Holly Pellerito shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Holly, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Traveling. I was scared for the longest time to get up, get on a plane and go, but once I started I realized there is such a vast world to explore.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello!
My name is Holly Pellerito and I am a photographer based out of Pontiac, Michigan. I struggled for a really long time to find my footing. Photography isn’t a one size fits all. I kept asking myself, what do I want to show case? What do I want to bring to the stage? How can I be better each day?
I can’t say I have ever fit the category of “normal”, if it exsist at all. I think realizing that was the game changer. I wasn’t the person who would do things in a normal way. I wanted my work to showcase bigger emotions. I struggled deeply with depression and anxiety growing up, and not fitting in felt like a daily struggle. Why do I mention it? I want my clients to feel seen, feel heard, and feel at ease. The things I didn’t, I want them to have their emotions shown no matter what they are.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I believed I was stuck. I wouldn’t escape the mental health struggles enough to stand on my own. Here I am though! Still here, and still standing.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It’s okay to not be okay. Those hard moments, those struggles, those dark times – they test you. Sometimes in ways it feels like you won’t be able to come out of. But, it’s okay to sit with that. It’s okay to use that and restore yourself.
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. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I am authentically kind to people, and offer an ear where I can. I am sure it can be seen as a fake sense of kindness or something to gain, but I just think their can be a lot of cruelty in the world. A little kindness and compassion can go along way. I’d never pretend to put on a face that I’m not.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Stop letting anxiety get the better of me. I’ve met these people, who do only have a few years to live. They always say to live each day like it’s your last. So, 10 years or 50 – I should live each day as if it is my last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raggedededgesphotography.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raggededgesphotography/
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/raggededgesphotography
