Give us your “Elevator” Speech—WHO are you and WHAT do you do for a “living”. And how should we “know” you?
I like to say that I am a renaissance woman whose current mode of creating a living is with photography. I don’t like to be defined by what I do to make money, but rather how I am in everything that I do and all things I come into contact with.
Tell us about your path to getting to where you are with your business today.
Photography and writing is my sixth career—the others before offer an amazing support and knowledge base for what I’m doing today. I worked for six years for architectural firms on commercial projects as designer and project manager until 2001.
In 2001, after a major life transition, I picked up my camera as a form of therapy spending several years scanning the world here and abroad. In 2006 I entered a contest with After the Fires, a photograph of a solitary sunflower growing out of the devastation after the Cedar Fires (San Diego) in 2003. In 2007 I received notification that the photo had won and was being published in Southwest Magazines’ Trade Directory.
With a degree in Interior Design it was natural for me to build a clientele of architects, designers, and landscape designers. On the fine art side of things, I am planning a show this year with a range of work called “In Living Contrast”.
What is your personal “motto” or “mission statement”?
Forget the rules about age and say yes to life. Just tell me I can’t do something and watch me!
Besides your business, what are you passionate about?
I am passionate about what I can create with my camera—I love art—the written word, movies, mosaics, music, and painting. I also have a passion for dancing; it’s in my blood. I love travel—learning about new places, cultures, people, and foods…this year I’m thinking tango in Argentina!
What advice would you give to other women wanting to follow your career path?
There are many ways to make a living in photography and I am still testing those avenues. Be confident in your passion and just say yes!
Pimp yourself! Where can we find you on the web, in bookstores, at the movies, on TV, etc.?
I have been published in San Diego Home & Garden and Sunset Magazine’s blog. I was featured in Life After 50 Magazine for my book project Aging ‘Gray’cefully. A video interview on Aging ‘Gray’cefully and appearance on NBC morning news can be found on http://www.soulstorming.com and http://www.agingraycefully.com.
What should we have asked, that we didn’t? Now is YOUR opportunity to tell us what we missed! My career has evolved: corporate banker, commercial interior designer, creative director and now to writer, designer, and artist. It’s never too late to do anything—life changes, unwanted transitions such as divorce, kids leaving home, etc. can lead to great things.
Such an inspiring interview. In so many ways – Lori’s career has paralleled mine. I’m still trying to figure out how to turn my words and images into a ‘living’…but knowing that it can and has been done..gives me hope.