Today we’d like to introduce you to Oxana Kernan.
Hi Oxana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It’s been an incredible journey which began when I moved from Russia to the United States 24 years ago. My new life began in my early 20s and started with simple achievements, like learning English, learning to drive a car, understanding U.S. culture and meeting people, going to school and building friendships. I look back sometimes and think I could have never done this all over again. It wasn’t easy, I admit. If only I knew it was only the beginning.
I chose the Beauty Industry as my career. First, I became a hairstylist, color specialist and worked in a high-end salon for eight years before my son was born. During that time, I learned other skills to add to my services. I perfected my skills in “Black Tie” hairstyling had special events and bridal clients.
I completed Make-up School and the opportunities for business grew even more. What happened next was never in my plans.
Out of nowhere, I had a very strong desire to become a portrait photographer. It was an incredible discovery that combined all the skills I have collected and perfected over the years together.
I have the ability now to create beautiful stories from beginning to end with hair, make-up, wardrobe styling to a final image. This includes my beauty and fashion portrait vision, perfected with artistic retouching. My photography business started after a few years spent in college studying film, digital photography and Photoshop®.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I didn’t really notice the obstacles during the process itself. It’s only when looking back I wonder how it all happened? My desire to achieve was very strong so the hurdles were overlooked. It’s incredible to invest time to learn new skills for visual expression when you have the passion to do it. I always had the capacity to dream big. What was difficult for me was the workload. I had very little time between full-time work at the salon, going to school and studying early in the morning and very late at night. I also had photo shoots, a new baby and a commitment to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the middle of it all. I loved it. The most difficult part was not being physically or mentally tired after a busy day but keeping the drive going and my energy high enough to reach my goals. All you have to do is find time to rest and energize between your incredible busy life and then go to the next step.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
After years of learning and advancing my skills in hairstyling, make-up artistry, photography lighting, Photoshop® techniques, I’ve developed my own unique style in portrait photography. What sets me apart from others is the experience I offer during the photoshoot and my desire to satisfy and create delightful and lovely moments for my clients. It’s not just taking photographs for myself, it’s the precious time that is spent to get ready before taking photographs: elegant hairstyles, radiant make-up, fashionable wardrobe and signature fresh floral accessories if desired. It’s the feeling of happiness and excitement that make it so special.
I specialize in portraiture for brides, children, mothers and daughters, families, intimate/romance, maternity and pets.
The incorporation of fresh flowers as fashion pieces for the hair or shoulders or over the clothes became my signature style about four years ago. I select the flowers myself based on a style, color, size, personality, mood the day before the photoshoot. I design and put together unique floral accessories individually for each participant.
I’m always evolving and growing and I like adding new dimensions to my work. I hope the next step in my career brings a fashion design collection which has been another passion for years.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
How can you not have people who supported you, inspired you, helped you, listened to you, and encouraged you, let you do what you wanted to do? I’m lucky to have a wonderful family. My mom has always been on my side with any idea I’ve ever had. My dear friends were ready and willing to give me their time to photograph them and experiment at the earliest stages of learning my craft. My classmates became friends and were supportive during different photoshoots. A few new friends that came into my life a few years ago help me anytime I need them and I would not have been able to finish important projects without them.
I also have my business mentor who I met in 2019 through SCORE.org. It’s a free service affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Administration. My mentor is a wonderful woman with so many ideas, vision, knowledge, and understanding. I’ve done a lot of strategic planning for my business with her and I check in with her every month for ongoing support.
You’re never alone in your journey, be it a personal or professional. You have to invite the right people into your life and embrace their kindness, caring, generosity and positive reinforcement. Do this and your life will always be more then amazing.
Pricing:
- Bridal Beauty & Fashion Story $3300
- Children Story $1800
- Family Collections $2800
- Animal Portraits $1250
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.oxanakernanphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxanakernan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OxanaArtist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIYTwiY3mStglVlzZqZz3Q
Image Credits:
Oxana Kernan Photography
