Samantha Hairston on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Samantha Hairston shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Samantha, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that is bringing me joy outside of work right now is being a mother. It is honestly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done although it is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I absolutely love watching my daughter grow and getting to teach her, she is so full of curiosity and creativity and I just want to make sure that I always support that part of her. Getting to create with my daughter from coloring to even taking pictures together will always be a highlight of my week.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Samantha Harrison. I am a 30 year-old self-taught photographer who specializes in family and portraits although I honestly love photographing just about anything. I started photography back in 2017 after about 2 to 3 years of severe depression and anxiety. I felt completely lost and was unsure if I was ever going to find an outlet that was going to help me out of the hole I had found myself in. I picked up a camera which I hadn’t done since high school and the rest was history. I started Shooting with friends and family and after about two years of that, I decided it was time to go for it and started Emeraldrose!! Now I have a business that I am proud of. I think what makes us different is that we truly take a personalized approach to each session no matter what session you’re booking we truly try to make it tailored to you and your story because as we know, everyone is different but everyone deserves beautiful photos.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother definitely saw me clearly before I could see myself if it wasn’t for her I would not have pursued photography the way I have nor do I think I’d be here today. My grandma has constantly been my backbone, when things were hard she reminded me that I have the strength to get out of it. She says that no matter what life threw at me if I went into it with the mind set of I can do this, then I could do it, and this day she continues to be my backbone. She continues to tell me when I start doubting myself that this is just a bump in the road, but you can do this. Keep going!!!
So to anybody out there who thinks this isn’t for me just remember this is just a bump in the road you can do it. Keep going.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think this one is pretty common and that is the fear of not being liked or being judged. I have spent majority of my life not wanting to be who I am because I felt like I was different and people weren’t gonna like me, but I have learned that you find your people. Everybody is different but at the end of the day you are special you are unique even if you don’t fit in with a one particular crowd. There is a group out there for you so don’t let the fear of being YOU hold you back be yourself. Be yourself loudly.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that time with family and friends probably matter most to me. In between the chaos of motherhood and my business, I’m always trying to plan time to see my friends and family. I think as you get older, you realize that those little moments with them are what is most important.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I think I would stop doubting myself and I would go all in anything that I was second-guessing. I would just do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Emeraldrosephotoco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldrosephotoco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19rGUo8ZpK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Emeraldrosephotoco