We recently had the chance to connect with Joeli Boatright and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Joeli, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
Love this – so many people come to mind but most of all my son Arlo.
He’s 2 years old, and just pure magic. I’m enamored by the way is his mind is hardwired to be loving towards everyone around him, his excitement for new things and the way he views the world.
I’m constantly learning new ways to appreciate the stillness that motherhood has brought me.
We spend so much time outside and it brings me so much inspiration. Those quiet moments allow my creative brain a moment to pause and look at art in a new way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joeli, I am a conceptual branding photographer.
I would say my strongest work is shown when I’m capturing people in interesting settings, fun wardrobe, or in a raw, boudoir-esque style.
I have been the lead photographer for Kara Marie Collective for 5 years now! We specialize in helping small businesses thrive in the digital age. I am really passionate about my role here and I’m proud of the evolution of my work over the past 5 years.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
This is a great question!
As someone with a photographic memory and an introverted nature, I have early memories of growing up in the country, riding horses and spending a lot of time alone in nature. I think these are the moments I really felt powerful and confident in who I am.
This is an ongoing practice for me, I think my mind can reset, and I am free to dream up unique concepts and ideas for how I want to live my life.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I would say my fear of rejection. I’m sure this is a very common one, and for good reason, everyone wants to be met with positive feedback, but this isn’t always possible.
This is a really tough subject when it comes to the digital age, cancel culture is something I’ve never really agreed with and I think it holds a lot of creatives back for fear of saying or doing something wrong. I’ve been working by through this myself for awhile now and hope to continue sharing new layers about myself!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Being too nice — People Pleasing.
Gosh, looking back at younger me, I just wanted to be known as “sweet and loving.”
I still absolutely AM a kind, warm, loving person. But I’ve learned that you won’t always make everyone happy, and that’s okay. It isn’t healthy to chase perfection, and boundaries especially as creatives are crucial.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
It’s not that deep!
We’re our biggest critics, and ultimately those things we obsess over, just simply don’t matter to anyone but you. I think letting go of control with my art has actually improved my projects 100 fold.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karamariecollective.com
- Instagram: Kara.Marie.collective
Image Credits
Models and brands – listed in order
Michaela McClure
Mira Bhat
Juniper Social
Khrystyna Roberson
The Ranch Motel
Ana Peli
Busty’s Bar and Juke Box – models
Tatum Brooke & Tess Ellen Davis
Joeli – myself (alternate photo)
Elle’s Boutique
Elle’s Boutique
Natalie Myers
Paul Bridges
