come. Once my dream truly began being profitable it confirmed I had made the right choice in following my passion. This truly is what makes me happy and the old saying “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” was my main thought process and what always kept me going. Since then, technology and the industry have changed over the years and so I have had to adapt and change strategies.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

When I first started Ashley Gillen Photography I thought it was going to be all about being care free and creative. I quickly learned that it was much more about building relationships. I love to talk and love to make people happy. I get to do both of those things and I have made so many friends through the years by taking their photos. I hold my client relationships to the same standard as my friends and family. I love building relationships with people and getting to know their families. I love learning about individual cultures and traditions. I become emotionally attached to their stories and love how the photographs I return to them capture their love stories.

My main challenge has always been comparing myself to others and the fear of not being good enough. I think I have gone through waves of confidence and waves of discouragement. It’s not just a business, it’s a piece of yourself and your creative process. I have learned that working for couples and families who appreciate your work is the biggest reward. When you are comparing yourself to others for example, so are they and they chose to work with you. You have to remind yourself of that and just be yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

So I am not one to venture to downtown Houston often, but my job has introduced me to some amazing spots. I used to be scared to travel downtown because my sense of direction is not the best. I have discovered so many cool locations from photoshoots and weddings.

I love taking my family to the Houston Zoo and The Museum of Natural Science. We love the dinosaur exhibit and discover something new every time we go. Right next door is the beautiful McGovern Centennial Gardens and it never disappoints even if you are just walking through. If a friend was in town I would have to take them to an Astros game and maybe grab a pre party cocktail and appetizers at Chapman and Kirby. If you have kids the one of the best spots is by Pop Stroke, The Dugout and Andretti Indoor Go Kart and Games. They are all right next to each other and it makes for a pretty exciting day.

I do have to give a shout out to my favorite place to eat. If the hubby and I are shooting a wedding downtown we will leave extra early so we have time to eat at Songkran Thai Kitchen. The Bam Bam Shrimp and Basil Fried Rice are amazing. I have also done a rehearsal dinner at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company and I was very impressed. I’m ready to go back.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Andrew Gillen, deserves all the credit. He is the only one who believed in me when I started my photography. When I didn’t believe in myself he was always very encouraging. I envy the way he pushes out doubt and worry in his life. He encouraged me to just go for it. I was terrified to even do a wedding for free. I have always felt the pressure of being responsible for everyone’s photographs. Even when I have given up on myself, he has never given up on me and he is always there to pick me up and remind me that I can do anything I put my mind to. When I don’t feel deserving of the things and people in my life he is always there to remind me. That is why I hold other’s memories of such high importance. When I look back at my personal photo albums of my family I am reminded of how lucky I am to love and be loved by my family.

Website: www.ashleygillen.com

Instagram: ashleygillenphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleygillenphotography/

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