There are times when being a creative entrepreneur can get really lonely, frustrating, and disheartening. It doesn’t matter if you are a photographer, a calligrapher, a wedding planner, or florist, we all struggle sometimes to stay motivated and keep our chin up. This past year, a community arose on Instagram that called themselves the Rising Tide Society, hearkening to mind the expression that a rising tide lifts all ships. Their desire was to foster a sense of community amongst creative professionals and be a support for one another. The response was overwhelming! We have directly benefitted from this great community and have the opportunity to be encouraging and supportive and even mentor people through this movement and we are so excited to see what Krista and Natalie have in store for the future.
I emailed Krista Jones and Natalie Franke a few brief questions to find out a little more and help introduce you a bit to what this amazing community does and who they are. Natalie was unable to get back to me because she was in NEW ZEALAND! (Jealous!!) But Krista answered for the both of them. Enjoy!
1. What was the catalyst for the creation of the Rising Tide Society?
It started with a glass of wine and a dinner at my house. After being photographers for over five years, we realized that entrepreneurship was, at times, incredibly lonely. We took our frustrations to Instagram and challenged other creatives to share about someone in their industry who inspires them using a hashtag–#communityovercompetition. Five responses quickly became one thousand and then ten thousand… as momentum grew and the movement was born.
2. What is the primary function of the RTS?
In short, to educate and empower creatives to thrive in the spirit of community over competition.
3. Your mantra is Community Over Competition – what made you realize that this was something that the creative industry needed to hear?
We knew that if we were struggling with comparing ourselves to others, that other people most likely were too! After our first meetup in Annapolis, friends in other cities asked if we could help them start groups. The first day we made “kits” available to download to start a TuesdaysTogether, we received hundreds of emails and messages from creatives who were excited to further the movement. [We’re proud to announce that the Philadelphia TuesdaysTogether chapter is co-led by Ashley!]
4. What, in your opinion, is the best way a creative business owner can immediately begin to put CoC into practice?
I think the first step is to be grateful! It sounds so simple, but when you’re grateful for what you have, you stop looking around to see what others have. Davey wrote a great blog post about it. Read it here.
5. What is your background before you got into the wedding photography game?
Natalie: Natalie has always loved taking photos – she actually started her business in high school! After studying Visual Neuroscience and the Psychology of Seeing, she took her business full time!
Krista: I started as a graphic designer and stumbled into photography a few years ago when a friend asked me to take her engagement photos.
6. What is one thing you are excited about for the RTS this year?
The Spring RTS Summit! We had INCREDIBLE speakers in December and were able to give more than 20k to three charities. We can’t wait to share what we have planned for the April Summit!
Get onboard!
Follow and tag Ashley Gerrity Photography and the Rising Tide Society on Instagram and use the hashtag #communityovercompetition this week! We’d love to connect with you and be your virtual cheerleader and mentor!
