Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Nicole.
Hi Lee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi hope all is well! I go by Lee Nicole, and I’m a Freelance photographer and videographer based in Atlanta, GA. I’m a graduate from Charles R. Drew Charter School. Class of 2025! I have a passion for design and sports, and I have fulfilled this passion by creating a business, “imagesbyleenicole”. I am also a published author of “A Way Out.” an inspired journey of mine through a sports injury. I’ve played varsity soccer all 4 years of high school, winning multiple awards. Exploring my passions and balancing school I’ve maintained a 3.7 GPA.
In the fall, I will attend Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in either Marketing with a minor in Buisness Management. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my education and career journey, as I work towards achieving my long-term goals of becoming a Marketing Manager.
As in telling my story I feel my college essay expresses me best without drowning you in words.
“My ETERNAL Bouquet”
The scent of pine lingered in the air, and light shone through the garage, revealing sawdust that covered the floor. Rough-ended wooden planks that had been cut with precision were now transformed. Soon these would become the shelves designed to hold more than just the fresh herbs we grew. Someone who doesn’t know me personally would think these wooden shelves were just one of my dad and I’s many new hobbies that surfaced from boredom during the pandemic. Gardening was a passion passed down for generations. She not only passed on her love for gardening but also gave me a sense of purpose, to start my eternal journey of personal development, leadership, and creativity.
The pink tulip, my favorite flower, signifies my heart. When I planted my first one, the bright petals opened in layers, each one representing a lens that captures each stage of my journey. I believe the perspective of a person’s environment can influence their thinking. I’ve been surrounded by goal-getters, creatives, and selfless individuals. For as long as I could remember my mother and stepmom have been selfless and pushed for me to be successful doing anything they possibly could to help me get to my goal. My dad’s unwavering support and mentorship provided me with the tools and support I needed, particularly during difficult moments in my journey. Like the buried bulb of a tulip, the values and passion they instilled in me were yet to bloom. So when my path to success led me to a crossroad, their values helped me find a way.
Tulips require at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, and without that, they suffer and wilt. Playing through an injury in my first high school varsity soccer game and eventually experiencing my first long-term injury was mentally and physically draining. Like a tulip requires sunlight, I felt like my life required soccer up to this point. I couldn’t process it at first, but eventually it felt like something had been taken from me in the blink of an eye. But it ended up being the best challenge of my life. It allowed me to realize that soccer is not my identity, there are many layers within my purpose.
Passions began to bloom. I wrote a 60-page book for English Class about overcoming a hardship that gave me a sense of closure and peace. I started using my photography skills to capture the world around me by creating digital content for my school principal and for my dad’s gardening business. I was accepted into a summer business program where I created ideas to solve the most pressing issues for companies like Mercedes Benz and the Atlanta Airport. currently faced. I was elected Varsity captain and selected to be Peer Leader, and became an Entrepreneur. All of these opportunities strengthened my leadership skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. These enriching experiences sparked my desire to pursue a career in marketing design, creating aesthetically pleasing content for businesses. I was prepared to fully bloom.
This journey of personal growth created my eternal bouquet. The pink tulip bouquet represents the values, goals, and dreams instilled in me by my parents and my GG. Their support encourages me to strive for greatness and continue to plant more tulips to add to my bouquet. Using the bouquet in the future to help me not only face future challenges but to achieve my goal of going to college and becoming a marketing manager. In the end I discovered that my identity is not defined by one specific activity. I now clearly see that my purpose is to help others, give back, and continue my limitless growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I know I’ve had privileges that others may not, the road hasn’t always been easy. I’ve dealt with personal loss, a sports injury that forced me to reimagine my identity beyond being an athlete, and the challenges of balancing school and entrepreneurship. There were moments where self-doubt crept in—when I questioned if I was “enough” to make it in creative spaces. But every obstacle pushed me closer to my purpose. I learned that pain can plant seeds, and I’ve grown by watering my passions even in difficult seasons.
As you know, we’re big fans of Imagesbyleenicole. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At ImagesbyLeeNicole, I don’t just take pictures—I capture eternal stories. My business was created out of a desire to preserve emotion, tell layered stories, and empower people through the lens. What started as me taking portraits of friends, editing a good friend’s YouTube videos, evolved into a full-service photography and videography brand that reflects who I am: someone deeply rooted in creativity, connection, and purpose. I specialize in portrait and sports photography. I also excel at creating recap videos and branded social content. What sets me apart is my eye for detail, my storytelling mindset, and my ability to make people feel seen and comfortable in front of the camera. What sets me apart is my eye for detail, my storytelling mindset, and my ability to make people feel seen and comfortable in front of the camera. I don’t just show up to shoot; I show up to listen, connect, and capture the essence of the moment with intention. Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful—not just for today, but for years to come.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve built this business while still being a full-time student, balancing academics, athletics, and life. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve poured every bit of myself into this work, and the feedback I receive from clients reminds me why I do it.
My mission is simple: to capture eternal stories because moments may pass, but meaning lasts forever.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about how you use your gifts to serve others. I feel most successful when my work makes a person feel heard, seen, or confident. Whether I’m bringing someone’s story/moment to life through my lens, or being someone that people can rely on, making people discover their light is what drives me.
Success is also about effect, not notice. It’s the less-busy moments when a client looks in awe at themselves from the finished product, or when somebody feels confident to start creating for themselves because they saw me doing it, that matters most.
Helping others grow while keeping my own feet firmly grounded in who I am… that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imagesbyleenicole.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeshotthis
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alesha-turner-44278a334
Image Credits
Lee Nicole
