Daily Inspiration: Meet Erionne Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erionne Thompson.

Erionne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a mother, photographer, and artist located in Kansas City. My passion for photography is not only providing photos full of memories, it’s about being able to tell their stories behind my lens. I’ve always had a thing for photography since high school, but it wasn’t until being laid off from my job that was affected by COVID to start taking it more seriously. I never would’ve imagined that I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for me stepping out of my comfort zone and starting my own business. I truly love what I do and being able to be creative with my work, the journey was not a walk in the park. I struggle with mental health issues, being an introvert, and confidence, which prevented me from going full force with my career. I was not promoting my services, I underpriced my work, and most importantly, I did not believe in ME.

I recently took a trip to Miami in March for a Women Empowerment Conference and the words that Coach Stormy Wellington said about her struggles as a mother being broke to becoming a millionaire was a game changer. I came back home and started going back to Therapy, started reciting positive affirmations, and meditate everyday. I can now say that I am not ashamed of what my journey has put me through, but I know my path and what I am destined to be. I also have grown to take self-portraits and communicate to others that it is ok to put you first, and self-love/self-care is not selfish, it is a must! I am an advocate for Mental Health Awareness and I’m hoping within the next month, I can start my coaching business to teach and inspire women who have yet to tell their stories of Mental Health while being a business owner.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has definitely not been easy, but no roads will ever be a straight line. Sometimes I’m up all night long because I’m pressing myself to be a people pleaser, overbooking myself, hiding behind a wall because I was afraid of judgment from social media, not pricing my services based on my worth and the quality of my work. I had to really have an internal conversation with myself and try to come up with a plan that would help me to get organized, stay organized, and not worry or stress so I can continue to enjoy what I love to do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a photographer that specializes in Portrait Photography such as Fashion, Models, Couples, Engagements, Seniors, Families, and soon to add Branding Photography to the list in both a studio setting and outdoors with natural lighting. I’m also in training to become a Videographer so I can be able to shoot documentaries and commercials for clients needing promotion services. I am most proud of knowing that I could teach myself Photography by just getting out here and going past my assumptions. I always look at my work from last year when I started versus now and I just sit there with a smile because I really have worked hard to get to where I am today and I’m going to keep pushing myself. I feel what sets me apart from others is that I have many talents. I’m a self-taught Graphic Designer, I am a Makeup Artist. a motivator, a cheerleader, and just someone who loves helping the community and seeing other creatives do well. It will be always be “Community over Competition” for me.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I have a lot of things that make me happy, but I think most importantly would have to be my children. They are my world and help me strive to do better. Am I a perfect parent, no, but I want them to be able to understand that I will never put them in harms way and they are the reason I keep going day after day. The second thing that makes me happy is…….PHOTOGRAPHY! I love every moment, every client, and the opportunities that have been provided to me, such as this one!

Contact Info:

• Email: erionne@edaniellephotos.com
• Website: edaniellephotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edaniellephotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edaniellephotos