We recently had the chance to connect with Chloe Horvath and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Chloe, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is pretty sporadic. On top of running a photography business, I also own and run Horvath’s Homestead, which is a farm stand / home bakery on my property, as well as homeschool my children and everything else that comes from managing a home with children and pets. I try really hard to balance everything. My days usually start around 7am. On days the farm stand is open, I’m often baking bread before I’ve even had breakfast. We typically start school around 10am, but the rest of the day really depends on what is going on. Some days it’s appointments, play dates, drop off groups, or just catching up on things around the house.
I squeeze in photo editing and photography business things during the kid’s screen time which seems to be working well so far. I’m also juggling pet care, dishes (from all the baking!), house stuff… all the usual chaos that comes from managing a home. No two days look the same and while it’s hectic, I do really love it!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Chloe and I am a boy mom, coffee lover, and someone who reads books just for fun! I’m also the owner of two small businesses. I’ve been running Chloe Horvath Photography for over 7 years now, and earlier this year, I started Horvath’s Homestead. a small farm stand and cottage bakery that I run from my property a few days a week.
I’m pretty laid back by nature. I love people, and most of my clients end up becoming friends. At the heart of everything I do, I really just want to reflect God’s love in the way I treat people and how I show up in my work. I really love what I do and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who support me and allow me to do what I love.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I’d have to say my dad taught me the most about work. He’s always had such a strong work ethic and growing up I watched him work really hard to get where he is in life. He sacrificed a lot, as really both my parents have, but seeing his work ethic and how he always tries to do his best at whatever he is doing really shaped the way I approach work today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times I almost gave up; especially early on in my photography business. I started when I was 8 months pregnant and had just quit my full time job. I was getting no bookings and was trying really hard to get things off the ground, but nothing seemed to be working. I actually went to a few interviews for a typical 9-5 job, trying to figure something out. I didn’t get any of the jobs and at the time it was really discouraging, but looking back, I can see now that it was all part of God’s plan. I think of all the people I would have never met or how my life would have turned out if I had given up on my dream.
More recently, I almost gave up again last year. I was feeling totally burnt out trying to juggle running a business, homeschooling, managing home life, and also grieving the loss of two of our dogs. On top of all that, I felt called to start a new business and trying to figure out how to start something new while still keeping my photography business going was a lot. I still love my photography business and want to continue it; I just needed to pause, take a breath, and reset.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies in the wedding industry is that the day revolves around the photographer or what is trending on social media, when in reality it should always revolve around the couple. Our job is to serve them and capture their day the way they want to remember it. If a couple doesn’t want a ton of posed photos, or they’re more into candids, I think we need to respect that and not push our own creative agenda.
Another thing I’ve noticed is how competitive it can feel between wedding vendors sometimes. I know it’s kind of a running joke that photographers and videographers can never get along, but really we should be working together always to capture the wedding day.
And then there is the internal lie that many of us hear: that we aren’t good enough. It’s easy to feel that way when you’re constantly seeing so many talented photographers and there is so many! But the truth is that if you’ve been given a dream, especially one you feel God had placed in your heart, then He’ll provide a way. He will send you the right clients, the right opportunities, and everything you need in order to live that dream out.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people tell a story about my faith; that it was the foundation on which I built my life. I hope they remember me as someone who was kind, who went with the flow, but who also stood firmly and passionately for what I believed in.
More than anything, I would want them to tell a story of how I was loving, compassionate, empathetic, and a good mom and friend. I would hope that I could be remembered as someone who made others feel seen and cared for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chloehorvathphotography.com
- Instagram: chloehorvathphotography / horvathshomestead
- Facebook: Chloe Horvath Photography / Horvath’s Homestead
