Hidden Gems: Meet Amanda Yassay of Amanda Yassay Photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Yassay. 

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I started out in photography back in college, I was told the only way to make a living in photography was to be a wedding photographer. So, when I ventured out on my own as a solopreneur 4 years ago, I began building my brand and business in weddings and engagements. Over those early years, as much as I loved and appreciated the relationships, I was able to have and keep with the couples, the long days, and the fact that Michigan weddings take over most weekends during some of the best months in Michigan were getting to be hard. I knew I wasn’t going to mentally and physically last being in this industry for much longer if I kept it up, so I began to transition my business from weddings into brand and marketing for women-owned and run businesses last fall. 

Since the transition, it has been an amazing journey meeting and working with incredible women. All the way from working with an amazing graphic designer (@amyamybobamy) to rebrand my business, leaning on my right-hand lady for florals, supplies, dreaming up future sessions, and more (@tiffanykline), and finally to the amazing women who have trusted me to take their vision and breath creative life to them. It has been incredible the response and opportunities I’ve received from so many women from all over Michigan, and I finally feel my business is exactly where it needs to be – making it easy for women to see and celebrate themselves as they are. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to growing a business is never easy, but I learned long ago to find and lean on the support of positive influences- so that’s what I did. When the going was rough for instance in the beginning when I was transitioning my business, then having a baby and deciding when I should jump back into work, or when I advertise for sessions and only have one person book… it’s hard. However, having an incredibly supportive husband, a wonderful community of photographer pals, and a handful of close, encouraging and loving women who have helped me get to where I am today. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Amanda Yassay Photo?
My business specializes in celebrating women in business and in life. I live by the philosophy that every woman deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, honesty, and to experience a full-blown hype-woman moment to remember. It’s rare that women celebrate themselves and their accomplishments but my business is setup to make doing just that easy and FUN. 

I feel what sets me apart from others and what I’m most proud of is my relentless positivity, encouragement, and sense of comfort I give to any women that hires me. Every woman is worthy of feeling incredible and proud of the accomplishments and struggles they’ve had or have overcome and I’m only there to hype-you up and give you time to shine. 

With a variety of session options ranging from 20 minutes to half-day shoots, for simple portraits or to have a full-blown creative moment I try to create opportunities for every women looking for a comfortable creative space to be themselves and feel amazing. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I always felt I was very extroverted, creative, independent, but with a major case of FOMO. I loved being a part of events, teams, and activities – always staying busy. I never felt a part of a click or a specific group of kids but rather loved floating amongst groups, having a wide range of friends, and always staying busy. I played three sports all through high school but was always able to find time to be creative and social. I was a busy bee then and I guess that really hasn’t changed much as an adult. 

Contact Info:

• Email: amandaayassay@gmail.com
• Website: www.amandayassayphoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/aayassay_photo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/aayassay_photo

Image Credits
Amanda Yassay Photo