We had the good fortune of connecting with Adina Starke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adina, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
In order to succeed you should hone skills in your field of choice. As a photographer, I learned by joining groups of likeminded photographers, studied, took classes and tutorials, and practiced my craft. Eleven years later, I continue to educate myself and learn as much as I can to evolve as a photographer and businesswoman. I use those same habits in my newer endeavors with managing a photography studio/event space and making bath and body products. In order to grow your business, you must also learn how to network and work with other people. Never give up on your goals, even as they may evolve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
• I set myself apart as a photographer by listening to my clients and aligning my offerings to fit their needs. I pride myself on patience, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. • I strive to exceed the expectations of my clients and foster relationships which lend itself to repeat business. I aim to evoke emotion in my clients, making them feel good about themselves and helping them allow their personality to shine through during our sessions. • My creative background stems from my time at Clemson University. My degree in Graphic Communications and experience enhances how I deliver my craft. To round out my services, I offer graphic designing to clients for customized stationary and artwork. • My business tagline is, “Capturing moments that turn into memories to last a lifetime” and I am passionate about being a part of special moments in my clients lives, from celebrating a couple’s first kiss, to welcoming a new member of the family. I enjoy documenting lives so that they can life’s moments can be shared with friends, family, and future generations. Seeing photographs that I captured in the homes of my clients makes me proud that my work is appreciated and admired . • Since a young age I have been captivated at how photographs evoke emotions and enjoy revisiting images from the past, which helps me relive each experience. • One career setback was my move from Charlotte to Dallas. I would be leaving my loyal customer base for uncertainty and hard work. Rolling up my sleeves I took to the blank canvas, rebranded, and began pounding the pavement. I opened a photography studio, participating in training and investing in education to tighten up by business acumen, and began networking with photographers. As momentum built, COVID-19 happened. As I manage through stay at home orders and wedding demand dropping off a cliff, I’ve partnered with stylists, hair dressers, and makeup artists to continue pushing out fresh content and engaging new customers. While the road ahead is uncertain, I’m excited to see how my business thrives once demand returns.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If I had a friend visiting me in Dallas, I would show them some of my favorites: Day 1 • Enjoy artwork at the Dallas Museum of Art in the morning • Lunch at Klyde Warren Park – Hang out on the lawn and find some good food from the local food truck vendors • Uptown in the evening – Dinner in the West Village and bar hop on McKinney Ave • On the way home, pick up tacos and elote (corn) from Fuel City Day 2 • Start the day Deep Ellum with a photo shoot against the unique murals • Have lunch at Pecan Lodge • Browse the local artwork and shop during the day at the Dallas Farmers Market • Have dinner at Free Man Cajun Café & Lounge, and beignets for dessert at Le Bon Temps Day 3 • Morning tour of the AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park in Arlington • Pick up food to go from Empa Mundo – World of Empanadas in Irving and head to Las Colinas for a gondola ride around Mandalay Canal • Have dinner at Kabuki Japanese Restaurant and enjoy a concert in the evening at the Toyota Music Factory Day 4 • Start the day at the African American Museum in Fair Park • Visit nearby Enchantment Studios for a photo shoot and to pick up bath products from Enchantment Essentials • View the homes on South Blvd and Park Row in the South Dallas Historical district • Go shopping at Northpark Center and the Galleria Dallas mall • End the night with dinner with a view in Reunion Tower

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to my parents, Walter and O’Violet Oree. They have instilled the entrepreneurial spirit in me by their own endeavors as well as encouraging me to pursue my own. Since a young age, they encouraged me to aim high and to never give up on my dreams.

Website: www.EnchantmentDesigns.com ; www.EnchantmentEssentials.com ; www.EnchantmentStudios.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/enchantmentdesigns ; www.instagram.com/enchantment_essentials ; www.instagram/enchantmentstudiosllc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/enchantmentdesigns ; www.facebook.com/enchantmentessentials ; www.facebook.com/enchantmentstudios

Image Credits
Enchantment Designs Phoenix Michele Photography

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