Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Allerdice
Hi Alicia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My photography journey began with the birth of my first child. I have always loved photography, being able to freeze a fleeting moment in time, but it was always just a hobby. After becoming a first time mom, I wanted to help other women capture their pregnancy journey and the precious newborn phase of life with beautiful timeless portraits. So I established my first brand, Alicia Kee Photography. I absolutely love providing maternity, newborn, and family portraits for my clients. However, after the birth of my second child and speaking with other moms, I realized how much pregnancy changes us. I would look at myself in the mirror and see my stretch marks, and although I earned these beauty marks by carrying both of my children, I hated them. I was so hard on my post pregnancy body. My mind kept telling me that I would never be as beautiful as I once was. I started talking to friends, family, and past clients only to realize I wasn’t alone. Main stream society’s views of what a women’s body should look like in order to be considered beautiful were every where. I’m too fat, my boobs are too saggy, my stretch marks are ugly, my butt is too flat, my thighs are huge, the list goes on and on. I realized that as I was talking poorly about my body, all of these gorgeous women were to. I immediately wanted to rewire my brain and see myself in a different light. I wanted all of these women to see themselves as the bold beauties we all are. So I started my boudoir brand, Boldly You by Alicia, to empower women of all shapes and sizes. We are gorgeous just the way we are.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the biggest struggle for me, and probably most photographers, has been getting my name out there. You cannot be successful in this business if no one knows you exist and what you are offering. You would think that with today’s technology it would be easier, but I actually think it makes it harder because of all the different outlets potential clients have to find you. Most business owners want to be on every possible resource including but not limited to Google, Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, TikTok, etc. Then for every platform there is a different technique that is required in order to be seen by clients. For example, one obstacle was learning SEO (search engine optimization). I never realized becoming a photographer also meant I would have to learn about website development and how Goggle works in order to be successful. However, in order to be seen on Google this was something else I would need to learn. So, I put in a lot of time, energy, and effort to learn and implement SEO strategies on my website. The reward is then ranking higher on Google so more people know you exist. I believe there will always be struggles and they are a natural part of running any small business, but it is how we handle them that determines our future success. With each obstacle I overcome, it makes the reward that much sweeter.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a luxury boudoir photographer with an in-home studio in Newnan offering a personalized, unique experience to each client. I offer an stress-free experience from beginning to end. I have a wide variety of lingerie for my clients to pick from so they do not have to worry about finding their own outfits. I also can provide an excellent hair and make-up artist if my client wants to be pampered further, but I do not require it. What sets me apart are all of the different sets and add-ons I offer. No two sessions are the same, as each client has a unique vision for their idea of a perfect session. I do have a traditional “boudoir room” with a bed, couch, and tub, but I also have a studio space to offer unique color gel light images with varying lighting techniques you won’t find with most boudoir photographers. I am always looking for different ways to get creative with my sessions so that my client’s don’t feel like they are getting “cookie cutter” images. I also want my clients to finish their experience with gorgeous tangible products they can take home and enjoy such as albums or wall art pieces.
How do you think about happiness?
I know this might sound cliche, but my clients make me happy. Getting to hear their stories about what they have over come in their lives, getting to hear what they are celebrating, getting to hear how comfortable I make them, and getting to hear what my images mean to them brings me so much joy. Each client comes to me for a different reason. Some clients are completely stepping out of their comfort zone for the first time, and are trusting me to capture their true raw beauty. Other clients already know their beauty and are trusting me to create stunning images to leave their significant other speechless. At the end of the day, my clients are picking and trusting me over a different photographer and I take that very seriously. There is so much joy in having your clients leave your studio with more self confidence and self love after working with me. Nothing makes me happier than when my clients are happy.
Pricing:
- Minimum session retainer $200
- Digital only packages begin at $800
- Create a collection packages begin at $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boldlyyoubyalicia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldlyyoubyalicia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569203171041
