WYSU: Ivory Martin

Introducing Ivory Martin a portrait, event and branding photographer based in Richmond, VA.
Ivory began her creative journey as a videographer filming mostly short PSAs and music videos in Metro Atlanta. After relocating to Richmond, VA she began filming training and instructional videos for Capital One. She dabbled in photography for years prior to going professional and now has seven years of photography experience. Let’s get into The gold that Ivory shared with WYSU!

We first asked Ivory if she had 30 minutes for an INpowerment Talk what would be her main subject? What’s lights her fire?
Life purpose! I believe finding real happiness is possible, and to be done you should find out what your purpose on this Earth is. I was put in this world to bring joy to others. I am most happy when the people around me are happy or when I can bring out a smile in someone else. The journey of finding your passion and purpose and fusing them together is the best life has to offer. And on that journey you will meet irreplaceable people and irrevocable knowledge.

Tell us about the things that lead to you loving that topic and knowing you have a passion for it.

I am on my own personal journey to finding out who I am, what I love, and what makes me happiest. Through this period I have learned perspective and shifting paradigms are amongst the most important tools when navigating between what the world has labeled me and what I know of myself to be true. I am passionate about people finding their life purpose and what makes them live rather than exist, because I have been fortunate enough to find mine and the feeling is incomparable.

I have been able to fuse my love for photography and my purpose in care-giving together. I am a brand photographer and love working with people who are excited about their brand and what it stands for. I look at brands like babies, they take a lot of time and nurture to grow into success. I take pride in working with brand owners and influencers who allow me to be a part of their baby’s story.

On your INpowerment journey what would you say has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced? How did you overcome it? AND if you’re in the process of overcoming it what steps are you taking right now that are helpful to you and may encourage others?

Relearning is the biggest challenge I’m facing while on my INpowerment journey. I have an inquisitive mind and letting go of notions that don’t serve me but are instilled in me and embracing a new set of standards are both awkward and intimidating. Although it is a challenge, it is an exciting process because I know I will become far greater than I previously was.

What do you love most about yourself as a woman on an INpowerment journey? What are you most proud of?

I love being a woman and on an INpowerment journey, period. That statement alone is powerful to me. Allowing myself to shed my old skin, the doubts and fears associated with insecurities, and become a woman that I envision is the best ingredient for self-love. I am most proud of how I am overcoming fear and a false sense of uncertainty and learning what I am capable of. I am also proud that my journey is still continuing and knowing there is a multitude of information and people I have yet to encounter.

Women wear a lot of hats , sometimes we play superwoman when we aren’t feeling it, has that ever happened to you? If so, how did you handle it? If not, how do you keep it from happening to you?

When someone sees me I want them to see a real woman, mother, business owner, daughter, friend, and a host of other titles. Naturally, women wear a lot of hats and juggling multiple things is stressful, no doubt. I’ve battled anxiety, post-partum depression, breakdowns, along with some great highs. Those peaks and valleys can break the strongest women but knowing when to step away and take time for yourself is key to continuing your journey.

What are your three best INpowerment tips?
1-The most important tip is to take accountability for your self. Take an inventory of your life and write down where you want to be in terms of personal and business. Understand what your bad habits are and work on those, and equally celebrate your wins and accomplishments.
2- Write it down. Whatever it is, write it down. If it is a plan, a mission, a dream or a goal, write it down and keep it in front of you. Let it become your life. The thing you think of the most will become your life.
3-Ask for help. Don’t be ashamed or too boastful to ask for help.

Personal projects, tell us what’s going on now or pending for your personal projects ?
I am building my brand photography business to work with talented brand owners and influencers. I am also creating a coffee table photo book series.

How would you complete When You See US you’re looking at ___?
Women who own their womanhood. It is something inherently refreshing about being the catalyst for creating life, and not just in human form.

Favorite snack or desert? Yes, inquiring minds want to know.
Mhmm, I love a warm slice of homemade lemon cake with lemon icing (vegan, though ).

What are your final words of encouragement for being INpowered?
I had to retrain my thought processes and stop telling myself anything negative. Negative thoughts breed negative actions. Every action starts in the mind first, and when the mind is cluttered with negativity, most actions around you or pertaining to you will be negative.