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

Hi Sissy, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is crucial to attaining the life you want for yourself. I remember when I was making the decision to quit my full time job to pursue photography and I was so nervous. I had a role I really grew into with amazing coworkers and then I had the fear if photography would really work out for me. The wise man that my dad is sent me this message right before I put in my two weeks, “If this is what you want, go get it and never look back. If not don’t do it and just keep working there. There’s risk to all you do, but you have to weigh the risk against the reward. If you’re realistic about each then you will make the right decision.” So I did, I left my job and have been freelancing for the past 7 months and it did turn out to be the best decision for me. I’d rather try my best and fail than wonder what could have been the life that was waiting for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a creative and photographer the main thing that sets you apart is your ideas. For me, my ideas come from things I’m inspired by. Quarantine has really helped me refocus. I unfollowed a lot of other photographers’ works so I could focus on my own. I thought hard about the things that bring me joy. I focused my attention on the immediate world around me instead of what I see online. Being from Texas, I’m a big sunshine girl so I try to incorporate special lighting in my work. I’m inspired by the delicacy of nature, raw beauty, and timeless style. I love effortless, feminine imagery. So those are the things that have helped guide my work recently. I’m launching a still life portfolio next month that I’m very excited about. I love my fashion work and I feel this is an opportunity for me to grow in my career and push myself. Currently, I’m not looking to create profoundly different work. Just work that resonates with my inner being in hopes that I have people who connect with it and want to create with me.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If you’re coming to Houston you shop and you eat! A full day of activities would probably start at Bebidas. The Nino smoothie is so yum. Then we would thrift the day away at the vintage stores in Montrose. Leopard Lounge is a place I go to when I’m looking for photoshoot outfits. Then we would head over to the iPic movie theater and lounge. And when I say lounge, you’re mega lounging at this place. They have the most comfy recliners, pillows, blankets. Afterwards, we could head over to Memorial Park and take the 3 mile loop. It’s my favorite nature spot in Houston with all the Pine Trees. Lastly, end the day Paulies italian and Milk + Sugar ice cream. You have to go all out on carbs when friends are in town.

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?
My family and boyfriend definitely deserve a shoutout and much, much more! They’re my support system and I could not run a business without them. I respect all the opinions and advice they give. When COVID-19 hit I had to cancel shoots, which while it’s understandable, I have never canceled on anyone before. It stressed me out so much. I hate letting people down. They listened to my late night rants contemplating what I should do and say. Hopefully I didn’t pass along second-hand stress haha! If that’s even a thing. They also keep me grounded. As an artist I can drift off to fairy tale land a lot, where I’m bursting with ideas and want to tackle it all at once. But, they bring me back to reality, help me look at the numbers and come up with plans to navigate my dreams. So very grateful for them, more than I can express.

Website: http://sissymartin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sissymartin/

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