We recently had the chance to connect with Winnie Nyatome and have shared our conversation below.
Winnie , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My family and my weekly hobbies bring me a lot of joy and balance outside of working. When I am not hyping up my clients and taking amazing photos of them, I am a mom to a two year old that keeps me busy all day every day. And when I need to destress, I love to go dancing once or twice a week or perhaps go for a walk. I also crochet little things to rest while I watch the latest new episodes of my favorite shows; It’s my way of redirecting my energy and finding balance.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there,
My name is Winnie and I am a lifestyle and wedding photographer located in East Texas. I have always loved working with people since I have a masters in social work, so photography has become the perfect job for me. I love encouraging and complimenting my clients while capturing those special photos that reflects who they are. I offer all sessions from newborns, to wedding photos to business branding photos. My specialty is celebrating the person in front of my camera.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
In order for me to share my earliest memory of feeling powerful, I have to take you back to the early 2000s when I was in elementary school in Kenya. Im not the tallest human, but I can think quick on my feet. During recess, a classmate who was taller than me kept picking on me, but I kept saying to myself I couldn’t fight them. Well, when the bell rang they cornered me, I was scared, but I had an idea. As they stood in front me, I pretended to bend down to tie my shoes, but instead I pulled their legs from under them and they hit the ground. I hit them once, and ran to class! After that, they never picked on me again. While I ran to class, I was terrified the whole time because I was scared they were going to snitch and my parents would know and then I would be in big trouble.
They never snitched and my parents never knew. But that moment taught me that I can do anything no matter what. I didn’t feel powerful because I hit them, I felt powerful for standing up for myself even though I knew I might get into bigger trouble, both in school and at home.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, what helped me get through those emotions was by telling myself I won’t feel this way next week, next month, or next year. Growing up there wasn’t a lot of safe space to share my deep thoughts or feelings. Therefore, I talked to myself internally as a child which helped me develop a positive self talk. I learned to sooth myself in the hard times and became my own biggest cheerleader. I never developed a negative voice in my head because I created a safe space in my own heart and mind.
As an adult, I do love hearing those words of affirmations and encouragement. It brings a lot of healing to my inner child.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh absolutely!! Who you see online, is who you get in person. Who you see in person is the real me. I really love living, being a photographer and I am the luckiest human that this is my job. Sometimes I wake up and I am so surprised, but also so grateful that this is my existence.
I never developed a facade for people to see because there is no reason to. I have always been honest with myself, and I don’t mind what people think of me because I know it only matters how I think about myself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop paying rent and bills! I will take all my money, get a plane ticket and go see the world. I will enjoy all the delicious food around the world, meet all sorts of different people, take amazingly beautiful photos and leave this earth full of joy and adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wnw-photography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnienyatome_warner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WNWphotos
Image Credits
I took all the images provided and have full credit.
