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

Hi Liz, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never dreamed my business would turn into what it has. It really started as a hobby. Something I truly loved doing, and I think that is what allowed it to become such a successful business for me. Ive worked since I was 15 years old. I have had so many different types of jobs. From stocking shelves to getting my Master’s in nursing and working as a Labor and Delivery nurse in one of the largest hospitals in the country. But deep down I have always had that entrepreneurial spirit. I was never brave enough to risk starting my own business, so I fell into the comfort and job security of collecting that steady pay check. I loved taking care of my patients, but something felt missing. After we had our first baby, and after years of infertility struggles, our next pregnancy ended in a loss. It was one of the hardest times of my life. . Suddenly, life felt so short and fears I once had seemed so small. I decided to hit the reset button and to take the risk, To take something I love to do, and make money doing it, I left my job as a nurse and started my life “repurposed.” Thats where the name of my business comes from, finding my true purpose. Photography was a creative release for me. It was a way for me to build relationships, and pour into peoples lives by giving them an experience and images that they would treasure forever! My business has grown 10-fold from what it was 2 years ago, and to be honest, there is no thought process. I’m just using my gifts to fuel a passion that was a hobby turned business. I truly think that is the secret!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Can I refer back to the first answer?

I love to capture connection. I want you to cry when you get your pictures back because you can literally FEEL how you did in that moment! Fake smiles and looking at the camera is not what you can expect at my sessions. I will have you interact, tell stories, play with your kids….very little “look here and say cheese!” I am so proud of the fact that I am self-taught. (I have done an incredible mentorship with Naomi Hopkins which was game changing for me), but I never went to school for photography. Its really uncomfortable for me to say this, but if im being honest, I do think I have a real gift! Im proud of that! One of the biggest lessons I have learned (and I am still learning) is to create boundaries. One of the trade offs from the 9-5 job when you own your own business is that it can be 24/7. Its so hard for me to turn it off. Work life balance is so important and it takes telling myself no, which has been a very hard lesson for me!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh this is easy. Im a huge foodie. Like, I will try anything and the spicier the better. We would start at Local Station in Braselton for drink and appetizers, then we would go eat a steak at Cotton Calf Kitchen. Its a little drive (but well worth it) we would go to Last resort in Athens for Desert (White Chocolate Cheese cake). What I LOVE about where we live is how far away, yet close we are to everything. I am a sucker for the mountains. Its less than a two hour drive to get to Highlands, NC. One of my favorite places. We could spend the week hiking, being outdoors. One of my favorite spots in Sunset Rock, Highlands. Its so fun to hike up there with dinner, and just sit, talk, and watch the sunset!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is SO hard to answer! I would have to say first to my husband Patrick for supporting my dreams, picking up the slack when im not at home (we now have 3 kids!) and for always encouraging me!

Secondly would be my clients! They are the ONLY reason I get to do what I love. Trusting me is the biggest compliment!

Third, I would like to thank Erika Womack. She is another photographer (Erika Lynn Photography) who has held my hand along the way, teaching me so much and always helping me solve problems!

Website: https://www.repurposedphotography.com

Instagram: @repurposed_photography

Image Credits
Grey Ann Photography Naomi Hopkins Photography

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