Last year I attended my second ICAN event in Omaha. During the conference, I had selected to participate in a breakout session lead by Stacey Flowers. I didn’t know much about her but her story appealed to me and I wanted to learn more…plus she’s an Omaha girl too!! Stacey was a great speaker and truly motivating. I was impressed. Stacey often writes about the Corporate Royal to Entrepreneur Royal on her blog.

You might be asking yourself, “what is a Corporate & Entrepreneur Royal?” Well, a Corporate Royal is basically a person submersed in Corporate America. Then there is the Entrepreneur Royal, a person building a business.

So what does this have to do with me?

Although I’m a photographer and have been for many years, many may not realize that for the last 9+ years I was working full time in Corporate America yet trying to prepare myself for the eventual leap into entrepreneurialism. Trying to create/build a business while helping someone else build theirs. During the day – full time job + night/weekends – photographer! Exhausting to say the least.

Most of  my adult career I’ve been raised as a Corporate Royal. Climbing the ladder so to speak. I learned, applied, grew and was promoted. That was the safe bet. But with that came a lot of things I didn’t enjoy. I suppressed my passions and placed them on the side while trying to “do my (corporate) job.” I worked hard. But wasn’t happy. Everyone has their place and mine…was not working for someone else.

I had dreamed about the Entrepreneur Royal within but hadn’t taken the risk. When would dreams become a reality?

Well, sometimes life gives you the little push that you need. And I’m happy to say that I got the push/shove I needed to take the leap into “entrepreneurialhood” and I couldn’t be happier!

I’m now a full time photographer! Able to focus on my creative passions, my clients, my workflow, my marketing, my personal growth, etc. The change means so many things for my business and my clients. I can offer more of myself and my creativity. (Ecstatic cheers and jumping for joy).

There is a lot to still learn and A LOT of growing to do. But I’m excited to see what this new venture will bring. I know new opportunities await and with that being said I get to happily cross off an item on my 101 goals list! Oh yeah number 70 you are done and done!

What dreams have you made a reality and how? I’d love to hear! Share below in the comments.

love & pixels,
ashley nicole

PS – Photo c/o the amazing Jamie Dawn Photography