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

Hi Nicole, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work life balance is a hard task to fulfill when you run your own business, but it is something that I personally strive to achieve. I think it is important to have a work life balance for your mental health, which I am a huge advocate for! I will definitely say that I used to not have the best balance – I worked 24/7 between a part time job and working full time, running my business. This quickly lead to burn out, and a lack of desire to do the one thing I love nothing more than to do. I knew then that I had to make some changes to my work life balance. Now, I try my very best to find the balance to avoid burnout!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer, I capture once in a lifetime moments – it’s truly my greatest professional accomplishment in life! It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am proud and excited about the continuous growth. When I started my business, I was 14. My young age caused there to be a divide where I wasn’t viewed as experienced. Granted at 14-17, I definitely wasn’t experienced, but I was extremely ready to learn!

Over the past 10 years, I’ve gained experience, relationships, and connection. These three things have given me the core of my brand and business. I value connection with my clients to create a one of a kind experience that leads to a relationship beyond our time together because there is nothing better than having clients return over and over again to have me capture the next chapter of their stories!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life, and truth be told, there’s honestly somewhere and something for everyone! That is one of the reasons I love it here so much. I personally live just south of Denver, so if we’re wanting to stay local, here are a few places I’d recommend!

I personally love Union Station – there is so much you can do in a day around this area! Park close by at the Music Garage and walk over to Union Station. Start the day off with coffee or brunch at snooze, then spend some time people watching or chatting. If you’re hungry for dinner, head over to Dairy Block/Denver Milk Market. It’s within walking distance and across the street from the parking garage. There are tons of choices for food in this area, it’s kind of like a food court situation, but there are also restaurants if you want more of that kind of feel! If you’re wanting to stay in the city there are a few options for hotels nearby, Crawford or Oxford are the closest options.

Another great spot to explore downtown is the RiNo District area! Places to eat, shop and view some stunning street art. One of my favorite fun activities is PuttShack, a mini golf place, but it’s not your average mini golf experience. Similar to RiNo District is Larimer Square. Perfect for a mini shopping spree with restaurants to grab a bite to eat!

If you’re wanting to go into the mountains, I can’t recommend Breckenridge more than enough! It is my personal favorite mountain town to go to. I spent my childhood going there with family, and my husband and I have spent many romantic weekends there during the fall – our favorite time of year. It’s perfect for a day trip or a small weekend away. You’re surrounded by mountains in the valley town with hiking trails or mountainous spots that you can easily drive right up to. If you’re not a big hiker, don’t stress. Take a stroll around town for a bit and get some shopping done for souvenirs. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Downstairs at Eric’s for a fun night out – great food and fun arcade games. After dinner, I’d recommend stopping by MountainTop Cookie Shop for some dessert!

Of course, there’s probably a hundred other places you can explore around Colorado, but these are some personal favorites!

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?
The two biggest shoutouts would have to go to my husband, Westyn, my family and closest friends. My parents got me my first ever camera, laptop and paid for my editing systems when I first started photography in high school. It was my brother and sister in law that got me my first ever posing course by India Earl – this one course changed how I pose and capture stories forever! My husband has provided a plethora of job opportunities via word of mouth. He’s always been there on the days where I feel like giving up because there are those days from time to time. I’ve been able to capture family and friends weddings, engagements, pregnancies and other special moments over the years, and I really appreciate them choosing me to do so! Not to mention the amount of support each of these individuals has given me over the past decade!

I truly would not be anywhere near where I am today without each and every one of you, so thank you!

Website: https://nicoledenaephoto.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicoledenaephoto

Facebook: https://facebook.com/nicoledenaephotos

Other: https://pinterest.com/nicoledenaephoto

Image Credits
Nicole Denae Photography

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