HI, I’M AUDREY.
I suppose that to understand my complete story, I need to backtrack to January 2nd, 1998; this is the day my life changed. At the time, my family and I lived in Namur, Belgium and my stepfather’s job was taking us to Coventry, Rhode Island; I was not thrilled! Of course, not knowing anything about the United States, I looked on the bright side and saw myself living amongst celebrities and palm trees! Imagine my surprise when, not speaking a word of English, I arrived in little Rhode Island! My high school years were some of the toughest years of my life. However, I truly believe that the strength I acquired through this period didn’t just make me a stronger person, but a better entrepreneur.
In 2001, I met a little girl who changed the course of my life, yet again. Even though I thought to be destined to end up in an artistic career, I had to pursue special education. I followed this new passion, worked to be one of the top students in my field, and graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in regular education and special education. I taught Kindergarten for four years and absolutely loved it but in the end, wasn’t I supposed to be creating? How in the world did I end up being a teacher? The children were a blast and I worked my hardest but I felt stuck in the walls of a classroom.
When I purchased my first entry-level DSLR camera, I hadn’t the slightest clue of how to use it but I knew that it was feeding my need to create. Since I’m a perfectionist and felt frustrated at my lack of knowledge, I read books, watched many YouTube videos, and photographed everyone and anyone I could. I poured my heart and soul into this passion and learned quickly. While teaching, I also ran my small business on the side. It started with a couple of sessions per month and grew to the point where a choice had to be made. I loved my students and respected my job too much to let it suffer from my lack of time. I couldn’t believe it, but I made the jump and gave up my small but consistent income, my benefits, and my security. I had a mortgage and bills to pay but I knew I’d find a way to make it work. Little did I know how quickly my business would bloom! There isn’t a day that I take for granted my passion for photography or my clients for granted. I couldn’t be more grateful to be where I am; living the dream, My American Dream!