Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Mathews.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Matt. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my career as a photographer at Wal-Mart Portrait Studios when I was 17. I needed a job while I was in school and it seemed easy. However, photography was never a passion for me or something I pictured myself doing. I fell in love with the job and what I was doing so I decided to take all of my graduation money and buy a Canon Rebel Kit from Sam’s Club.
I then decided to go to nursing school because that was the safe path only to realize I hated it. One day I dropped out of nursing school and decided to make photography my career. I had no back up plan, no degree, nothing. I knew I had to work hard and make it work. Thankfully, with a lot of grit and determination, I became super successful in what I do and I am so thankful for that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
That journey was not easy. I grew up poor, in and out of the projects, trailer parks, or whatever place we could find that would let us live there. I saw a lot of heartache and pain as a child along with things I knew I never wanted to become. I didn’t really have role models but I did have people I knew I didn’t want to be like. So, I worked very hard to break the cycle of addiction and pain. I knew that I would be a statistic if I didn’t break that vicious cycle and I knew it would be a long and hard road. I told myself I would never have to ask anyone for anything and I’ve done just that. I don’t believe you can teach work ethic or motivation but I knew those were traits I needed to have to be successful.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a Boudoir Photographer and I own a recently opened lingerie store. I teach women the art of self-worth: how to love their bodies and be comfortable in their own skin. In today’s society, I believe we are taught the wrong things. We aren’t beautiful if we aren’t skinny enough or tall enough. I am here to break those stigmas. Every single person is beautiful. I am so proud that I am literally changing women’s lives daily. I have clients that come to me from around the world, women who have come from bad relationships, who have dealt with abuse, neglect, and so much more. I am able to show them how perfect and worthy they truly are.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a hot mess express. Hell, who am I kidding? I still am. My personality has always been off the charts. I’ve always had a loud and outgoing personality. I can talk to anyone, I can make anyone laugh. I’ve never been a stranger! I was just always me and you could like me or not. I never did drugs or drank alcohol because of the things I saw growing up but I was still the life of the party because I knew how to have fun without those things. I’ve always loved horses, they have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. So, naturally I knew that was something I would own as I grew older. The first thing I bought when I moved out at 18 was a horse. Her name was Priscilla and I still have her to this day as well as three others and a farm full of animals. Life is always interesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mattmathewsphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_mathews/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattMathewsPhotography
Image Credit:
John Russo Photography, Matt Mathews Photography
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