We had the good fortune of connecting with Michela Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michela, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first began pursuing a career in photography, our world was deep in hustle culture. While my young heart knew this wasn’t a sustainable way of living or doing business, I fell for the trap, spending countless hours stressing over the “success” of my business and forgetting what successful life looked like.

Fast forward to the present and I am so much more aware of the importance of work-life balance. I remind myself often that the world will continue to run even if I am not crushing the competition 100% of the time. I’ve become more open-handed with my business, truly passing off the control to God and trusting that if He wills this little business to continue, nothing can stop it. That is so freeing.

Of course, I believe in hard work and turning a profit, but I also have come to believe in rest and being present. For me, this looks like an ebb and flow in my business life. I’ve set up systems to continue to bring in revenue even when I’m not capable of being fully committed to every area of my business for a week or so at a time. And on the weeks where I feel the fire and motivation is strong, I lean into that spark with everthing I have. Of course, I still have daily boundaries to protect my personal life, such as what I will and will not share on social media, turning off Instagram notifications (and often deleting the app), as well as leaving my inbox alone past a certain time throughout the week.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The ability to express oneself through any medium is one of the greatest treasures in life. I find this to be so true with photography. When I create an image that has depth, meaning, and leaves you with a sense of wonder, I feel as though I’ve created something extremely true to myself. My hope is to create in order to be a reflection of the ultimate Creator—an honor I do not take lightly.

As of this year, my business journey will be 10 years in the making. I’ve been discounted a lot because of my age, as I entered the industry at only 16. But, I have used that “disadvantage” to drive me, to be an example to other young girls that with determination and kindness, you can build a business from the ground up. I’m living proof.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, there’s so much to do and see in the West Palm/greater South Florida area! Here’s a rough idea of where I’d take them:

Monday – Palm Beach to relax and kick off the week on a great foot! Lunch at Celis Produce in Royal Poinciana Plaza. For dinner, we’d stop by Rocco’s Tacos.

Tuesday – Breakfast at Aioli, a morning bike ride around the island, followed by Pub subs for lunch on the beach, and the rooftop restaurant at Restoration Hardware for dinner + dessert.

Wednesday – Late breakfast/early lunch at the pickup window at Havana (best empanadas!), afternoon at the zoo or Lion Country Safari, dinner at Elisabetta’s in downtown West Palm

Thursday – A morning at the Breaker’s poolside, brunch at Cheesecake Factory (their lemon ricotta pancakes are to die for), a quick trip down to Vizcaya, followed by dinner in Coral Gables at Coyo Taco.

Friday – A morning sendoff at Grandview Public Market grabbing pastries and coffee at Pumphouse Coffee Roasters.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is so hard, but two people come to mind.

The first is another local photographer, Shea Glass of Shea Christine Photography. Shea invited me to shadow her on a wedding day when I was around the age of 15. I owe a large part of my journey to her. Without her kind heart, I’m not sure I would’ve had the courage to start this business at such a young age.

The second would be Kelsey Schwenk. She introduced me to the world of film, and my work will forever be changed because of her generosity and expertise.

Website: www.michelawatson.com

Instagram: @MichelaWatson

Facebook: facebook.com/MichelaWatsonPhotography

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