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Contagious Victories is a community for individuals to share positive perspectives, artistic endeavors and miraculous moments with others. Whether it is through storytelling, art, music or word, the members of Contagious Victories create space for vulnerability and act as an audience for support in creative works. We all have something to courageously celebrate- and even small victories are contagious!
Welcome to the contagious victories podcast. Each week, we talk inspiration, explore possibilities, and share insights from creative perspectives. I'm Tori Blackmon, and I'm here to remind you that your purpose in life is to celebrate the victories because victories are contagious. Hey there, lovely listeners, and welcome back to another episode of Contagious Victories. This is a space that is filled with conversations about faith, creativity, business, and sometimes the fascinating world that we live in.
Victoria B. Glass:Today, I have a very special episode prepared for you. I am talking with Abby Lewis. First and foremost, Abby is a good timing, sweater wearing, dog obsessed photographer who is super excited about the seasons of life she gets to photograph. Her and her husband have a wedding photography business in Athens, Ohio. Beyond the business, she loves spending time with her rescued doggo, Brutus.
Victoria B. Glass:She's a big believer in miracles and is a fan of exploring local taco trucks. Her heartbeat is and always will be the people and their stories. And today, she takes us behind the camera, and we get to learn all about her. She tells us all about her victory story from being an intern to owning her own photography business. So whether you're an aspiring photographer or someone just fascinated by the human spirit, this episode is sure to inspire you.
Victoria B. Glass:I hope it leaves you with a new perspective and a renewed appreciation for the God given creativity in all of us. So sit back, grab a glass of sweet iced tea, and let's welcome our guest, Abby Lewis.
Victoria B. Glass:Welcome back to the Contagious Victories podcast. I am talking today with Abby Lewis. Abby, welcome to the show. You're a listener who's now a guest, and I love that.
Abby Lewis:It's the best. Oh, my gosh. What a dream come true. How exciting. It's good to be here.
Victoria B. Glass:It is very nice to have you. I know that you have touched other people who have already been on the show's lives. That's how we've got connected, and I'm so curious and excited to hear your story. You have multiple victory stories that you can talk about today and I'm just very curious to hear about how God has blessed you up until this point. So go ahead and tell us about your business first and then just also who you are as a woman, a creator. Go ahead and and tell us about yourself.
Abby Lewis:Wow. Wonderful. Yeah. So I have been doing, wedding photography for a while now, probably almost 10 years, which is crazy.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
Abby Lewis:But, yeah, I, studied, visual communication technology, in Bowling Green, which is in Northern Ohio. And so that's where I started. And I got an internship when I was just a sophomore in college, but it was with, a really well known wedding photographer. And, they like, it was like 3 guys and they just kind of became my big brothers and mentored me. And, I got to do a bunch of weddings that year. So that just made me fall in love with weddings. So I've been doing that ever since. And, I really liked the marketing side. And so, for the first few years after I graduated, I was in the marketing sector and did, photography on the side and then just recently decided to just make the plunge and do weddings full time. So, yeah, it's been great.
Victoria B. Glass:And now it's your business and so there's a little bit more ownership of that. That's wonderful. That's really great. So congratulations for that. And so let's go back to the beginning. Well, what got you ultimately interested in picking up that camera?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. So, it was pretty similar to a lot of people. I think I, was a lot younger and my sister who, was just like she was my big sister. I wanted to be just like her in so many ways. She took a photography class in high school, and I just remember thinking like, wow, this is so cool. Look at the things she can create and, the ways that she was doing it. So I started taking pictures and it's just always of, you know, flowers and butterflies at first, and then it became, wanting to, like, pose people and take pictures of my friends and take it on adventures and traveling. So, that was, I think, the the first thing. And then it shifted to just portraits when I kind of realized, like, capturing a season of somebody's life is, like, some of the most important photos that you can have. And, like, you know, taking you back to that moment in time that all of those feelings that were associated with it. And, yeah. So I really like that. I think that was my big push to actually study it in college and, learn more about the trade. So that's kind of how I got started with it. And then weddings just are the best day of everybody's life. So that's how I was kinda like, I think I wanna do weddings because it's, it's the dream. And the only thing that lasts past the wedding day is, like, your photos and videos. So I always tell people, like, if you're gonna invest in anything, that's what you should invest in.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, yeah. For sure. And that's basically what my photographer told me. Capturing those days are the things that do live on forever. And I can also say that as a wife, I watch my wedding video and look at my wedding photos at least once a month.
Abby Lewis:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:It is a ritual like that I do it just, you know, like so yes. If you're getting married, you definitely wanna hire the best possible wedding photographer and wedding videographer or, you know, combination of the 2 that you possibly can because those moments, the way that they're captured ... "captured," are gonna be the way that you remember those those memories. So is that what makes captured photography so special? Like, tell us a little bit about just what you bring to your now business that is your own flavor, if you wanna say that, if you will.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. So I think, like, something that's kinda tough with wedding photography is it's like a pretty oversaturated market. And so I feel like there are so many photographers. There's so many people that are starting out. There are people that have been doing it for 10 years, 20 years, 30 years. So pretty early on it was like clear that we needed to have something a little bit different. And a big part of that is just our personalities. We're like, you know, I'm a hype girl. I'm high energy. I, you know, love connecting with people. Love making people feel comfortable. And so I think there's there's the side that is posing and photography and editing and having something look pretty, which a lot of people can do. But I think what I hope I bring to the table is just making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. And then alongside that, like, just a a little different thing that we do is, we're really passionate about, like, giving back. And so for me, that looks like things that I'm passionate about. So I, have Crohn's disease, so I we give back to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation every year, which is really cool. And then we just have a lot of really close friends and family that, like foster and adopt kids. And so we give like discounts for that.
Victoria B. Glass:ohhh that's just kind of a cool thing that is different.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. That we've just started doing. And, and it's just been nice to find ways that it's like, oh, how can we incorporate things that are part of us and things that we're passionate about and, put that into the business. So, yeah, that's been cool.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, that that is the first I've ever heard of having very specific discounts and offerings to people and families that could use your services that you don't see typical discounts for. And it's inviting them to come into your story and, like, you know, have have the product or offering that you offer, but also it gives another point of talking about it and bringing the awareness and advocation for it back into the conversation. What a really truly unique way to do that. I'm I need to incorporate that into our business. I love that.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. I feel like it's cool because I think you hear of businesses all the time. Like, you have, like, a military discount, which is awesome, where you have, like, all of these other things. So I was kind of just like, yeah, why not do that for other areas that need, you know, that kind of support?
Victoria B. Glass:So you have that freedom to do that because now this is yours and you can make it whatever you want it to be.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. I think it's cool to see how, like, some of it is just trends. Like, things have shifted a lot since I started doing the photography. So some of it is just knowing, like, what to offer to set yourself apart, even, like, with marketing and with social media and all this stuff. But I think, like, one thing that I've I've noticed a lot from when I had that internship is, the guys that I worked for just went above and beyond, like, socially with everybody that they worked with. And so, like They did a wedding. It wasn't just about the bride and groom.
Abby Lewis:They're, like, making the mom feel like a $1,000,000. They're talking to the bridal party. They're, like, doing all of these things. And I feel like that's one thing I learned. Like, one of my bosses, Ben, he said, like, every event or session that you do is an interview for your next session.
Abby Lewis:And I, like, never forgot that because it's, like, these are all of these people that are interacting with you and seeing the way you work, and that's who they wanna hire, like, once they get engaged or when they want family photos or whatever. So that was something I was like, yeah, that's a big thing. And and I try to remember that when I'm interacting with, like, a ton of people in one space like a wedding.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. And what a great lens to be looking through. Yeah. And I'm talking about, like, marketing too for the wedding industry because, yes, you mentioned earlier that there are a lot of wedding photographers. I'm not one so I don't know the saturation of that space.
Victoria B. Glass:I admire it. I love the I love to admire it and I also know that you do have to find ways to stand out and things like that. But to put on that lens of like hey, when I am at a wedding all of these people who are in the wedding, they might need a wedding photographer too. And like I know that the moms who are the flower girls or the grooms, little grooms, they're they might need a family portrait photographer soon. So, yes, having that awareness that it's not just a photography business, but now it's getting into PR in a way.
Victoria B. Glass:That's very unique. Well, I also wanna talk a little bit more about Abby because, yes, we have the business part, but you also as a woman have overcame things and, you're a dog lady. You have dogs, so you love dogs like me, it sounds like. Tell me more about you. Like, I feel like because we know each other through the online space and because I think we have a couple people that we've interacted with, we don't know much about each other. So I wanna hear about Abby. Like, tell me about Abby.
Abby Lewis:Oh, yay. Okay. Good. Well, yes. Let's see. I didn't even think much about myself. But, yes, I am a dog person, very, very big into dogs. My husband and I have, had a a rescue Bernese Mountain dog for about 4 years. He's very sweet. He's a bear.
Abby Lewis:He's a big boy. But, yeah, we're super into, like, rescue animals, and, I've always been an animal person. So that's another thing with the business I love is when we get to work with dogs, which is the best, but, what else about me? I've been married for almost 7 years. That is crazy.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh.
Abby Lewis:That's insane. I like I feel like I've especially with COVID, I think I've just been saying that I'm 24 for, like, 6 years and I don't even know how old I am anymore.
Victoria B. Glass:I feel that. I feel that. Yes. I definitely know what you mean. So I know like it.
Abby Lewis:7 years. That's crazy. So, yeah, we've been together How
Victoria B. Glass:did y'all meet?
Abby Lewis:What'd you say?
Victoria B. Glass:How did y'all meet?
Abby Lewis:We met in college. So, yes, we went to a a college, in Northern Ohio, and it was just one of those crazy things where I was in, like, the student union with a friend and he walked by because they like knew each other and he met me and we went to the same church. And then, this is wild, we found out later that our dads actually knew each other in college. So like our dads were friends for like 25 years. It is like the smallest world.
Abby Lewis:It's so crazy. And they both like, worked for churches. It's just wild. So, yeah. So Caleb and I met through Bowling Green and then, we like, dated for a few years.
Abby Lewis:We got married right out of college and, we moved away. We moved to Madison, Wisconsin for a few years. We actually were part of a church, at Bowling Green, and that church did a church plant in Madison, Wisconsin. So we just went on the church plant. We committed to 2 years, ended up staying for 3 years.
Abby Lewis:It was like a wonderful experience, made like lifelong friends. And then it was just one of those natural things where the church was doing really well and we were ready to, like, move on with our lives in ministry. And so came back to Ohio so we could be closer to family, and now we're on another church plant in Southern Ohio.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, okay. So yeah. Wow. That's 2 victory stories, it sounds like, of just taking a step in faith and going going somewhere new and planting, yes, a church, planting your roots, planting where y'all it sounds like y'all were newlyweds at least for a little bit of this time and stuff. I mean, that's that's amazing, Abby. That's really neat.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. It's been really rewarding. It's cool to see, like, I feel like the things that the Lord is doing that are totally not us. You know? Like, I mean, it's the same with the business, but I'm like, we have, like, a hand in it, and it's really cool to see what he's doing.
Abby Lewis:But, like, the things that we're just, like, along for the ride, we're jumping in the van. He's driving.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Jesus, take the wheel. And yes. Yes. So you have moved to several different new places, and have you had the business the whole time?
Victoria B. Glass:I know you said you helped plant the the churches there. What has it looked like to be a business owner who has had new markets if that's the case? And elaborate a little bit on that.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. The new markets was really tough. I think, like, it's especially with different seasons, like, even when I was in college and I was way in Northern Ohio, there was so much easy markets because it was like I was doing senior photos. I was doing, like, couple photos, all of these things with people that were in the vicinity. And then when we moved to Madison, it was kind of like you're starting from square 1. You don't have those connections. And I relate it all the time to, like I feel like real estate agents, oftentimes, like, they get their next clients from referrals constantly. And I think photography is really similar. Like, it's, like, so much is referrals, so much is past clients, so much is whatever. So, yeah, it was wild going to Madison and having nothing.
Abby Lewis:And I would, like, come back to Ohio here and there, but it was really just starting from square 1. So a lot of it was, like, strategy wise, I was, like, getting into Facebook groups, like, when that was a big thing.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, that's a good idea.
Abby Lewis:You know, like, moms of Madison, Wisconsin, like, I'll do family sessions. I'll do weddings. I'll do whatever. Of Madison, Wisconsin, like, I'll do family sessions. I'll do weddings. I'll do whatever. And I contacted a few high schools for, like, senior photos just to see if they needed a photographer. So, yeah, I had to get creative. To see if they needed a photographer. So, yeah, I had to get creative because I wasn't, like, I had all these connections from growing up or connections from college. But, yeah, that was that was tough, but we had we had a lot of really cool weddings there.
Abby Lewis:And then moving back to Ohio, it was, like, unbelievably. That's what made me able to quit my job and be able to do it full time because it was just, like, the explosion of past connections, like, somebody I went to high school with, somebody that, you know, I worked at Cold Stone with, like all of these people that came out of the woodwork because I was back in Ohio.
Victoria B. Glass:It sounds like, seeds that were planted now have sprouted, and you have that that garden to come back to of new possibilities. It sounds like even though you were moving back to an old place, you still had a lot of planted seeds that now were able to support what you were doing at that season. And isn't that so beautiful to be able to have that be even a lesson in itself as a part of your story?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. It was amazing. It was just really cool to have, like you know, you're always nervous when you come to a new place, and I'm like, I haven't talked to these people in years. Like, I don't know. But, yeah, just picked up right where we left off, you know, doing family photos for people that had one kid 6 years ago and now they have 5 kids, you know, like it's just Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Oh, yeah. Well, I know that you in your bio said you are a fan of Miracles. I wanna know what makes you a fan of Miracles. Can you tell me why why you're a fan of Miracles?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. For sure. I mean, I think, a big part of like, my like, story and my journey has just been like, the way that like, God has moved in my life and the way that he's moved in other people's lives and a big way that, we connect with other people is seeing, like, the the things that Jesus has done to, like, completely turn around their lives. And I that that's a miracle in itself, you know?
Abby Lewis:So, I think, you know, there are things that you hear about in the Bible, like these old miracles that happen, and I think a lot of people, underestimate the fact that every day Jesus is doing new things in people's lives and that He's not only doing physical miracles, healing people and all of this stuff, I think that he is, yeah, like pulling people out of really dark places. And I mean, He did that in my life. He did that in my husband's life. So many of our friends have just been saved by Him. So yeah, that's a big part of, you know, who I am, I think.
Abby Lewis:Yeah, amen. I just think like in terms of, we put that on our business page because I think, you know, there are so many things that small and big Jesus had a hand in and, you know, we wouldn't be here without him. And so, yeah. I just put that little note in there to to remind people that if it wasn't for him, the business wouldn't even exist. You know?
Abby Lewis:It just wouldn't even, be here, and I don't think it would be a success. And so it's a it's a true gift. I mean, I'm really grateful for it, but, yeah, that's why that's in the bio.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay. It sounds like what you're saying is just like those seeds that were planted when you came back, like, that's a miracle. That's every day you wake up, that's a miracle. And being pulled out of dark situations whether they be, you know, health situations, mental situations, family situations, business situations, every day that you have bread to eat is a miracle and we aren't made for death. That's a miracle.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. That's amazing That I was curious. So I wanted to touch on that and ask a little bit about that, but just kind of elaborate on why you chose to do that.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. I think it's a tough thing to decide because I feel like, there's a huge, like, wave of fear, you know, like, of of the backlash of what that could look like or people that have had a lot of, like, stereotypes or or poor situations or whatever. But, yeah, I think for me, the a big part of why I don't shy away from it is because, like, even in my own life and in my own story, I've experienced good, bad, ugly, you know, whatever you can call it, experiences with faith. But ultimately, like, it wasn't until I met Jesus and knew him that I understood what it was like to feel true love and to feel true freedom.
Abby Lewis:And so, in order to like show that to other people, I can't shy away from it. You know? Like, it's just Yeah. It's not only something that we're commanded to do, but it's something that, there's there's no reason to to hide it. And so, yeah, I don't think I'm, like, you know, the best in the world at being like, Jesus loves you.
Abby Lewis:I think, I think it is true that there's there's something really unique and special about, having a faith based foundation. And honestly, like, I think that it takes the pressure off a lot when it comes to running your business that you understand, like, you know, this is, this is one part of my identity, but it's not my ultimate identity. And and Right. I mean that, like, the world isn't gonna crumble if I don't book 27 weddings next year, and I'm not gonna you know, my entire worth isn't based off of how many likes I get on Instagram. Like, it just takes off this pressure and this, like, fear of man, fear of comparison.
Abby Lewis:And so I think it's been actually like, not only just good for my own sanity, but I think just like for a lot of things. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Well, I have noticed business people who are speaking openly about it. And growing up, it just seemed like you were supposed to have that separation. But the the people that I love talking to are the ones that are open and saying like this is who I am. I'm a believer first like you mentioned.
Victoria B. Glass:And this business is a miracle because if, you know, if there wasn't call to help people first in my life then this business wouldn't even be like I wouldn't be showing up to whatever. Right. Business x or whatever. You know? But but because we have that then we I mean we can serve the Lord anywhere but at the same time why not have it be in a place that you can talk about Him freely and like you know, share other people's stories who do talk about Him freely and photograph moments that include the love that He has blessed couples with. And just yeah. Like, I love that you have incorporated that both into your bio and that you continue to do that with your photos. Yeah. So I know that we talked a little bit about what makes captured photography so special. What are some of your favorite photos to take?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. So I have I feel like I have a the, the cop out is like just pictures of the couple. Of course, everybody loves doing that. But I think something that I've loved lately is when I get to see something that's different in a wedding because, like, there's just so many weddings that in there's, like, no offense at all to anyone, but it's, like, a lot of times it can be mundane where it's, like, you have the couple, you have a bridal party, you have the cake cutting, you know, whatever.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah.
Abby Lewis:But I'm loving that, especially in the last couple years, people have, like, gone away from tradition a little bit, and they're like, let's incorporate, you know, these different things. So I got to do, like, a, like, Jewish wedding and that was really cool. And they had, like, part Jewish and this and the the wife wasn't Jewish, but they still did, like, really fun things. Like, they did the horah and I I did a Greek wedding and they had, like, the Greek dancing.
Abby Lewis:And, my favorite that I've done was like, I'm like, oh, I'm never gonna forget this. The bride was from the US, but the groom was from Ireland. And so, like, so much of the dancing was like this Irish music and they were like so loud and all the guys were, like, you know, going around in a circle and dancing and they, like, ended the night. Everybody sang the parting glass. It was just, like, so beautiful and, like, one of those things that I'm, like, if not for a job like this, I would have never experienced something that's, like, memorable and amazing.
Abby Lewis:And and then to capture that and know, like, people are gonna hear the parting glass in their head when they see that picture or, like, you know, they're gonna yeah. Yeah. So I feel like that's been really cool. Those are my favorite things to capture, like, the super different, you know, things that I would have never even known, happen at some of those weddings. So
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. So just the diversity of weddings that you capture, they're teaching you things and teaching you about different people and showing the personalities that these weddings that you may have not have gotten an invite to, but now you're there because you're capturing them and you're the photographer and you're just getting to just see it all from the perspective of, like, you know, fly on the wall or whatever, like being the photographer. So, like, that's one of the things that's so beautiful about having that camera in your hand is seeing it from not not just Abby, but also as the person who has experienced the wedding itself. Like you want that those that sound of the glass whenever you see that photo, like and that's just such a beautiful way to to answer that question. I haven't gotten an answer like that and, yeah, that makes me want to go and try to crash some weddings.
Abby Lewis:I know. Crash some weddings.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Hahaha But, cool. Well, I want to know too, you're a husband and wife team. Right?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Yeah. It was, like, mostly me, and then, I just started needing help. Like, I was I was working a full time job, and I was doing, Oh, yeah. Kudos.
Abby Lewis:And so I just needed help. Like, I feel like it was one of those it was a it was a good humbling moment for me to understand that I'm a big picture girly, and I needed, like, somebody to help with the admin side and the finances. And, my husband has a full time job too, but, yes, he just, like, helped out a ton. I feel like I I call him, like, the brains of the organization because he just, like, knows to help me have, like, boundaries and helps a lot with admin, helps with finances. So yes, that's how we started out.
Abby Lewis:And then he also started second shooting for me, when I first started. So that was really fun that we could travel to weddings together and have that. And since then, it's just, like, it's grown so much. He actually just started a PhD program, and so he's been, like, yes. Yay, Caleb.
Abby Lewis:So he's been doing less weddings, and we have a team of like 5 second shooters now. So it's just like, it blew up really quick. But yeah, it's been really fun. All the second shooters are amazing. They're like super talented, wonderful, wonderful photographers, and they've done, like, 2 or 3 seasons with us now.
Abby Lewis:So we're getting to know each other, like, personally and professionally. So, yeah, that's been really fun. But, yeah, Caleb still shoots like, about 5 or 6 wedding a year. so we still get to shoot together sometimes. But, yeah, it's it's a bigger team now, which is wild.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, we yeah. I was gonna say congratulations. I didn't realize that you had so many second shooters. And what another victory in itself of just having that grow from being your dream, bringing your husband on board to help out in areas that you maybe needed some extra assistance with and then having the time that you can spend with your husband while at work. I know that a lot of people don't understand that that's such a special thing. Like, it's a very delicate, but also really special thing to to be able to spend that time together. And also to be able to grow from that, from going from 2 to even further and helping other people to reach their dreams of being, you know, a wedding photographer or helping you with your business and and just being able to do that. Yeah. So but but kudos to you for for having the space to be able to bring people on like that. Like, that is no small feat. That is huge.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. It wasn't terrifying at the beginning.
Victoria B. Glass:I was gonna say I'm sure that was something that, yeah, felt uncomfortable at first because I've never, like, experienced that. So I don't even know. Can you elaborate on what that looked like when you knew maybe it was time to do that?
Abby Lewis:A huge part of it was just like a trust leap because I think so much, kinda like I touched on before, so much of selling the business is selling yourself. Like, I'm like, people hire me because of the personality and because of how organized or whatever it is. And so to say like, I'm gonna bring someone else into that brand, if you will, and hope that they can do the same thing. There's only so much you can know about a person from an interview and a portfolio. So, part of it was just a huge leap of faith.
Abby Lewis:But it was really helpful to know, like a lot of the people we hired were people that were recommendations from other, like photographers that I was friends with. So I knew like, okay, you worked with Sophie. You loved Sophie. Now I love Sophie and I'm obsessed with her. But like, you know, that kind of thing where
Victoria B. Glass:That trust.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. There was that trust.
Victoria B. Glass:And
Abby Lewis:I mean, like, you know, some of it is just knowing that, like, you know, when I was an intern years years ago, those guys took a risk with me and trained me up. Like, I'm not hiring a super well known, you know, knows everything photographer. I'm hiring, you know, a student that I can help and, understanding that that's what that looks like. So it's been really cool. It's been rewarding and, like, so much of it, like, these these people just know so much more than me.
Abby Lewis:Like, I'm like, what's what's this? How did I how did you make a story with multiple pictures on it? How did you, you know, how did you make a reel? Like, all these things they're teaching me is, like, blowing my mind and the equipment that they have. Like, that girl, Sophie, I mentioned, she, like, finally convinced me to get this new lens, and she was like, Abby, it's time.
Abby Lewis:Like, you just gotta do it. But it's people like that have just been yeah. It's been great. So it was hard to know, like, when it was time, but, so much of our packages have a second photographer in them and like, Caleb had to step back for a few, so I just knew, like, I had to have somebody else do that.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, that's good advice too to have that openness to know when you're ready. Like, hey, this is this is the knock on the door and I'm gonna answer it now. So that's good advice to even someone like myself who works with their spouse and who has, you know, entertained the idea of bringing another person on to help but didn't really know on because I'm still in that place of, like, when should I be? Like, is there a certain thing? And it's like, nope.
Victoria B. Glass:You know when you're ready. And I think looking back to in other areas like Orange or something like that, it's like, no. You know you know when they're the one. Like, it's gonna be scary, but don't be scared. Just be faith filled and have that faith. And faith's so hard.
Abby Lewis:I know!
Victoria B. Glass:Then you can, then you can just take that leap and be ready to bring someone else into your baby, which is your business. So, thanks for sharing a little bit of light on that.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. For sure.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, I always like to ask people because so much of things are word-of-mouth like you mentioned. And the world is so big and we hear about things that might inspire someone else that we know or influence the life of a friend. And it's because of people having conversations that we get to tell people about these things that are that we're loving lately and that are making our lives better. So outside of the business, outside of your doggo and your husband and working with your business at Captured Photography. What is inspiring you?
Victoria B. Glass:Or what are you loving right now? Are there any podcasts or books or just games or anything? Anything at all that you are just lit up by right now?
Abby Lewis:Yes. Oh, that's a good question. I have 2 books that I really love that I read.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
Abby Lewis:One of them I read annually, which is crazy. I just think it's such a good reminder. Whether you're like it's good for business, but I think it's great personally. It's called "Keep It Shut." Yeah, it's good.
Abby Lewis:It's about, it's kind of like what to say, how to say things, when to keep your mouth shut, like that kind of thing. It's by Karen Ehan, I think is how you pronounce her name.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay. "Keep It Shut"
Abby Lewis:Yeah. But it's, like, it's one of those books that I feel like it challenges you in different seasons. Like, I think sometimes I'm in a season where I'm like, oh, I might have overshared or I might have, you know, maybe talked a little bit too negatively about a situation that I'd rather be positive about, or how to phrase something when I don't really understand how to phrase it well. But that book I've really, really loved. I read that one a lot.
Abby Lewis:And then the other one that has really shifted, I like, I'm still trying to figure out what the rhythms look like, but it shifted the way that I look at my time. It's called The Common Rule. I think it's by it's Justin Early, I'm pretty sure. But it's just it's a lot about like, like, forming habits in an age of distraction. And so, you know, some of the things are, like, how you look at your day, how you look at your week and how you look at your month.
Abby Lewis:And what it means to not be super distracted. A lot of it is about like social media and your phone. So little habits that you can start that aren't super daunting or like too, too difficult to achieve that you give them up. So like one of them for me was like, I don't go to sleep with like my phone accessible to me. It's, like, across the room.
Abby Lewis:And that's, like, totally changed. Like, I don't just wake up and, like, doom scroll for 2 hours. It's just wild. Like, yeah. That's a really good one.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. I love that. I'm a firm believer in that too and anything that can make, my ADD life easier. Like, it's not even about I mean, I wanna be productive, but it's not even about productivity.
Victoria B. Glass:It's more like the way you feel and, yes, having that phone not be the first thing that's like whether it be social media, email, you know, a notification. But having that just not be the first thing or, like, that you see at the very beginning of your day, first thing when you wake up, has definitely changed the feeling of the first 15 minutes of every day. Right?
Abby Lewis:It's like insane how and I think his like, he has a couple of them, like, he'll fast for, like, a day, like, one day a week. He doesn't use his phone or, like, whatever. And I'm not that good, but I've been like, oh, I'm not gonna use my phone for this hour every single day. And just knowing that it's not even in the room.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, that's good.
Abby Lewis:I can't even access it, whatever. And if I miss a call, the world didn't shut down. It's okay. Like Yeah. It's not the end of the world.
Abby Lewis:So yeah, those have both been really good. And especially because, like I mean, I think a lot of business owners have this where, like, you never really have, like, a true day off or a true, like, busier or fast season. It's, like, always go go go all the time, and we're constantly fighting on ways to not burn out and to to still have a passion for what we're doing. And so I I read that book, and it was really helpful for, like, knowing what it looks like to have little breaks or, to to, yeah, find find time for the things that matter. You know?
Abby Lewis:It's been really great.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Well, I'm gonna look up both of them and then tell me a little bit more. I know you elaborated a little bit on Keep It Shut, but why that book? Like why? Because that one's the one that when you said it, I was like, I don't even know what this is about, but I can tell Ima like it.
Victoria B. Glass:Like so tell me what was your biggest takeaway from that?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. So I think my biggest takeaway from that was there are so many good chapters, but one of them talks a lot about what it looks like to, make space in conversations. And it's just a simple, like, thing that I feel like a lot of people understand how to do. But for somebody like me who's, like, an extreme extrovert, wants to be life of the party, always trying to talk about the next thing, it was just, like, literally about, like I mean, I think that there's a little tool in there. That's something about creating space in conversations for somebody else to share something and that you don't have to be the person that's, like, constantly talking.
Abby Lewis:And it's it's a small thing, but I've noticed it when I'm sitting in a group of, like, 5 or 6 people that I'm, like, I don't have to be the one to dominate this conversation. I don't have to be the one to keep it carrying over. And I just, like, count to 5 in my head. And wouldn't you know it? Other people have things to share.
Abby Lewis:And, like, it's great. And you can still be, part of the conversation and feel like you're part of the group without being the one to, like, own the whole thing. And I think sometimes that would, like, be almost a burden to me in parties where I was like, oh, I feel like I have to be on and I have to be, like, thinking of new things and and running everything, but it's just not true.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. And that tool of counting to 5, that seems really simple, but I've never heard of that in the way of conversation of, like, letting other people talk.
Abby Lewis:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:And I know I could use that especially even as a a podcast host because sometimes it's just your natural instinct to be like, yeah. Or like, you know, And so, yes, count to 5 and that's a good tool and takeaway of of how to just leave the space to learn and to bring in new to take it back to photography, new light, like, in that way.
Victoria B. Glass:So good advice. Thank you for elaborating more on that. And I'm gonna get that book.
Abby Lewis:There's some of you more to tell me if you like it.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay. I will. I will. And I'm a reader too. So, yes. I appreciate the recommendations. And for sure, the Keep It Shut, it's gonna go on my next buy.
Abby Lewis:Yes. Yes.
Victoria B. Glass:Thanks for being willing to share that.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. No problem.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, I do wanna also say a little shout out to someone who was on the show earlier. AJ, she voice messaged me and said, hey, I just wanna let you know, Abby from I saw captured photo, but captured photography. She reached out and she said she listened to the episode and it was a a real and fulfilled. I always like to say that real and fulfilled moment for me, Abby, because it was like, what? Someone who I'm having on later has like reached out to you, who made you feel good and like celebrated your victory.
Victoria B. Glass:And also you're coming back to me saying, like, this is exciting. Someone I don't know listened to my episode and it and it inspired them. And now, like, I don't know. It's just it's a full circle. It's like we're all connected by these little red strings and stuff and it is so important to me.
Victoria B. Glass:That is why I wanted to create Contagious Victories, to hear other people's stories, and then also, like, share them with other people. So, like, I don't know. Being being someone who worked in news, I couldn't just put my family and friends and all the news stories. So that's why, like, Contagious Victories came about. But, but these positive stories deserve to inspire other people, and so I'm glad you came on.
Victoria B. Glass:I'm glad you reached out to me. I'm glad you reached out to AJ. I know that was it was it India who y'all work together?
Abby Lewis:Or like Yeah. India.
Victoria B. Glass:Is that how y'all know each okay. Because I was trying to find the thread and it's like, this is amazing. And so from the bottom of my heart, Abby, thank you. Thank you for coming on. Thank you for reaching out.
Victoria B. Glass:Thank you for being a listener and, for taking the risk in your own life and on your own story because we all have amazing stories. And then it's just another level of courage and love to show up and share them with people that you don't even know. Like, now we do know each other. Yeah. And it's just a a brave thing to, reach out.
Victoria B. Glass:And I'm so glad you reached out to me. So Yeah. Thank you.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Well, it's just the best to have these connections too. I'm just like it I feel like especially with your podcast, it feels like this, like, little community, you know?
Abby Lewis:Like, it's it's not only the good news, but it's like this little community that I'm like, oh my gosh, now I have all these friends from all over the place, and it feels like we're all just sitting in your living room drinking coffee.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, it's water today. haha , yeah, I know. That's what I was hoping to create the space for. And, yes, I've just I'm trying so hard to celebrate these people who are all over the the place, all over the world. Hopefully, one day if we dream big enough, but definitely all over the US and for you to take your own leap of faith and to move when God called you to move and to start a business when you felt called to start the business and when God told you to start that business. And even the thing of, like, reaching out on Instagram to a stranger, me, saying, hey, I'm listening, you know, to my friend on your show and, like, this is awesome and stuff like that.
Victoria B. Glass:So just the little victories. AJ telling me with that voice message, thank you. Thank you. And this is all what it's about, and I'm so happy to give it back to God. He created us to celebrate our lives and to celebrate Him and to touch people and to, to show up in faith.
Victoria B. Glass:And that is what this is a reminder of to both myself and to anyone who tunes in. So, thank you.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Absolutely.
Victoria B. Glass:Is there anything else you wanna share? I know I'm tossing the mic back, and now I've I've even thrown the whole world thing out there. So you have you have a a microphone. Do you wanna share any little tidbits or little touchstones of wisdom that could help your past self or anyone tuning in?
Abby Lewis:Oh, goodness. I don't think I have anything except, like I like the the idea of the advice thing. I think if there's anything I could say, if there's anybody out there wanting to to start your business or to keep it going, I think, like, if there's anything I've learned in this business, it's that comparing yourself to others is, like, such a thief of joy. I think we've all learned that the hard way in a lot of ways, and it can be a cancer to your mental health. It can be a cancer to, you know, your business.
Abby Lewis:So I just think be yourself. It's the smallest, most easy thing to do, but if you be yourself, if you just, you know, understand what it means so that you were created with a purpose and created uniquely, then it's going to be fine. Just be yourself. Go start that business, buy the ice cream truck, you know? But yeah, I think that's, I think that's all I would say.
Abby Lewis:That's the, the thing that I've learned that has helped me the most is just to stop trying to be somebody I'm not. So that's mine.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Well, you are capturing people who are themselves and you're doing a very good job at making them feel comfortable when you do it. So keep being Abby and thank you Abby for showing up and for sharing your victory stories multiple with us today. And I am inspired by the belief in miracles that you'd share so openly in all of the different aspects of your life. So I feel like I can take that into the world and do anything. So thank you for reminding me of how good God is to to all all of us, all, like, at all times.
Victoria B. Glass:So we're never alone. We're always with Him. And, and thank you for sharing up and being Abby and for letting letting me get to know you better. This has been awesome.
Abby Lewis:Yeah. Absolutely. It was a joy. I'm excited to keep the friendship going.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Me too. And I wanna know where we can send people who want to get to know your work a little bit better. So where can we find you online? Because I've I mean, we're friends now, so I'm already following you.
Victoria B. Glass:But where can anyone who wants to so bravely and courageously reach out and say, hey, Abby. What's up? Like, where can they go to to reach out and contact you?
Abby Lewis:Yeah. So, everything is pretty much the same. So our website is WeAreCapturedPhoto.com. Instagram and Facebook are both We Are Captured Photo, so pretty easy. And yeah, if you ever wanna reach out, I'm happy to be friends.
Abby Lewis:I'm happy to grab coffee. Whatever you want.
Victoria B. Glass:Awesome. It's beautiful and you've got some really colorful and pretty images on your Instagram too. So go and go and check out their website and Instagram. Cool. Well, thanks for coming on and I hope everyone who's listening has a wonderful rest of their day.
Victoria B. Glass:Thanks for listening to Contagious Victories.
Victoria B. Glass:Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the Contagious Victories podcast. If the show inspired you to share your own victory story, I'm here to tell you the world deserves to hear it. Submit it to me online at ToriBlackmon.com. Review and subscribe if that feels right. Telling your friend about the show helps contain his victories to grow.
Victoria B. Glass:Plus, we all appreciate a little sunshine. I'm Tori b. Thanks for listening. I'll catch you soon.