The Interview: Q&A with Kimberly Minor
This month, The Paper publishes its interview with Kimberly Minor.
Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
I am a family & lifestyle photographer here in Newnan, Georgia. I like to capture organic photography for all chapters of life. I am also the mother of an amazing miracle named Georgia. Georgia is three and a half and has a rare chromosome disorder called Partial Trisomy 18 & Partial Monosomy 18. I am also the stepmother to three handsome teenage boys and the wife of a local restaurant manager.
Best piece of business advice you’ve received.
“Fake it till you make it.”
I know that sounds terrible, but in my first year of photography I constantly second guessed myself and my insecurities were affecting my business decisions. No one can hear that insecure voice in your head but you, so even when you’re feeling unsure, fake the confidence and keep pushing through because you might surprise yourself.
If I had it to do over …
I wouldn’t. Haha. I strongly believe God made this path just for me and my family. I wouldn’t change a thing, even the rough spots, because it helped us build and grow.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
ONLY THREE ALBUMS?! Can I replace my three books with albums? Just kidding, but music is life to me! I can’t function without.
My albums would be …
1. Miranda Lambert “Wildcard”
2. The Beatles “1” (I’m kind of cheating there, but I love all of their songs!)
3. Lauren Daigle “Look Up Child”
Top books
1. Unfu*k Yourself and Get Out of Your Head, by Gary John Bishop
2. The Bible
3. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
I think eggs are gross. And I don’t like mashed potatoes.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why?
1. John Lennon. I’ve been fascinated with him my entire life.
2. Miranda Lambert. I just feel like we’d be best friends!
3. Jesus. Does that even need an explanation?
4. My great grandmother. I just feel like I didn’t get to know enough about her before she passed. I wish I could ask her more about her life and our history.
5. My sister, Christina. I’m so socially awkward and she is always amazing at keeping the conversation going.
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
There are a lot, haha. I’m a dreamer! I drive my husband crazy with all my big dreams. My biggest dream is to watch my daughter live an independent life. I want to see her walk. I want to hear her say she loves me. And I want to see her be happy.
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
A writer. My degree is in English with a concentration in pre-law, and that will always be a passion for me.
Your go-to food.
Pizza. Postiano’s in Ashley Park is the closest to NY Pizza that’s close to us and since I’m from NY that’s my happy food. All close seconds– everything bagels with cream cheese, tacos, and queso.
Favorite movie(s).
So I’m not a “movie” person per say. But when I do like a movie, I watch it probably ten thousand times. A few of my go-to’s are The Avengers, The Notebook, Super Troopers, Boondock Saints, Sweet Home Alabama, Practical Magic, Hope Floats, Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump, and every Disney movie ever.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs! I have two pit mixes that are rescues. John and June. Before our daughter was born, I spent my time advocating and fostering for bully breeds. I think they have the worst reputation and it’s so undeserved.
Your favorite quote and why?
“The right thing to do is usually the hardest thing to do.” Chris Schreiber (my dad)
My dad has told me this my entire life. The right thing to do is the hardest thing to do and vice versa. Whenever I find myself having a hard decision, I try to use this quote to put it into perspective and help me make a choice.
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
My daughter. I am proud of everything she does and I am extremely glad that we’ve fought for her like we have.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own?
STOP HOLDING YOURSELF BACK. My own insecurities made me so scared to ever step out and chase my big dreams. If I had been braver soon, imagine how much more I could have accomplished by now!
