Five-and-a-half years ago, I was working as a full-time nurse in a new city when I gave birth to my son, our miracle baby. Soon after this, I developed postpartum depression.
I struggled with my role at home and my return to work. Anxiety and depression followed me everywhere, and eventually I had to leave my job. In doing this, my postpartum depression became even worse as I experienced isolation and the increased anxiety of becoming a single-income family.
One day, my husband surprised me with an entry-level DSLR camera. While I had never been interested in photography before, I instantly fell in love with it. Photography became my outlet — to express myself, to capture my son’s infancy and to find my way back to the person I was. This became a turning point for my depression as I found a new purpose in photography.
Soon I started sharing my images through Facebook and Instagram, platforms that were essential to showcasing my visual work. This led to me getting a few photography jobs, and soon I was booking jobs every week. Eventually, I started my photography studio, Water Bear Photography, where I continued to build my passion and business.
Now, I specialize in underwater photography, booking hundreds of photoshoots a year with people from all over the world and helping them bring their dream photos to life.
This month marks National Entrepreneurship Month — my hope is for every entrepreneur, especially female entrepreneurs, to have the chance to find their passion and achieve their dreams, no matter the challenges.
Recognizing my journey and how my photography business has made such a life-changing impact on my life, it’s important for me to mentor and support others. I host free classes and training through my Facebook group, Underwater Portraiture with Kimber Greenwood, and host in-person workshops for those interested in learning more about underwater photography. Following my battle with postpartum depression, I’m committed to openly sharing my story to encourage others in similar places and help lessen the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Six years ago, I never could have imagined myself where I am today. I’m a firm believer in trying to help others find their passion because I know the power that can have on a person’s life.
As we celebrate entrepreneurship, I encourage our community to help lift up women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Shop local, promote local businesses, take the time to leave a review, offer mentorship and support programs that ensure every woman has the chance to make her dream a reality.
Article Credit: gainesville