Exploring Life & Business with Emily Hickox of Scarlet Oak Photography, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Hickox

Hi Emily, 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?
After college, I began my career as a Special Education teacher in an Autism classroom. I absolutely loved my job and my students, but when I became pregnant with my first child, I knew I wanted to be home with her. Becoming a stay-at-home mom gave me the chance to document her growth through photography, capturing each milestone as she grew. It was sos special to be able to freeze those fleeting moments.

When my second daughter was born, I had the chance to have beautiful, studio-style newborn photos taken for her. Watching the photographer work her magic to create art from those moments made me realize just how meaningful documenting my own family had been over the years. The photos I had taken of my girls, especially during those foggy, sleep-deprived newborn days, had become invaluable. They allow me to look back on how much they’ve grown in such a short time.

That’s when I knew I wanted to do the same for other families—help them capture and preserve these precious memories that they, too, could cherish for years to come.

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?
My biggest challenge so far has been finding the balance between running a small business and being a full-time stay-at-home mom. I never imagined starting a new career while my daughters are still so young, before they’ve even started school. Learning to set time-management boundaries has been essential—ensuring that I’m fully present for my girls while also providing my photography clients with a personalized, hands-on experience as we create heirloom-quality artwork together.

It’s something I had to figure out quickly when starting my business, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a supportive community around me to help me navigate and create this balance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Scarlet Oak Photography is all about capturing life’s most precious moments for growing families, especially those early, fleeting stages with your newborn. As a mom myself, I know firsthand how quickly these moments pass, and how important it is to document them. I specialize in creating stress-free, timeless photography experiences for busy moms, with a focus on newborns, maternity, and families.

What sets me apart is the way I connect with moms. I understand the challenges of juggling family life, so I make the process easy by handling all the little details, from outfit coordination to ensuring you feel relaxed and comfortable during the session. My goal is for moms to enjoy the experience without any extra stress—because when you’re raising little ones, finding time to shower is a win, let alone planning a photo shoot!

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the way my service empowers parents to be present in the moment. I offer not just beautiful images, but heirloom prints that families can treasure for generations. It’s truly an honor to help families preserve these milestones in a way that feels personal and stress-free. At the end of the day, my goal is to create meaningful experiences and provide memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I enjoy listening to podcasts that not only help me improve my craft but also support my work-life balance as a mom. Two of my favorites are The Art and Soul Show and The Organized Creative Podcast. Both offer valuable insights for creatives like me, helping to refine my business while juggling the demands of motherhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scarletoakphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarletoakphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scarletoakphoto

Image Credits
My headshot and pictures of me working (me in white shirt taking pictures of baby) are taken by Hello Jude Photography