We had the good fortune of connecting with Myeisha Nichols and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Myeisha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started NaTRUal Xpressions Photography because I’ve always loved working with a camera. Growing up, I took photos of my family and friends. I was in yearbook in high school and a newspaper photographer in college. Word of mouth has grown my business over the last 11 years. But 2021 so far has been my biggest year. In 2020, I took the time to sharpen my skills and learn about new equipment. This year, I released my website and started building a social media audience. Before I was just taking nice photos but now, I can create beautiful portraits that tell a story. I make sure to have a detailed conversation with each client to create a vibe where they can feel comfortable and confident.
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.
What sets me apart from others is that no photoshoot is the same. Most of the time I make the props by myself.
I am most proud of reaching a 10k in sales goal I set for myself by the end of the year. I reached my goal in 6months.
I pride myself on being very professional. I learned that best from my parents. No matter what, I remain tactful and poise when speaking with a client. It has allowed me to build working relationships and network with some amazing people.
Nothing comes easy. I had to step outside of my shell to grow my business. When no one would book me. I booked myself and did my own makeup and took photos. I even did photoshoots with my friends to promote my brand.
I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. Once I saw the value in myself and my work, I set boundaries with people who didn’t want to pay me for what I was worth. For years I lowered pricing just to please others. I no longer over-extend myself to people who don’t value my artistry.
I would like the world to know that my brand is for people to see the best version of themselves through my camera lens and makeup brushes.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do here in Memphis. Below are a few of my favorite places to relax, brunch, shop, hang out, and dine.
Emerge in self-care
Care.Love.Repeat.Wellness self-care studio and The Sacred Room
Amazing Brunch spots
Stacks
Another Broken Egg
SAGE
Current favs for retail therapy!
Tiaras Place Boutique
The Fashion Addyct Boutique
Artsy things to do!
See a show at Hattiloo Theater or Opera Memphis
Go around Midtown to look at murals
Drive in movie
Places to be wined and dined at.
Char
Mahogany Memphis
Flemings
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my mother! She has purchased most of my equipment. Without her support, I would not be able to create amazing work. Also, I want to shoutout my sister for being my first makeup and photography model back in 2011 which got me my first paid wedding booking. Most importantly, my amazing husband deserves a huge shoutout for always pushing me when I wanted to give up. He promotes my brand daily and assists when needed. I can’t forget my awesome friends and family that do support me by booking and referring my services.
Website: https://www.ntxphotography.com
Instagram: NATRUAL.XPRESSIONS.STUDIOS
Facebook: Natrualxpressionsphotography
Image Credits
All images were taken by Myeisha Nichols except for the one photo of me (curly hair in sweater) which was taken by my husband Justin Nichols.