Meet Kaylee Michael | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaylee Michael and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaylee, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My determination to have a life I always dreamed of. | was recently diagnosed with
a few mental health disorders. I spent quite
a lot of time in a dark place. Photography
as a whole has given me something to
work towards. My determination to handle
my illness while occupying myself. You could say it is the reason behind my success but it isn’t necessarily all of it. It gave me a lot of drive to want to do better, to improve my lifestyle. To feel successful at something. It has taught me a lot like getting proper rest, putting myself and my family first. A life I always dreamed of is what people do on a daily. Go to work, go grocery shopping, go out with friends. I couldn’t do those things for 6 months. I was bed bound, scared of my own shadow. During that time I would dream about doing things that normal people do and starting my business back up. I started making small steps day by day. I’m almost fully recovered now, living my dream. It is all thanks to my determination and my family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer. My favorite thing about being one is I get to freeze a moment in time for someone. Forever. They get to look back on these memories for the rest of their life if they choose to do so. I feel like what sets me apart from other professionals in my industry if my determination and kindness. Sure everyone has their own unique thing about them but I make it a point to revolve my business around kindness. The world needs more of that. I was always taught to kill them with kindness from my Aunt Kay. That has taken me far in life.

The road to getting here was rough. I am so thankful for all my clients and their constant support on letting me continue to learn. It was really slow at first. For about a year. I ended up hanging up the camera for a solid year due to feeling like a failure and having health issues. When I finally got back to where I was ready to work again it was a little easier than last time. It still took a lot of investing in myself and my brand. A lot of patience and working my butt off.

I have learned a lot from this journey. I have learned that I need to rest when my body needs it. That I have to put myself and my health first as well as my family. It’s hard to separate my personal life from my professional but I’m still learning that balance.

I want the world to know that if I can battle mental illness and find my way through the darkest of spots, they can too. It always gets better, even when it doesn’t feel like it. That’s why I talk about it so much. There is a HUGE stigma around mental health. I want to break those barriers in my business and use my platform for good. I went through some really dark stuff and found my way out on the other side. Healing wasn’t linear but eventually I got to a place one day where it was easier. With the right help and the right support system you can get through anything. Even if the support system is yourself. I am mentally Ill with anxiety dissociative disorder while running a business. God, it isn’t easy but it is worth it. We’re all human trying our best!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from a small town about an hour from Atlanta. If my best friend Sydney asked to go do something we would probably head to Athens or Buford. The bonefish grill in Buford is *chefs kiss*. There are a lot of cool things to do in Athens as far as the botanical garden, axe throwing, beer tasting and more. My spot would definitely be the mall of Georgia. I have a shopping problem. You can usually find me in a TJ Maxx or hobby lobby or old navy. For family fun things I recommend Billy Beez in the mall of Georgia! My son had a blast there and so did I!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my family. Oh my gosh. Without them I don’t know where I would be. Specifically my husband. He is such a doll. He has been my rock through everything. He has supported me and my business since day 1. You should of heard the conversation we had when I bought my first camera. I was crying because it was dark on the screen. I thought it was broken. Needless to say, I didn’t take the lens cap off. It was my first time ever holding one 2 years ago! My mentor also has been so so so amazing. Her name is Katie Ward. She has shown me a lot and taught me a lot while giving so much encouragement. There are so many people that have contributed to my success to my family and friends, down to strangers. Most importantly it is my son. Mason. He is the light of my life. I do everything for him.

Website: https://dorothy-doephotosco.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: @dorothydoephotosco

Facebook: @dorothydoephotosco

Image Credits
Headshot: Katie Ward