Mentoring Future Entrepreneurs

"When we guide young minds, we’re not just sharing knowledge—we’re planting seeds for a future led by creativity and purpose."
— Nelson Mandela

Last week,  I had the privilege of hosting a group of talented students from Alexandria City High School’s entrepreneurship class. While I initially hoped to spark their interest in entrepreneurship, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that many of them are already cultivating their own businesses!

The field trip was organized by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, aimed at matching local business owners with mentorship opportunities. I had the chance to introduce these future entrepreneurs to the world of professional studio photography, sharing my own journey from Veteran to small business owner. It was incredibly rewarding to show them what running a photography studio entails and how my business has evolved over the years.

Each student had the opportunity to experience both sides of the camera, getting a feel for the creative process as well as the technical and business aspects of photography. They also received a complimentary headshot before leaving—a small token to show my appreciation for taking the time to visit my studio.

One of my key goals was to show them that studio photography is about much more than just "pressing a button." We explored the essential business fundamentals that make a photography studio thrive, from building a rewarding client experience to the intense behind-the-scenes work involved in processing, administration, and operations. I believe they walked away with a new appreciation for the craft and the business side of photography, beyond the snapshots taken with their cell phones.

Mentorship has played a central role in my own journey—from transitioning out of the military to becoming a small business owner. I’m grateful for opportunities like this to pay it forward and offer guidance to the next generation of leaders and creators.

When was the last time you had the chance to inspire young minds and help shape the future?