Meet Nichelle Young: Photographer & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Nichelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
From relatively early on, I knew that I was destined to have my own business. I realized some time ago that I strongly dislike being micro-managed. I wanted to be the shot caller who set the standards for my own brand, and have things done the way I envisioned. Setting aside my somewhat rebellious traits, I primarily started my business because I have a fiery passion for helping others succeed! I enjoy providing encouragement and motivation to people in their times of need. Our world is full of so much negativity, so I wanted to create a safe place for individuals from all walks of life to feel welcomed and be open with their desires.   

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the proud owner of Gypsie Images. I am a portrait photographer, based in Austin, Texas. It took some time and much needed soul searching to truly discover my passion for photography. I knew that I already loved the idea of helping others, wanting to make them smile. Photography started out as a hobby, and during my search I decided that I was something that I wanted to pursue professionally. I am where I am today because every time I pick up my camera, or get with a mentor I am always open to learning something new. I am always ready for the opportunity to evolve, the have my mind blown. It is easy to learn and absorb information. What has been the hardest in my journey so far, is realizing that I am not like everyone else, I need not to compare myself, or my vision. I take time to remember that I am great in my own way, and that I need to focus, and grow in my own ability. My mission is to provide a fun and loving environment for individuals to be proud of who they are, just the way they are.

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.
I’m all about the food! Food, food, and more food! If my friend came to visit me, we would have a very chill week that consisted of good food, nice bars, and some relaxing places. One of the top places to visit in my opinion would be Trudy’s Tex-Mex restaurant (I love a good queso dip, and they have a mean Mexican Martini). If I’m looking for a more laid-back chill vibe, I would go to the Milango Room, which is a vintage cocktail bar located on East 6th street. I would also stop by Tony’s Jamaican food truck on East 11th street and grab my favorite easy-order; a plate of rice and peas, jerk chicken, oxtail, and an entire order of plantain. Another relaxing spot I visit from time to time would be The Park, a restaurant located in the Domain and on S. Lamar. I especially enjoy the patio seating for a nice brunch outing. Lastly, without saying, we would visit my church home the The Rock Kyle! One of the best places to get spiritually fed with the word of the Lord.

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?
I’ve had the privilege to meet some amazingly strong, independent, and encouraging individuals along my journey. I would like to take this time to recognize a few individuals that have truly shaped my life. I am thankful for my pastor, Marquet V. Curl, who has helped me become the woman I am today. He’s helped me grow spiritually as well as naturally. Pastor Curl has been blessed with the gift of delivery; his council is always of the raw and transparent sorts. He isn’t afraid to tell you what you may not want to hear and knows exactly what to say and when. Secondly, my brother, Kadeem Parks, continuously encourages me to never give up. My brother helps me stay focused on the entirety of my vision and not just the immediate situations. He knows exactly how to calm my less productive thoughts in the midst of every storm. Mr. Parks is my rock on the top of the mountain; strong, sturdy, and grounded. Next, my friend, Mrs. Kristen Harris. I can always count on Kristen for guidance, much needed prayers, and a shoulder to cry on. When times get too tough to bare, we can sit and express our every thought with one another. After our tears have dried and we’ve yelled out our frustrations, we always say “we will get through this, we don’t have any other choice”. These words are a reminder that the situation at hand is only a season, and all seasons eventually come to an end. We’re survivors, and we will always find a way to continue on our journey. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank God! Without the relationship I have with the Lord, I don’t believe I would have had the courage to pursue this path. I am thankful for every single individual that I have met along the way. Each person has taught me unique lessons for the different seasons of my journey.

Website: gypsieimages.com
Instagram: instagram.com/gypsieimages
Twitter: twitter.com/imagesgypsie
Facebook: facebook.com/gypsieimages
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gypsie-images-austin?osq=gypsis+images

Image Credits
Self Image photographed by Domi Ellis Additional images photographed by Gypsie Images