Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ritchie.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For the last seven years, I’ve juggled a side hustle (or two) with a day job. In addition to working in higher ed communications, I’m a photographer, graphic designer, and lifestyle blogger. So, how did I get here?
In high school, I was always the girl with a disposable camera, taking photos that I could later use in my scrapbook. I received my first digital camera as a high school graduation gift and I remember forcing my little sister to pose for me as I attempted to take “professional” photos of her. I then headed off to college (digital camera in tow) and was working part-time at Applebees when a coworker asked if I would photograph her kid’s birthday party. Shortly after I booked my first paid gig: an engagement session for another coworker. Later that year a classmate asked me to photograph her wedding. It was at that point that I decided to create Ashley Ritchie Photography. I continued to book photo sessions throughout college and thanks to a website, social media, and word-of-mouth, I have been capturing happy moments for almost ten years. Fun fact: I still book sessions with my first client.
In addition, before I graduated with a B.S. in communications from East Carolina University, I took an InDesign course and fell in love with visual communications. Post-graduation, I worked at the University of Kentucky in various communications roles where I was fortunate to have the opportunity to build on what I had learned in college, improving my graphic design skills along the way. In 2016, I felt I had enough experience to start offering design services in addition to photography services, changing the name of my small business to Ashley Ritchie Photography & Design.
In 2018, I left my dream 9-5 job and took a position that focused more on graphic design and photography. I missed being a Jane of all trades and started to worry that some of my job skills, like writing and social media, may get rusty. I also had many passions that went beyond my day job and when I left the office, my mind still went a mile a minute. Approaching 30, I was looking for a way to keep my skills sharp and also share with others my love for fashion, traveling, photography, saving money and family life. So, I created a blog, Living the Ritch Life, and started giving people an inside look at my world.
Then, just when I thought I had it all figured out, my husband was offered a promotion within his company. We packed up our life and moved from Lexington, Kentucky to Atlanta, Georgia. I still have a 9-5 job working in higher education and I am still a photographer, graphic designer, and lifestyle blogger. Different city, same me!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life can be tough and everyone has their own struggles, but I’ve always felt very lucky because I’ve been able to overcome the few challenges life has thrown my way. I read an article once about people who think of others as “lucky” – you know, those who look like they’re living their best life seemingly without any effort. The author of the article pointed out that those “lucky” people have just a few things in common: they always have a positive mindset; they don’t entertain the doubters; they believe in themselves; and they work hard, quietly.
That being said, I try to look at each struggle as an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve been the girl who was heartbroken because she didn’t land her dream job. I cried and ate a pint of ice cream, but then I moved forward. I gained experience in a different role and I didn’t give up. I reapplied and landed that dream job almost two years later. I walked into my office at just the right time and was exposed to efforts that significantly changed my career – ones that I wouldn’t have been ready for the first time around. I’ve also been the girl who was told she can’t because of her age or because she’s a woman. Then, I turned around and proved them all crazy wrong – more than once! Finally, I’ve been the girl who was asked to pick up her life and career in a mid-sized college town and move it to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation. I’ve already had new experiences, met incredible people and been given more opportunities than I could have imagined. I think it’s safe to say I’m a big believer that we are always right where we are supposed to be.
For all girls who are just starting out, don’t give up! There will always be people telling you that you can’t. Do what they think you can’t do!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a photographer.
As a photographer, I capture your happy moments! I photograph weddings and also offer family, senior, maternity and engagement sessions.
I’m a graphic designer.
As a freelance graphic designer, I create event invitations and programs, resumes, holiday and business cards and more. In addition, I design marketing materials and larger publications such as magazines, annual reports, and booklets for various organizations. I have seven years of branding experience and understand the importance of brand consistency and the impact branding has on an organization.
I’m a lifestyle blogger.
As a lifestyle blogger, I share my passions for photography, traveling, fashion and family life with my audience. I also share money-saving tips and freebies to inspire people to do more but spend less.
So, what sets me apart? I think my ability to connect with my clients and audience. I’m a normal person just like you. I understand if we book a family photo session and your kid has a meltdown – let’s reschedule! I understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life – I’ve had my best day ever too and I am here to help in any way that I can. Adapting to meet the needs of my clients is something that is important to me. Fun fact: The question I get asked the most at weddings – “How do we cut the cake?”
While I love to travel, shop and plan family outings, those things can be expensive! So, I shop the clearance aisles, treat myself and my favorite people (my step-sons Maddox and Alex) to freebies and take vacations without breaking the bank (I haven’t paid for a hotel in two years). By sharing my experiences through my blog, I hope to inspire people to do more and spend less – because we all deserve a free treat on our birthday or to turn our dream vacation into a reality!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I think networking is crucial, especially today. You can be good at what you do, but there are a lot of talented people in the world. Almost all of my business comes from networking or word-of-mouth, I mean it’s literally how I got started. I’m fortunate to have begun photography early and because I’ve been labeled photographer at most of my day jobs, people naturally ask if I take photos outside of my 9-5. I’ve gained a lot of clients that way, as well as people referring me to their family and friends.
Pricing:
- Photography Sessions: $300+
- Weddings: $1800+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleynritchie.wixsite.com/hooray
- Email: aasisters@aol.com
- Instagram: @ashleynritchie
- Facebook: /livingtheritchlife
- Twitter: @ashleynritchie
- Other: Blog: https://ashleynritchie.wixsite.com/livingtheritchlife
Image Credit:
Ashley Ritchie
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
