Meet Emily Bennett | Photographer & Creative Director

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

Hi Emily, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I try to measure my success based on the amount of joy in my life and the quality of my relationships. It’s really easy in our society to get caught trying to climb the proverbial ladder, but once you start climbing you realize the ladder is never-ending. It is also lonely and exhausting to climb alone. I want to tear down the ladder and build a communal house instead, where we can take our shoes off and rest.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I never want to be put into a box, but if I had to label myself I would say I am a Multi-Disciplinary Creative and Storyteller. I am a Photographer and a Writer. As a Photographer, I get a front-row seat to see people’s beauty alongside their insecurities. My work is to be a bridge and help diminish those insecurities and allow them to truly see themselves. My writing informs my Photography and vice versa. The true work of an Artist, as Mary Oliver says is to “pay attention, be astonished, and tell about it.” This is what I try to do in my work and life.

In my creative practice, I often draw parallels to the ebb and flow of a river or the rise and fall of tides. I can’t force anything. My only job is to notice how the river flows and follow its lead. That is exactly what I did when I quit my 9 to 5 job last year to start the journey of creative entrepreneurship. I left because I couldn’t ignore my gut feeling that it was time to take the next step, whatever that step looked like. And to be honest, things did not go originally as I planned. I was blissfully naive, which looking back, was a gift because had I known how hard the first few months would be I never would’ve made the jump. I called my mom crying most days and was barely getting by. But slowly the tides started to shift. I have gotten more comfortable with the uncomfortable and often uncertain nature of working for myself. It has been encouraging to watch family, friends, mentors, and even strangers come alongside and support me. No one is self-made. It is the people I love who have kept me afloat and continue to keep me going, even on the harder days.

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.
Oh, I love this question! Okay let’s start with can’t miss breakfast and coffee spots. Hummingbird has the best brunch in Raleigh, no question. Their Brunch Pizza is to die for. You also cannot come to Raleigh without visiting Benchwarmers. Boulted Bread, and Bright Spot Donuts. Other favorites for me include Yellow Dog Bread Company, Black and White Coffee, and Jubala.

For lunch, I would head back over to Transfer Co Food Hall, or pop over to State of Beer, they have the best pasta salad and sandwiches in Raleigh in my opinion. For dinner, there are so many fun spots where to start. Standard Beer and Food is the best of the best for a casual fun spot with friends. Head there for food, then walk right next door to Two Roosters for Ice Cream, and if you’re feeling wild you can keep the night going at Person St. Bar or Wilco. Other can’t-miss dinner spots: Stanbury, Poole’s, Ajja, and Brewery Bhavana.

Other things you should try and fit into your trip if you can. Catch a concert at Red Hat or grab cocktails at Watts and Ward, Heights House, or Longleaf Hotel. During the day, take a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Art and Dorothea Dix Park.

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?
So many people have supported me along the way, but I want to thank my parents specifically for fostering an environment where my creativity and curiosity could thrive growing up.

Website: https://www.emilytbennett.com

Instagram: @emilybennettcreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-thompson-bennett/

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me!