Altered Life Photography by Mary Ann Gilfillan

This past week I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Mary Ann of Altered Life Photography and hearing her story that led to her entrepreneurial journey! Keep reading for another inspiring story from a woman in business!

Mary Ann’s Story

Mary Ann began her career life and journey as a Project Manager at a design firm, putting her degree in marketing to work.

When the recession hit, Mary Ann went into mortgages and real estate. The long days were a lot, and she knew this was not the path she would be on forever.

In 2015, she made the choice to begin working at an investment advisory firm to have a more balanced work/life schedule. Some years later Mary Ann tried to retire as her and her husband decided to move from their Chicago home to middle Tennessee. The firm persuaded her to stay with them and work at another location in the town they were moving to! A true testament to Mary Ann, I’d say!

Side note: Mary Ann and her husband’s anniversary is Monday… 30 years! Congratulations!

Mary Ann made the move 10 months before her husband did! In this time, Mary Ann began Altered Life Photography. She loves to shoot nature and specializes in floral photography. She then turns her photography into note cards, stationery, and other items! Here are just a few images of her work. Simply breathtaking.

As you probably have already figured out, Mary Ann is a woman that likes to stay busy. She thinks we should all follow the advice she was given: “Keep moving.”

Soooo…. Mary Ann keeps moving. She operates Altered Life Photography while working at the investment advisory firm, and does marketing for a small business in Crossville, Tennessee, that displays her photography work in exchange!

Her passion for photography and “taking the camera and just getting lost,” has led to using her marketing knowledge more as well… the best of both worlds for Mary Ann!

I just love when small businesses come together to support one another!

Here are links to connect you with Mary Ann and her work. You can shop with Mary Ann on Etsy!

· Blog: alteredlifephotography.com

· Instagram: Instagram.com/alteredlifephotography

· Facebook: Facebook.com/alteredlifephoto

· Twitter: Twitter.com/alteredlifephto

· Etsy: Etsy.com/shop/alteredlifephoto

Additionally, you can see her work this November if you are near Cookeville, Tennessee at the Art Prowl 2022! Her works will be displayed during this festival. (I just may be in the area for a b-day trip… and I’ll be checking it out if it in fact happens that way!)

Art Prowl 2022

Cookeville’s Downtown & Historic West Side

November 11-12, 2022

Friday 3:00-8 pm

Saturday 10:00-6 pm

Take Action Call (Be inspired.)

It seems to me that each woman in business I encounter has an array of projects, passions, and gigs going on. Women in business are hard-working, and truly inspirational!

I think it’s important to note that in each story of a woman in business I’ve had the honor of hearing, a large event has been the basis of change for these women. A turning point if you will. The recession of the early 2000’s and the Covid19 pandemic have most recently presented challenges. It is incredibly awesome to see that these events inspired these women entrepreneurs to act. To take negative situations and push back, rise above, and strive for success. We should all be recognizing this fact and never doubting our abilities!

I'm going to leave you with my favorite photo Mary Ann sent me. Although, it was difficult to choose a fave!