Spotlight Series: Peculiar Treasures

Afternoon, peeps! Happy Saturday ya'll :) It's time for yet another episode of the Spotlight Series!!
Before I reveal this episode's special guest, if you are either a) totally new to my blog and clueless of why I created this series OR b) forgot to tune in to one of more of the previous three episodes, you can happily catch up right down here:

-LoveLoft [http://scarsofshe.blogspot.com/2014/06/spotlight-series-loveloft.html]
-Total Icon [http://scarsofshe.blogspot.com/2014/06/spotlight-series-total-icon.html]
-The Jersoridian with the Pen [http://scarsofshe.blogspot.com/2014/06/spotlight-series-jersordian-with-pen.html]

Now, please welcome this episode's special guest: the beautiful Hannah Cox! Hannah Cox is a daughter, friend, student, Jesus freak, writer, photographer, travel enthusiast and lover of anything coffee. A Dallas native, when she is not busy volunteering in her church’s youth department you can find her at coffee shops with friends, at home pursuing her degree in English Literature, or out taking pictures of the world around her. She's the owner of Peculiar Treasures, her photography business that was born approximately four years ago with a passion and a bit of prayer. Stay tuned to find out the impact that Peculiar Treasures has had on Hannah's life so far, her humble beginnings and where it can potentially take her: 

1) What is the purpose of Peculiar Treasures?

Capturing memories, a moment in time is the ultimate purpose of Peculiar Treasures. But for me the ultimate goal of this business is to bring families, friends, and couples together and have them stop for a moment to treasure the relationships around them and see the unique, or peculiar gifts of those relationships. I want my customers to not just enjoy getting pictures made and sharing them with others, but to enjoy being together in that moment.

2) Why did you create Peculiar Treasures?

I created Peculiar Treasures just out of the sheer hope that I would not have to go find a “big girl” job. I love taking pictures and working with people and the fact that I get paid to do what I love is really thrilling. I am a big believer that your job should be related to something you are passionate about, something you enjoy. I love the arts and photography is something that I not only enjoy being involved in but observing as well and having the opportunity to learn and grow in the field through my business is a blessing.

3) Where do you see Peculiar Treasures going the future?

I do not just see Peculiar Treasures growing as a business, but me growing as a photographer and person as well. I have so many dreams for Peculiar Treasures. Ultimately I would love to see it turn into a full time business. I am passionate about growing in my field and the best way to learn is by doing. This year I am doing all sessions for free to build up my portfolio and refine my skills. I want to build this business into a set of loyal clients who can trust that their sessions and pictures will be handled with care and will be a fun process.

4) Who or what inspired you to create Peculiar Treasures?

This is a  really cool story, a complete God thing. I had taken a photography class at my high school and had fallen in love with taking pictures of nature with my simple point and shoot. That year for Christmas my parents got me a Nikon D40 to help further my creativity and new found passion for photography. I did not enter into photography thinking a business would come out of it. A year later the youth worship band at my church wanted to do a photo shoot and asked me to take the pictures. I had never taken pictures of people, just nature. I was really nervous and anxious about the whole thing; I did not even own proper editing software. We ended up spending two days taking pictures and I fell in love with the process of posing, lighting, and working with my friends. After I delivered the final product I thought that was the end of it and it was just a fun experience, but that is not what God had in mind. One of the guys in the band really encouraged me to take the leap and start a business, so in the fall of 2010 Peculiar Treasures Photography was born and I have enjoyed working with my clients and growing as a photographer ever since.

5) How would your life be different if you didn't have Peculiar Treasures?

My life would be dramatically different. I have gotten to work with a lot of my friends in the process of laying the foundation of this business and getting to know them through their sessions has been a gift in and of itself. I have learned a lot about patience, it takes time to learn how to use my camera and work with people who are camera shy and it takes time to edit. Early on I did a senior session and the end result was embarrassing. I thought after one successful shoot I knew what I was doing and was the greatest amateur photographer to ever walk the planet, but after that session I was served a big dose of humility. I am an amateur photographer, which means I need to be extra patient and diligent in learning about light and how to use my camera. It is a joy to see that what I do matters and brings a smile to someone’s face. Peculiar Treasures has shown me that it does not matter how much money is made or how many clients you have, there is not a price tag on passion and doing something you love.  Without Peculiar Treasures I would not have learned the lessons of patience, humility, and what is really important at the end of the day; showing people love. 

 I want to take time out to again thank my dear friend Hannah for her honesty in her answers :) she was an absolute joy to have on here! If you wanna find out more about my Dallas sweetheart:

-hit her up on Facebook [www.facebook.com/hannahlocox, www.facebook.com/pages/Peculiar-Treasures-Photography/101404029923164]

-follow her on Twitter [https://twitter.com/Hannah_Louise04]

- or check out her blog [http://okgypsy.blogspot.com/]

Also, If you'd like to be the next featured guest on the Spotlight Series or know someone that may, feel free to:

-DM me via Twitter (@ambition4life_) or Instagram @rubiesandpearls_)

- or email me at thomas.jazmine@gmail.com 

Stay tuned for the next episode! Over and Out!