Creative Crush // Mary Dougherty

I was so excited to meet Mary Dougherty a couple weeks ago when we worked on a styled shoot together with a bunch of other amazing ladies (we'll share the details soon!). I'm sure you'll love her work as much as I do! Mary's a photographer in Upstate New York, and I'm so happy our paths have crossed!       WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS : There are a lot of things I like about running my own business (and let's be honest a lot that make it very challenging) but what I love the most is the personal aspect of what I do. Meeting and connecting with new creative people is my favorite part of the job. I love being able to photograph a couple's story and get to know them along the way, or become friends with a designer after a styled shoot!FAVORITE CANDY/TREAT :  Salted caramels, and if I had to be specific these caramels from the Caramel Jar.WHAT'S A RECENT FAVORITE FIND : I just read Manage your Day to Day which is about making over your mornings and balancing your time and it's changing my life. I've decided I need to become a morning person and that's after some pretty dedicated years as a night owl.TELL US HOW YOU GOT STARTED WITH PHOTOGRAPHY : I first started in high school studying film photography for three years thanks to an amazing art program. I decided last minute to continue following that passion into college when I changed my mind (and the school I was going to) a week before graduating. I went to a small Christian liberal arts school all loved the well rounded experience I had there.WHY DO YOU BLOG : I blog to have a conversation. I share my work, post a new favorite recipe, update people on my personal life and invite them to join in on my journey.

ANY ADVICE FOR FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS : You can do this! I think we forget to encourage each other (outside of facebook likes) and often doubt our abilities.... but you are more talented and capable than you realized.WHO'S A FELLOW ENTREPRENEUR YOU'RE CRUSHING ON RIGHT NOW : Farmgirl Flowers. I discovered them on instagram and am in love with their creations, their business model, their ethics. From their website :We only use locally grown flowers to minimize carbon footprint and not participate in unethical trade practices. We do everything possible to reduce waste including repurposed vases, reused burlap, bike courier, and more.I wish I lived close enough to receive some, but I look forward to other businesses adopting the same practices.

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