Life and Work with Maddie Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Young.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I was a kid, I loved taking photos and videotaping everything. I knew I always had a good eye for photography but it wasn’t until college that I realized I wanted to pursue it as a career. Throughout college, I would bring my camera everywhere and make fun video montages of my friends and I’s social events and trips. Once my peers started taking notice of my work and would be upset if I didn’t bring my camera with me I realized I really could do something with this. Two weeks after graduation, I moved to Scottsdale where I began working full time. I realized I still had a lot to learn before working for myself, so I reached out to Phyllis Lane with FORD RBA to mentor with and saved up enough money to buy my first professional camera. I’m still developing my skills and figuring out exactly where I belong in this crazy world but I know that a camera will always be a part of that journey.

Has it been a smooth road?
Doing anything entrepreneurial and different than a “normal” full-time office job is definitely scary at first. However, job security entails allowing someone the ability to fire you. You are either working to build someone else’s dreams or you are working to build your own. My advice is to find something you’re passionate about and make that your career. You can fail at what you don’t love so you might as well fail at what you do love.

I also think it’s important for young adults to understand that it’s a process and it doesn’t happen overnight. Working for someone else is OK as long as you are also working towards your own dreams in your other time. I think young women don’t understand that we have an entire network of other women out there that are willing to help us achieve our goals. With a billion people online and only an email or LinkedIn message away you should always be the first to break the ice. Some of the best opportunities in my life came to me because I came to them first.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Maddie Young Media – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a photographer and I specialize in portraits, fashion, and lifestyle photography. I absolutely love style/fashion so incorporating it into my photography is one of my favorite things. I love doing portraits because a lot of people hate being photographed and may struggle with self-esteem so it’s an amazing feeling to see them get excited and love a photo you took of them.

I am most proud of myself for being so young and branching out into the entrepreneurial world. It’s scary to take a leap of faith especially when it’s a direct reflection of your work/craft. I think that my optimistic attitude sets me apart from others. I’m always looking at situations with the glass half full and try my hardest to not get discouraged.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Like I said previously – always be the first to break the ice! Research people you admire and 9/10 times there’s a way to contact them directly or contact someone who works for them directly. You’ll be surprised by how often they respond and are willing to help.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maddieyoungmedia.com
• Phone: 6087926158
• Email: maddieyoungmedia@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/maddieyoungmedia
• Facebook: www.fb.com/maddieyoungmedia

Image Credit:
Maddie Young Media

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