Meet Mystie Medlin | Motivational author & Photographer

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

Hi Mystie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Americus, a small town in rural South Georgia in the heart of the bible belt. Faith and family are taught to be the most important aspects of life. Although, for me raised in a toxic family dynamic, and an inherent skepticism of the faith others around me held so dear, I always felt very different from my family and peers. The dysfunction that ruled my home life and the lack of belonging everywhere else, gave me a sense of determination to break free and strike out into the world. While my upbringing affected me negatively in some ways, it also impacted me in many positive ways, giving me many positive attributes that have contributed significantly to my path to being who I am today. I did not have a stable foundation upon which to build, so I learned to independently build not only a foundation but a life different then the one given to me. Giving up was not an option, so I became resilient and always bounced back whenever I faced difficulties. I also developed a tenacity that has helped me overcome many obstacles. I had to be strong and learn to work hard because there was no one to turn to or fall back on. These attributes have fueled and supported my path to being a creative entrepreneur My upbringing also impacted my ability to understand others and empathize with the struggles people face. My upbringing also gave me the drive to uplift those around me and use my talents to help people whose paths’ are similar to mine and who struggle with being seen for their authentic and different selves.

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.
Candid moments filled with love, pride, excitement, joy, and triumph are the essence of life. As a photographer, I freeze moments to create art. As a motivational writer, I use my own emotions to uplift readers and share their potential.

There were difficulties getting to where I am today, professionally. Survivor of lifelong psychological abuse, single mother, and small business owner are all titles that come with a lot of stress and many obstacles to overcome to do any of them well. Finding my way through the fog of abuse was lonely and confusing, likewise is single motherhood. Self-validation is difficult when you have always been invalidated. Finding the courage to put oneself out there takes a great deal of healing and courage. The art I create reflects these struggles and what they taught and granted me. By sharing the beauty in someone’s authentic moments or sharing words of understanding and motivation the art I create gives others what I needed through my journey. Giving others the gift of validation heals and helps me overcome the challenges I face. Sharing these things also gives me and others a feeling of support by showing we are not alone. Likewise, my writing and image radiate what I’ve learned through my life, which are things like resiliency, self-worth, independence, courage, and understanding of others. I am proud I can take the negative things that happened to me and use them to promote positivity for other people. It excites me to continue to grow my brand and business and show more and more people what they are capable of and the beauty within themselves they may never be validated on.

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 live in Columbus. If a friend visits for a week, I’ll take them to natural and fun spots, like Flat Rock Park, the River Walk Overlook, Columbus Botanical Gardens, Callaway Gardens, and downtown Columbus. We can enjoy live music at several restaurants and bars, like The Loft, Saltcellar, and Nonic Beer Bar & Kitchen, or catch a concert at the Riverwalk.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Four people have significantly contributed to my success by inspiring, supporting, and loving me. My grandfather, who passed away in 2018, taught me the power of having a strong mind. He could hold a bee within his grasped hand and it would never sting him. He contributed this to, convincing himself he was not afraid. My grandfather claimed the bee wouldn’t sting if there was no fear. Having a strong mind, self-belief, and faith makes anything possible. My stepmother, who I lost in 2004, helped me appreciate my uniqueness and be confident in myself. She also showed me that creating a self-built foundation and business was possible, even when the odds are not in our favor. She owned and operated several small businesses even when she was a single mother, each successful in its own right and helped her make ends meet. My sister has been my support system, cheerleader, and shoulder to lean on when things were tough or I doubted my abilities. Our daily phone calls, pep talks, and the laughter we share have kept me going when things were hard. Lastly, Dr. Annise Mabry believed in my abilities even when I did not. Through Dr. Mabry’s foundation, many doors and opportunities have been opened for Mystie Medlin Photography. Hiring me as the official photographer for the Chief’s Diploma Program, which graduates the most homeschooled students, in the state, Dr. Mabry has allowed my business to grow exponentially. Without each of these four people, I would not be the person I am today, I am grateful for each one and how they have helped, inspired, and supported me along my journey.

Website: mystiemedlinphotography.com

Instagram: mystiem1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MystieMedlinPhotog

Image Credits
@mystiemedlinphotography