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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In terms of risk, I think every time you contemplate starting a business its a risk. You are crippled with the worry that the table is already full and there won’t be a seat for you. Not to mention the financial risk associated. However, I am a big risk taker. This is often to the point of recklessness, but its creative recklessness. I think life is way too short to watch other people dream big and not have the audacity to chase your dreams too. If I did not take risks I would not have the friendships with other creatives, I would not have met the clients that became best friends, I would not have captured the first kiss on someones wedding day, the giggles parents sneak in with their children when they’re all snuggled for a family portrait. Risks more often then not lead to beautiful outcomes.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business Aligned + Kind Photo Co. is nothing short of a labour of love, and sometimes tears. I started my business shortly after the birth of my daughter. Professional photos were something that just was not in our budget so I wanted to try my hand at getting my own images of my daughter. What started as something just for myself I quickly offered for friends, then word of mouth just kinda started spreading I guess. It grew very organically. However, then we moved ( military life ) and then we moved to a whole new country, which is what brings me to Georgia now. That part was not so easy. Starting fresh each and every move. was difficult, starting fresh in a brand new country was even more difficult. I have slowly been navigating that world here, and I have found some of the most genuine, kind hearted people to help.

As for what sets me apart, I’ll be honest I can’t let you leave your session with me unless we have just become best friends! kidding!…..kinda…. but honestly I couldn’t tell you what sets me apart because I just show up authentically myself, you’ll see me run opposite ways for bugs, carry sticks in case of snakes, and always ask if there will be gators around.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
North Georgia. hands down. I will take everyone I know there.

Days filled with the most beautiful hikes. The cutest little shops! Have you guys heard of wander north Georgia in Clayton? Its my MOST favorite little shop. The people are the kindest and they have the best stuff. I also love Helen, I think its such unique town, and there’s funnel cake, so that wins me over immediately. Ellijay if its fall, because I feel like fall must be celebrated there.

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?
If I sat down and listed every person, creative, business, client, friend and self help book that got me to where I am I feel like there is not enough time in the world or the perfect words. So I will just say thank you, thank you to everyone who believed in me when I was handed my first camera, thank you to those who let me watch them shine so I could learn, thank you to the creatives who welcome other creators with open arms, and thank you to my husband and daughters who never stop pushing me to try a little more.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alignedkindphotoco

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