From Grief to Growth: How Motherhood and Loss Sparked My Dream

In May 2021, I faced the two-year anniversary of one of the most heartbreaking things a mother can go through—the loss of our stillborn son, Asher. That kind of grief doesn’t fade—it shapes you. And while I was holding my rainbow baby Ace in my arms, I felt this overwhelming need to create something bigger. Something that honored the life we lost and the ones I was blessed to raise.

So on May 1st, 2021, I asked the people closest to me—my husband Austin, my mama, and a few close friends—if I should go all-in on photography. They said yes. I opened a credit card. Bought a $600 camera. And I haven’t looked back.

4A Photos & Video was born.

The “4A” stands for Ashley, Austin, Ace, and Asher. It still fits perfectly—now with our baby girl, Ary, by our side.



Double Duty: Building a Business While Working in Healthcare

For four years, I’ve juggled two jobs—my photography business and working part-time in the dental field. And I’m not gonna lie… it’s been a lot. Early mornings, late nights, nap-time editing, answering DMs on my lunch break—you name it, I’ve done it.

But I’ve always been fueled by this: helping people. Whether it’s calming a nervous dental patient or hyping up a bride on her big day, it’s who I am. That energy carried me through newborn phases, tough seasons, and even moments of doubt.

I didn’t have a clear roadmap—just a camera, some faith, and a fierce will to figure it out.



The Rise of 4A: What Four Years Looks Like

What started with nervous shoots for friends has turned into a fully booked wedding business. I’ve trained other photographers. Hired second shooters. Dived into UGC content. And even photographed artists like Luke Combs, Sister Hazel, and Ray Fulcher—none of which were handed to me. I pursued every one of those opportunities myself.

And I’ve learned a lot.

✅ That not everyone who claps for you in public supports you in private.

✅ That you will lose friends, but you’ll find your people.

✅ That women in business are powerful as hell.

✅ That motherhood and ambition are not mutually exclusive.

✅ And that healing can look like holding a camera, telling someone else's love story, and creating something beautiful from the broken.

Final Thoughts


So, What’s Next?

Truthfully? I don’t know the exact end game. Some days I want to own a wedding venue. Some days I want to tour with artists as a concert photographer. Some days I just wanna make brand videos in my kitchen and hang with my babies.


But this I do know:

💥 I’ve built something from the ground up.

💥 I’ve honored my son in the most beautiful way.

💥 I’ve been doubted, underestimated, and still showed up.

💥 And I’m just getting started.


So here’s to the power of a little idea, a lot of heart, and FIVE A’s.

Here’s to the next hundred years of 4A Photos & Video.

Here’s to all the women rising.



South Carolina Wedding Photographer, Female Photographer Story, Mom-Owned Photography Business, Women Empowerment Blog, Small Business Anniversary, Grief to Growth, Stillbirth Awareness, Working Mom Entrepreneur, SC Photographer Blog, Behind the Brand 4A Photos, Women in Creative Business, Wedding Vendor Spotlight SC