Meet Mariah Krupp | Lead Photographer/ Owner- August Willow Photography, LLC

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

Hi Mariah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been driven to start my own business due to my independence and strong desire to be successful for my family. I spent my early adult life working for others and committing my early career to the education system. I found myself worn out so quickly and not able to find fulfillment in that career field and I knew something had to change. I started to look for my passion in life and try to discover what brought me joy. I was tired of chasing a career that didn’t feed my soul and allow me to fulfill my passions in life. That is when I decided to go all in, all or nothing and start my own photography business. Not only is it a field of work that brings me so much joy and happiness, the freedom that owning my own business has brought me is so liberating and freeing. I am now able to have the flexibility of spending time with my family and to make my own schedule.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Photography is an extremely competitive market and I feel I am able to stand out in the market by offering creative sessions that allow my customers to get one of a kind photos that they can cherish for a lifetime. Photography is my passion and I am always willing to go above and beyond to get the shot that my client wants and has a vision for. I am open to exploring options and really digging deep to develop sessions that my clients will love and cherish for a lifetime. I found that I can’t be afraid to invest in opportunities to be able to provide my clients with the best experience as possible. I am not afraid to step out of the box and allow my creativity to flow. I attribute this to my open-minded and fun, loving personality and find that I quickly connect with my clients. I am able to have them feel at ease and very comfortable, where photography and getting pictures done can sometimes be stressful for clients, so I am able to break through that barrier with them and allow them to be their true self and absolutely shine in their photos. My goal with my photography is to give my clients a living time capsule that they can continuously add to throughout the years and look back on the beauty that we have crafted together. I establish a bond with my clients that brings them back to me for years to come.

I got where I am today with my business by continuing to push boundaries and allow my creative side take over. I am a goal-getter and I do not give up easily whatsoever, regardless of challenges that are thrown my way. Building your clientele and business is never easy, but with consistent hard work and determination, it is possible. It is all about perseverance and not giving up on your goals and dreams. I have found that my business has been most successful when I set clear long term and short term goals, and set plans for them to be put into action. This has allowed for me to have an organized action plan to fulfill those goals and keep track of what I want to achieve in my business and allow it to continue to grow and flourish.

The key to overcoming challenges in my business is to not give up, and to continue pushing boundaries and pushing forward. You cannot give up when times get hard, you have to find an alternate route and keep things moving. Taking risks will never be easy, but it is all about how you handle the hurdles that come your way.

I want the world to know that I am a hard working and determined person. I know what I want and I will go for it. I will not stop until I have surpassed my goals and then I will find new goals to continue to push toward and grow my knowledge and my business. Photography is my passion and I absolutely love what I do and the clients that I work with. I couldn’t ask for a better, more rewarding career path. I worked so hard to establish myself and my business and I will continue to strive for greatness on a daily basis no matter what is thrown my way. I will always work hard for myself and for my clients, that is a guarantee.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Friday- Arrival, dinner at the Sundial and a little ride on the Sky Wheel downtown

Saturday-
Wake up for a run along the belt line, stopping to admire Krog Street tunnel and head over to the Krog Street Market to grab some brunch.
Hang out and enjoy the city before heading out for the night to hit The Vortex Bar and Grill for Dinner and then a comedy show at the Laughing skull that evening.

Sunday-
Spend the day exploring Ponce City Market, my favorite place. Start by grabbing a wine to sip on while we walk around looking at the shops.
Grab some lunch at Ton Ton (Invincibible Dan Mazeman and an order of Gyoza of course, iykyk.)
Continue shopping around Ponce City, then head up to the rooftop to play some carnival games and have a drink or two.
Grab an Ice Pop from The King of Pops before heading home

Monday-
Grab some scooters in the city and head to Little Five Points for some thrifting, shopping and sight seeing. Grabbing a bite to eat at Tijuana Garage before heading to see a live band at the Variety Playhouse

Tuesday-
Say goodbye to my friend and send them off with a hot dog and Frosted Orange from The Varsity before their flight out

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?
My mother, Anna and my father, John have been such strong examples of hard work and striving for your dreams. They have always encouraged and supported me to follow my own as well. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them pushing me and encouraging me to follow my dreams and fulfill my soul. My husband, Kevin has also been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He has always been behind me in supporting me with my big ideas and dreams. From being there for the long nights working hard, going above and beyond to make my visions come to life and supporting our family while I chase my dream. I am so thankful for all of the support and mentorship I have gotten in the process, I feel extremely lucky.

Website: Www.augustwillowphotography.com

Instagram: @augustwillowphotographyllc

Facebook: @augustwillowphotographyllc