Today we’d like to introduce you to Goldie Love.
Goldie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Every aspect of my life has been about capturing the essence of love. After 20 years in public education, I found myself in a place of loss. The defined roles that had been such a staple in my life were shifting. I am a mother of two girls, whose smiles and giggles inspire me, they were now teenagers, and their needs have changed. Our relationship was evolving. Moving from “all they need” to “when in need.” I also became a parental caregiver. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it became necessary for me to make some life changes for the benefit of my mother’s care—a great emotional loss to me. As my SHEro, my mother has been the strongest women in my life for as long as I can remember. She is the reason I am the woman I am. And now the change was necessary. But with all of that, who was I? I mean, outside of the societal badges (multiple degrees, homeowner, member of a Black Greek letter organization, great co-parenting relationship, a strong friend network), but who was I? I had been in business for four years as a novice photographer, but I had a desire for my work to mean more. I wanted to be intentional about my story. When it was all sending and done, what would my girls say about the women I was in front of them?
As a gift to myself for my 40 birthday, I decided to step in front of the camera. I wanted to have a boudoir session done that spoke to the spirit of who was growing to be. Not just “sexy pictures” because I believe sensuality is a personal concept, not something that is tied to lace or lingerie, and high heels. As I looked for a photographer in my area, I wondered if it is this difficult for me to find someone that I could trust with my being, is it as hard for other women? As any person on their way to finding their way is searching for a safe space to express themselves. The decision is simple. I decided to create such a space. Space where a woman could come and find their way back. Back from disappointment, hurt, loss, tragedy. I wanted to be a part of their celebration of new successes, romance, commitment, joy, and self-love.
That sheer decision changed my life. My hobby that supplemented my income transitioned into an opportunity for self-employment and purpose. As a woman, I understand looking in the mirror (dressed or undressed) and not being sure about the woman staring back at me. If I was going to be a part of someone’s journey toward inner peace, I to had to possess it personally. And that’s when the real work began.
Getting to know myself, redefining what makes me happy, sifting through why I believe in what I believe. I started to tell family and friends if they knew of anyone wanting to have a boudoir session, give them my number. With every new client, we had long conversations about their “why.” Why they wanted the session and why they felt the need to have this moment. Every woman had a different story. Heartbreaking and heartwarming alike. No matter their ethnic make-up, the common thread in every story was “hope.” They all had hope for better, different possibilities. It was such an amazing space to be in. Every story grew me as a mother, sister, friend, woman, and lover. My reflections on life’s moments and experiences were reviewed. I learned to forgive myself and others, trust again, and love me. Each session helped me heal.
Every day, I am fortunate to be reminded just how wonderful the inner beauty of being a woman is. Through my camera lens, I get to see triumph and comeback. I get to share in a moment. I have to be honest. I feel blessed and honored. I feel truly blessed to have transformed my passion for photography into a career. As a photographer, “just a picture” is not enough; I create memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Great, 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?
Hobbies are fun; you pick them up and put them down at your leisure. You partake in it for the joy of it. Self-employment is another story. This road has been filled with many detours. I had so much to learn about business. And I must admit, I couldn’t have learned it any other way. It seemed that every session taught me something totally different from the previous lesson. In moments, I really wanted to give up. I found it hard to keep up with all the information that was coming at me. There is a level of necessary isolation that is required when you’re chasing your dream. I had some really lonely moments. Not everyone understands why you would elect to walk away from a comfortable salary and benefits, a structured schedule, and a perceived balance. The best word I think describes “my why” is PEACE. In my silence, I was able to hear. Hear what I need to do for myself, my children, my mother, my clients. That piece grew my business. I expanded my skillset and services. I was able to support budding entrepreneurs and brands in development. Helping to define brands, reestablishing new business practices, tones of financial wisdom, owning how I create balance. PEACE. There are some that say, “you’re an entrepreneur.” I qualify myself as being self-employed because if I do not market my service, take the picture, edit and process it, and maintain ongoing excellent customer service. I do not eat!
This leap of faith has been my greatest blessing. I can not fail because I have bet it all on me and me alone. I have and continue to do the work necessary to sustain my home while pouring into the lives of others. No, this road has not been smooth, but it has been my greatest road trip!
Please tell us about your work.
I am specializing in Personal Branding, Lifestyle Portraits, & Boudoir Photography. In 2018, I to step out on faith and specialize in genres so that I could focus entirely on capturing what makes my heart sing. In a beautiful twist of fate, I was born with the ability to help individuals celebrate their truest selves. I bring my vision to life through my distinctive style that leaves each client with a newfound sense of confidence. My sessions are unscripted conversations, focusing on your brand and moments that mean the most to you. Nothing is more important to me than maintaining an open mind and capturing the unique characteristics that make you who you are.
We will plan your session with your comfort & needs in mind, don’t you worry. See the ‘work with me’ section for all the info on what to do next, or click below to book in a consultation and learn more. I’m a dreamer, a creative, a great listener, a book worm, a lover of podcasts, and audible books. My soul grows through the sound of music, I relish moments and memories, and I am a lover of all things involving words (books/journaling). All of these characteristics help me connect to persons from all walks of life. Every session is like hanging out with an old friend. We laugh, talk, and sometimes even cry. What sets me apart is my genuine desire for every client experience to not only photographically pleasing but to plant a seed for them to chase their dreams, go after their heart’s desire, and find their “special.”
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood is attending the Bayou Classic (the largest Black College Football Classic) with my parents. My parents are originally from Baton Rouge and DeRidder, La. Due to my father’s Military assignment, at the age of 7, my family moved to Miami, FL. Every holiday and vacation, my parents would take us “home;” back to Louisiana. It was very important to them that we remain close to our cousins and culture. They knew that HBUC’s (particularly The Southern University and A & M College) produced greatness, and there was nothing like being a part of the Jaguar Nation. These friendships and connections lasted a lifetime. My family has faced many setbacks. The devastation of Hurricane Andrew, my father’s substance abuse that caused great havoc on my home life, financial struggles but never was there a day that I didn’t know that I won’t attend My SU. I wanted to experience the smiles and laughter that I watched my mother live for. This moment happened once a year for her, and she lived for the reconnections of friendship and fellowship. I couldn’t understand it then, but I now recognize that as we move through life, trying our very best, returning to, reconnecting to our greatest supporters, the persons who believe in us, is what gets us to the other side.
My undergraduate classmates, near and fear, are my greatest supporters. They are not only customers, but they send clients my way. They are constantly inboxing words of encouragement, support, educational techniques as they are entrepreneurs and photographers themselves. Graduates of other HBCUs share within their communities because there is a “family like” connectedness. For all that my parents were unable to give, I am so grateful for the seeds they planted.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goldielove.com
- Email: info@goldielove.com
- Instagram: goldielovephotography
- Facebook: goldielovephotography
Image Credit:
Picture of Goldie Love by IamMylesLinsey
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