My theory is that if I’m going to do something, then I will do it differently. I can always go to the store and buy potatoes. I cannot go to the store and buy purple potatoes. So I grow purple potatoes. I own my uniqueness.
No, this interview is not with a farmer. In fact this podcast episode is with my friend Niki Peel, a wedding and elopement photographer in South Africa. And Niki is an all around awesome human being – she not only photographs weddings in paradise. That’s what she calls South Africa with its blue skies, crystal clear waters and amazing landscapes. But she is also a backyard gardener who grows some pretty unusual and unique crops in her spare time.
Niki shares so much of her life and her philosophy of how she has been running her business for the past eight years. Being true to who she is as a person and as a brand has really helped her grow a successful wedding photography business in an industry that is heavily saturated. She says that like everyone else, she too, tried lots of things early on in her career but when she quickly got burned out, she decided to focus only on things that gave her joy, played to her strengths and let go of all the other things that hampered her productivity.
Niki talks about the importance of building strong relationships with peers and other professionals in your industry. Relationship that are not transactional but instead are genuine and for the long term. These people will be the ones who will refer you, speak for you and be your champions, so treat them well, she says. And don’t be afraid to be who you are. She prefers face to face meetings to establish those strong connections. Sure, social media is great way to connect but take those conversations offline and that’s where the real magic of community happens.
I had such an amazing time chatting with Niki and cannot wait to share her story on this episode of CulturallyOurs. She has a great sense of humor, an adorable accent and the sweetest giggle – everything that makes chatting with her feel like you are talking to your dear friend and not a stranger half way across the world!
{Photo credit by Niki Peel,Website: Niki M Photography, Instagram: @nikimphoto}
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