In the heart of Atlanta, where a slice of pecan pie is almost as sweet as Grandma’s kisses and Sunday church hats give more shade than a Real Housewives marathon, is Drexina Nelson Studios. It is there that the talented celebrity, fashion and beauty photographer Drexina Nelson works her magic, bringing out the allure in all her subjects. Photography for Nelson is more than snapping pictures: She finds purpose in capturing beauty and sharing it for the rest of the world to take in. “As a photographer, I truly believe if you look deep inside someone, you can bring out things the client didn’t know existed. And you can help them, and the world, see the beauty that breathes so softly in each of us,” she pens on her site.
Prior to building a successful business, which also includes Drexina Nelson Hair Salon, Nelson worked as a makeup artist for the city’s best photographers. It wasn’t until she received her B.A. and M.B.A. from Clark Atlanta University that she shifted gears and pursued a career in photography. We caught up with the savvy businesswoman, and while we couldn’t get our hands on any southern biscuits and gravy, we did manage to bring you back this fabulous chat.
Read what Drexina had to say on the scariest moment of her career, how to make money as a creative, and more on the next page.
BlackEnterprise.com: What made you want to go from makeup to photography?
Drexina Nelson: My whole life I have always been an artist and a lover of beauty, and makeup is just a small part of that. Photography captures the essence of the person’s beauty, inner and outer.
A lot of artists find it difficult to make a living off their craft. Which business element do you think is most important for creative people to possess?
I could not say that there is just one aspect of business that is most important for artists. I believe that if one element of business is lacking then it makes it hard to succeed.
Atlanta has quite a few noted photographers, especially male. How have you been able to successfully stand apart?
Staying true to myself as an artist while others see photography as just a hustle. Ultimately, its not my style of photography that matters; it’s all about bringing out the best in my clients.
Was Drexina Nelson Hair Salon always a part of the plan, or is that something you found interest in later?
The salon emerged from my love of beauty. It was not the focus but a natural extension.
As a businesswoman, what do you think the most important factor in leading a staff is?
I believe that the most important factor in leading a staff is getting them to embrace the overall vision of the company and carrying it out through their work paradigm.
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
My most rewarding part of my career is having the ability to empower other women through my lens.
What’s the scariest or lowest point of your journey as an entrepreneur?
The scariest point of my journey was letting go of my corporate job and putting all of my efforts into starting my business and creating a brand, which next year turns 10!
Scroll through the following pages to see some of Drexina’s amazing work!