We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Ogren-Hrejsa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
It isn’t easy to name just one thing I have done as a parent that has impacted my child the most. “Listening” may be the answer to this question. I am a mom to an open-hearted, creative, happy, and kind child. My son will be a freshman in high school this fall. Looking back at the years that have flown by, I am so grateful I had a flexible line of work that allowed me to be fully present in his daily life. One important thing his dad and I did to help our child be resilient and successful was to listen to him. (Preschool parents can tell you how taxing listening can be.) We consistently encouraged our son to use words to express his feelings to us. This is a big learning process for a young child and even for some adults. We gave him space to explain his frustrations and included his input when making decisions that affect him. Giving him autonomy over parts of his life, starting at a very young age, allowed him to feel a sense of control and value. We still push him to try new experiences that seem overwhelming, but we talk about how he can approach these new situations. Breaking down big challenges into bite-sized steps dismantles large obstacles. He knows he is loved and supported and has a safe place to land when life gets hard. I hope our approach helps him grow in confidence and resilience as he becomes more independent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My interest in photography began when I was six years old. I was gifted a point-and-shoot camera and was compelled to document my world. I have always loved to create, and this was another way to do so. The idea of turning my passion into a career developed in college. I was recruited to work as a photojournalist for the student newspaper my first week at Iowa State University. After graduating with a journalism degree, I relocated to Dallas-Fort Worth and began my professional career as an industry journalist. I soon learned my way around our big state covering assignments throughout North Texas and Oklahoma. A short time later, I landed a dream job as photography editor for “Boys’ Life” and “Scouting” magazines at the Boy Scouts of America. Learning from other experienced and talented photographers and journalists while focusing on an outdoor-centered youth program was amazing. I continue my personal and professional relationships with many of these people today, even after leaving my position at the organization to become a freelance photographer. I started my own portrait photography company, Olivia Ogren-Hrejsa Photography, LLC, in September of 2019 to share my experience with families and small business owners. While I continue to take editorial assignments and am regularly published in national magazines, I love connecting directly with people and helping them enjoy their portrait photography. I offer finished artwork to families, including albums and wall art. I ensure all my clients have pretty and practical portraits.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our area is developing so quickly it’s hard to keep up with all the amazing opportunities for entertainment and dining. I love taking friends to visit my favorite small restaurants and shops in downtown Frisco and McKinney. Patina Green, Rye, Crudo, La Finca, and Platia are some of my favorite places to get delicious food. Out-of-state visitors enjoy visiting The Star in Frisco and posing in front of the Ford Center. Scouting for unexpected props or wardrobe items is always an adventure along Main Street in Frisco or on the square in McKinney. When we are ready to venture out a little farther and search for the unexpected, I’d pick lunch at Petra and the Beast and then visit Dolly Python for vintage shopping. Other favorite day destinations include the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher, the Dallas Arboretum, and the Amon Carter Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family and close friends for their support as I developed my photography career and learned how to run a small business. Photography assignments, continuing education, and business development take time away from my family. However, they have always understood and would help pick up the slack, even when life gets hectic. Big shoutout to my husband for holding down the fort when I would be away for weeks at a time on dream assignments. My mom and close girlfriends are wonderful cheerleaders. Their encouragement is invaluable when I question myself. I am so thankful to have a community of support.

Website: https://www.oliviaogrenhrejsa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaogrenhrejsa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-ogren-hrejsa-7a3777/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaPhoto

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/olivia-ogren-hrejsa-photography-frisco-2?osq=olivia+ogren-hrejsa+photography

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/oohphotography/

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