Abrea Waddell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Abrea, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that is currently bringing me joy, is spending time with my family and friends. I know it sounds so basic but, the feeling that I get being surrounded by people who know me and can keep me grounded is so comforting to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Abrea Waddell, and I am a creative professional with a background in journalism, sports photography, media production, and digital storytelling. I am the founder of Simone’s Shots, a photography brand dedicated to capturing authentic moments and highlighting individuality.
What separates my work from others is the incorporation of artistry and storytelling. I approach every project with the intent to not only create visually compelling content, but also to connect with people and communities in a meaningful way. Currently, I am focused on expanding Simone’s Shots, strengthening my role in the sports media industry, and continuing to build a platform that merges creativity, culture, and impact.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say my friends, family and mentor. I started my photography journey as a teenager but put it on hold until college. What I saw as a hobby my family and friends saw as a gift. A classmate of mine suggested I shadow our Spring football training and things took off from there. I soon went on to intern for the team for two seasons. As well as travel and expand my photography portfolio. My family laid the foundation by reminding me that my creativity and drive were not just hobbies, but gifts worth pursuing. My mentor, Taylor White along the way challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and showed me that my work and vision had value. And my friends have always been my biggest cheerleaders, reminding me of who I am during times when I struggled to see on my own. Their belief in me has been a constant source of encouragement, helping me grow into the person and professional I am becoming.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
One thing that I would tell my younger self is to always appreciate the journey. One thing that I learned throughout my college experience is that, “The journey, is more important than the destination.”. That has been my motto for several years now. I would tell my younger self that because, I remember growing up I would always focus on how things would turn out rather than focus on the preparation and building the foundation. Everyone has a different journey, and it’s up to you to decide which road you are going to take.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
What my friends would say truly matters to me is loyalty. I have always been loyal to my friends and they have always been loyal to me. One of the things I love about myself is that I am able to see people for who they are deep down. I have some friends that I have had for over ten years and some friends that I have become close to over a few months and I have been able to see them in truest form.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am surrounded by people who truly love and care about me. Being able to feel loved in different environments is what I have always felt truly connected to.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_simonesshots/
