I STARTED MY PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS WHEN I WAS 15 YEARS OLD. I WAS AN AWKWARD, LANKY, GOT-BY-AT-SCHOOL TEENAGER. I HAD MORE ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS THAN I CAN COUNT. MY PARENTS WERE MY BIGGEST FANS. 

I looked and looked for resources and a community of people that were like me, young and trying to start up a creative business. I had a few photographer friends who also blogged, but there wasn't anything else available for people my age. A lot of my peers, BRILLIANT people, have since paved the way for young people now to start creative businesses without the side-eye we once got. 

WHEN STARTING UP MY LAST ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVENTURE, UNFOLDING PASSIONS, I BECAME OVERWHELMED WITH ALL OF THE BUSINESS ADVICE THAT WAS FLOATING OUT THERE. I SUBSCRIBED TO TOO MANY EMAIL LISTS, I FOLLOWED TOO MANY BUSINESS BLOGGERS, AND I TRIED IT ALL TO MAKE UNFOLDING PASSIONS WORK. 

Turns out, I wanted to run a business my way and listening to a bunch of (successful! wonderful!) people was too overwhelming for me.

So I scrapped it all.

I began looking for resources directed towards my demographic, and I couldn't find any. How was I supposed to budget for groceries and rent on a self-employed salary? I didn't go to college, so how could I learn about running a business? Where were all of the business bloggers for young people? *crickets* 

My hope is that I can, from my own experience and education, provide resources and inspiration for young people, aged 16-22, who want to start creative businesses. Think of it as a lifestyle/business brand meets cheerleader. Also, I believe that real life can be beautiful so get ready for some aesthetically pleasing things to meet your eyeballs. 

But let's be honest, the real reason I started coaching is because I really love coffee dates and I want to have more of them.

i think that we all love free things. Here's a free thing that i made for you!

instagram is my insta-jam / @elliebe_

Waiting for baby. 💛 #elliebephotographs
A few years ago, I was speeding down the highway at 70mph and it seriously felt like my life was going just as fast and that at any moment, it would come to a screeching halt and cause chaos. I cried out to God, “What do you want me to do?! What’s important? What matters to you?!” And a still voice pierced through the noise and said, “Speak life and celebrate beauty.” ✨ I’m so guilty of cursing my own life. “I don’t feel well, it won’t be a good day.” “These photos won’t turn out like I want them to.” “I’ve messed up again. I can’t do this right.” This is NOT the life God has saved me for. These negative thoughts are not His words for me. And not only do I want and need to speak life over other people, I need to speak it over MYSELF. This is life-changing. This is real. (It would be a dream come true if the comments section of this photo was filled with people speaking life over each other. Tag someone you love and sprinkle life all over them!)
I love photographing the “read-between-the-lines” moments. #elliebephotographs
I’m a recovering workaholic which means that sometimes when I wake up, I want to start working right away. My mind starts processing the day ahead the second that I wake up. But instead of answering emails and editing photos, I spent the first part of my day with Jesus. (Which, by the way, doesn’t make me a super awesome Christian or perfect person.) It reminds me of what’s most important and keeps my priorities in CHECK. He’s my source. He’s where I come for restoration and refreshment and encouragement. (Also, all of you women should preorder @dancestandrun so that you can get this book in your hands ASAP. @jessaconnolly is straight up preaching with this book.)