Exploring Life & Business with Izzy Seely of Hatch + Hash

Today we’d like to introduce you to Izzy Seely

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
7 years ago I owned a women’s activewear brand called Iron Lily. I was self-funded and boot strapped every part of the business. I didn’t have the money to hire a full time photographer, so I had to figure something else out. I bought a camera and began taking classes to learn how to use it. I slowly began shooting my own content for Iron Lily. I would pick up a client here and there as a side hustle. In 2020, I partnered with an investment group that was going to infuse my business with a sizable investment that was going to take my business to the next level. 2 weeks later COVID happened and the deal completely fell apart. At that point I had run out of money and had no choice but to shut my business down. I had to rapidly figure out what I was going to do. I didn’t have a penny to my name. I had just enough skill in photography to give me the belief that I could turn it into something more serious. I didn’t have any other options either. At this same time, I was coming off a breakup from a 15 year relationship. I had no money, no business, no relationship, and I was 34 years old. Naturally, I called my mom! She told me to sit tight. She packed up her car and moved her life to California to be with me. She arranged a place to live and got a job. (My mom has never lived outside the state of Michigan her whole life). We agreed I would put all my efforts into my photography while my mom held the rest down. I spent the entirety of COVID building my business. Fast forward almost 7 years and photography has become my world capturing everything from food to scuba diving. Looking back, I think everything turned out just the way it was supposed to!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting started was a daunting task. I knew nothing about lighting, editing, and photography in general. I was and still am completely self taught, using Youtube tutorials as my form of education. As my business began to take root, things started to click and it has been a steady progression over time. Owning a business never comes without it’s ups and downs, but photography has remained steady for me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hatch + Hash?
I specialize in food + beverage as well as outdoor/auto/equestrian. Food + beverage includes CPG goods as well as restaurants and chefs. I think my style is what sets me apart from other photographers. My style has a unique look to it. I’m most proud of that style. It took me years to figure out how I wanted to show myself as an artist. Now that I have learned what that is, I can see constant evolution and progression in my own work.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with me is by contacting me through email. I have a passion working for brands and individuals and look forward to each new project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hatchandhash.com
• Instagram: @hatchandhash

Image Credits
NA