A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

Jessica Whitley Photography
Photographer

678-572-8096
jessicawhitleyphotography@gmail.com
jessicawhitley.com

What is the mission of your business?
The mission of my business is putting you at ease while being photographed in your best light, and to creatively make meaningful memories with care.

What lessons did you learn because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
One of the best lessons I learned through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is that you can pivot your work in a different way in times of crisis. I shifted within months from photographing commercial advertising and events to more small COVID-weddings and family portraits and headshots.

What is your advice for women wanting to start their own business in Macon?
Don’t wait for the opportunity, create opportunities. Be the opportunity. Starting one’s own business is creating a new space in life, a consistent dedication to have to create and manifest that space that you deserve in the world. Believe in yourself and do right by people, and people will magnetize toward that energy and want to work with you.

How do you define success?
Success is achieving goals — and seeing this through my client’s experience and documenting — whether it’s a headshot for their next Broadway audition, a family photo or special wedding day moment. Success is also encouragement — lifting up your brothers and sisters in your community and looking for ways to promote them. The success you make for others is the intrinsic success you create for yourself.

What are you most excited about right now in our community?
Diversity livening our beautiful community, and business and art synergizing toward common Macon goals. The question is no longer, “how will we get it done?” but “how can we all work together to achieve the town we want to see?” What are the similar things that people are already trying to do in the community, and what would it look like if some of these mini-organizations grouped together? This is every day in Macon — people bringing groups of people to all sorts of tables.

Why is Central Georgia a good place to do business?
It’s adaptable, upcoming and there’s lots of room for creativity. There are plenty of new spaces opening up for clientele of all business types, and a sense of harmony amongst business owners.

You might be surprised to know: I learned more working as a photographer’s assistant submerged in the field than in any class I took in college, although I have two degrees.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?
It’s twofold. First, warming up people to see themselves in a positive way — especially if they are usually shy with the camera. Second, having access to my own schedule based on my work and needs for growth.

What has been the most challenging part of being a woman in business?
Marketing yourself and standing up to people who may not consider women as knowledgeable in certain jobs in male-dominated fields. Women are quite capable.

I admire women who: Unapologetically take up space.

What was the best business advice you ever received?
“Stop apologizing.”

I hope more women will: Stop apologizing.

How can women better support each other?
In steps. It takes two seconds to share a promotion from another female. It takes about five minutes to buy a product from a female, and it takes no time at all to follow or like pages of women who you respect.

How can men better support women business owners/leaders?
Let them speak up, please, and be sure to actively lift up women to take on roles in leadership or on boards previously dominated by men. That is how you influence progress and equitability on a level playing field for all those involved with doing great things.

Looking back, I wish I had recognized: my creativity and stood up for it without making it smaller than it was. It is okay to shine and be whoever you are, confidently.

In five years: I will work for National Geographic on an assignment, or have work that pops up in Vogue.