Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Jones.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was born with a heart brimming with passion and a soul-craving connection; my journey has always been guided by the belief that people and relationships trumped any standardized test score or material possessions. From the outset, I sensed the magnetic pull of the arts, knowing instinctively that it would be my ultimate destination, though the exact path remained uncertain.
Venturing into the realm of higher education, I pursued a course in advertising and graphic design at a time when the digital landscape was still in its infancy, long before the advent of social media revolutionized our world. Despite the absence of hashtags and likes, I reveled in the art of crafting advertisements, capturing moments through the lens of a Minolta film camera, weaving narratives through creative writing, and collaborating with kindred spirits to breathe life into projects.
Upon donning the cap and gown of graduation, I found myself nestled within the corridors of corporate advertising, serving a company entrenched in the service industry. Yet, amidst the confines of boardrooms and bottom lines, my heart yearned for more—a desire to pursue photography. This passion had simmered on the sidelines, capturing the essence of family and friends in fleeting moments.
With courage as my compass, I embarked on a new chapter, founding Missy Jones Photography and embracing it as a full-time endeavor. The subsequent decade unfurled like a whirlwind of travel and countless photoshoots spanning the spectrum of life’s milestones—families, weddings, newborns, products, births, seniors, headshots, and events. I was living my dream, but in the enthusiasm of chasing the next frame, I realized that my business had begun to steer the ship, dictating the course of my days, nights, and weekends.
Despite the love that fueled my endeavors, I found myself at a crossroads, realizing that my business was running me rather than the inverse. I stepped back. I had now embarked on a new career, working in e-commerce and retail for an online women’s clothing company. I took on the role of creative director, advertising executive, clothing photographer, designer, and anything I could get my hands on! I loved this job, the travel it brought, and the relationships that flourished.
Yet after almost 6 years there, the pull to pursue Missy Jones Photography again was too strong. Amid the hustle and bustle of working for someone else full time, I couldn’t shake this feeling deep down—a tug at my heartstrings, urging me to pivot, to evolve. It wasn’t about abandoning what I loved but embracing it in a new light. So, with excitement and trepidation, I embarked on a journey to redefine Missy Jones Photography.
I felt a magnetic pull towards helping brands tell their stories this time. But let me tell you; it’s been a journey of discovery—one filled with moments of triumph and, yes, a fair share of stumbling blocks. I’m still learning the best way to help brands shine. But what drives me forward is the passion for unearthing each brand’s heartbeats, capturing its essence in every frame, and weaving its narratives into captivating stories.
With each new client, I dive in headfirst, eager to understand who they are, what makes them tick, and what sets their soul on fire. It’s a journey of collaboration, exploration, and, most times, a little trial and error. But through it all, I’m committed to giving my all, honing my craft, and helping brands find their voice in a crowded digital landscape. So, if you’re wondering if I have it all figured out, the answer is no—far from it. But what I can promise is unwavering dedication, boundless creativity, and a genuine desire to help your brand shine like never before.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, the struggle of life is always there, right? Am I good enough? Do I have what it takes? Can I keep up with the trends? Do I keep up with the trends? It’s not necessarily challenging photography; the struggles come with being human and working with humans. Evolving is hard but so worth it when you look back. I attribute how I navigate my mindset and stressors to the fantastic people I surround myself with. The conversations are different when you are around down-to-earth, driven people.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I don’t know if it sets me apart, but showing up real, raw, and half-curated on social media gives a taste of who I am. You know, in this digital age, authenticity is everything. Ugh, that word is so overused, but it’s true. I’ve realized that the best source of new clients isn’t some fancy marketing campaign or flashy ad—it’s good old-fashioned word-of-mouth fueled by genuine connections and shared experiences that I tend to share on social media and in my new podcast.
That’s why I’ve made it a priority to share who I am, both personally and professionally, on social media, from the behind-the-scenes glimpses of my photography process to the stories that inspire me, to me hanging out on the weekends and sharing what I love outside of my business. I strive to be transparent, relatable, and real. I’m messy and don’t have it all together, but I mean well and do my best with the moments I have. When you let people into your world and show them the person behind the business, magic happens.
Through this method, referrals come pouring in—friends telling friends, and the minute I post a reel or story that prompts a reaction, I get a new client or lead from it. People want to work with someone they know, like, and trust. By putting myself out there and sharing my journey and passion for what I do, I’m not just attracting clients—I’m building a community around my #brandbestie method.
So, if you ever wonder why I’m constantly posting on social media or sharing blog posts or stories about my latest adventures, now you know—it’s not just about building a brand but building relationships. And in a world where connections are everything, that truly sets me apart. If social media were gone tomorrow, I would still have lasting relationships to keep my business going.
Are any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
There are so many resources at my fingertips, but narrowing it down to this last year, I would say Brene Brown books, Mel Robbins podcast, and the Bible are my best resources to keep my mind right so I can do things.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.missyjonesphotography.com
- Instagram: @missyjonesphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaelizabethjones/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missyjonesphotography/
- Other: Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2321488
Image Credits
Missy’s headshot is from: Elisabeth Eden
