Meet Amanda Coker | Brand Photographer & Advocate for Sustainable Business Habits

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

Hi Amanda, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Like most young entrepreneurs, I believed the only way I would see success was pulling all nighters, canceling all extra curricular activities, and putting all focus, attention, and energy into building the business. I had no concept of time management, delegation, or self capacity. Because of that, I got to year 5 and realized I was a sleep-deprived, anxiety-ridden, friendless workaholic. I stepped back and yes, there was a “successful” business, but I was miserable and unhealthy, and it wasn’t worth the stress and chaos for me OR my family anymore.

The people in leadership are the most crucial part to any business, so when they establish unhealthy personal habits, inevitably, the business is unhealthy as well. I learned this the hard way, and eventually everything began to implode. I spent 18 months completely reframing my belief system in therapy, and restructuring the business with executive coaching. It was a turning point in my life and business, and also shifted my passion to helping other entrepreneurs discover the same tools.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love how my photography career has morphed. It continues to be the foundational way I serve clients, but HOW continues to look different as well. I started as a senior and wedding photographer, and had the opportunity to encourage high school seniors and couples in huge transitional seasons. Throughout my time restructuring after burnout, I realized I can build a team to continue to support our seniors and couples, and I can really lean into serving other small business owners like myself. Rarely are we equipped for everything that comes along with business ownership.

Over the years, my photography focus has turned to small business and personal branding, specifically for female business owners. When I’m working with other entrepreneurs, a lot of whom are in the thick of trying to balance it all, I have the opportunity to share my experience with work life balance, and the importance of healthy habits, boundaries, and delegation. The photography aspect is important; after all, your visual presence is crucial to legitimizing your brand. However, the conversations that happen DURING the session are, I believe, even more important. I want to see women thrive in business and life outside of business, and the only way that’s possible is to equip them to do so! Obviously, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t choose to hit rock bottom to figure out my purpose, but isn’t that how life goes all too often? I am proud that when clients hire me, they walk away with more than just great photos. That will forever be my ultimate goal.

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 love showing people around town! I live a few minutes north of the city in Alpharetta, and there is just as much happening up here as there is in Atlanta these days!

To kick off the week, we’d be at my favorite little cafe, The Nest, in downtown Alpharetta for Monday mimosas or a latte, or better yet, both and definitely beignets.

Tuesday, we are getting PAMPERED. We’d definitely start the day at the Yoga Loft for a morning flow, then head to Bella MedSpa for a facial. That night, we’d meet up with friends for some fun at Fairway Social.

Wednesday is spent at Fellows Cafe in Roswell for brunch and some Canton Street shopping afterwards. We’d head over to the river and rent bikes for a little fun on the greenway.

Thursday, we would head down south to Ponce City for shopping and city views, then stop in for a cocktail and tapas at Buena Vida. We’d end up renting scooters for a little Beltline exploration at sunset, but that might not be the safest option after we find our way to Ladybird for a tequila + blood orange pouch.

Assuming the Braves are in town, Friday would be spent at the Battery! We’d grub at Superica, then catch a game and Friday night fireworks for a true Americana Friday night.

A farmers market is a must on the weekend. Saturday, we’d stay close to home and hit up the Downtown Alpharetta Farmer’s Market, then change up for dinner at Holmes after a frozen marg from Chiringa.

We’d be coming out of our Holmes cocktail + food coma Sunday morning, so a cup of coffee at Valor and online church from North Point is just what the doctor ordered.

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?
There are several people who have redirected, encouraged, or simply loved me well throughout my journey of entrepreneurship. My friend and fellow badass photographer Sarah, is a foundational human in my photography journey. We started from the bottom together, and she was always open to sharing what she knew, found, or learned. My Executive Coach, Emily, is pretty much responsible for my current existence on planet earth, and helped me implement strategies that kept me in business. Finally, my ride or die husband, Brandon. He has seen the good, bad, and very ugly, and is the best life partner I could ever ask for.

Website: amandacoker.com

Instagram: amandawcoker

Image Credits
Garrett Lobaugh Amanda Coker