Today we’d like to introduce you to Margie Dotson
Margie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a young age, I had a deep love for art. I remember vividly declaring to anyone who would listen that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. My mother, of course, was not thrilled about this.
This passion for creativity blossomed in high school when I discovered photography. It was a revelation—capturing moments and telling stories through images felt like magic. When it came time to invest in my first camera, I faced a pivotal decision: should I embrace the traditional film route or dive into the exciting world of digital technology? This was back in the day when digital was just beginning to take off, and I chose the latter, which opened up a whole new realm of possibilities.
Initially, my focus was on landscape and architecture photography. I loved exploring the beauty of the world around me, capturing stunning vistas and intricate structures. However, as I honed my skills, my path began to shift. In 2014, I took a significant step forward by starting to photograph families because a friend asked me if I could photograph her family. I told her we could do a test session and to have a backup photographer ready in case. I didn’t see my potential, but she did. I am forever grateful for her! This experience allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level and see the joy that photography could bring to their lives. Each session was an opportunity to create lasting memories for families, and I found immense fulfillment in this work.
In 2017, everything changed when I was introduced to boudoir photography. Again, a friend reached out to ask me to photograph a boudoir session for her. Having people push you out of your comfort zone is truly special. This genre captivated me; it was all about empowerment, confidence, and celebrating the beauty of women. In 2018, I took my passion further by becoming a certified professional boudoir photographer. This certification not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my commitment to helping women see themselves as beautiful, strong, and worthy.
In 2019, I partnered with a talented makeup artist to create an all-inclusive boudoir studio in her space. We designed a welcoming environment where women could feel safe and empowered during their sessions. This collaboration was pivotal in shaping the experience we offer at MARANDO Studios.
Finally, in 2020, I realized my dream by opening my very own photography studio in Orlando, FL. This space has become a sanctuary for women, a place where they can embrace their beauty and celebrate themselves through photography. I have since expanded my offering to Branding for female industry leaders and Portraits for all women.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, let me tell you—entrepreneurship is like a thrilling roller coaster ride! It’s not always smooth sailing, but that’s what makes the journey so exciting and rewarding.
When I first started, I quickly realized that being a talented photographer doesn’t automatically make you a savvy business owner. I had to learn to juggle everything from marketing to bookkeeping. Imagine trying to master a new dance while balancing on one foot—yeah, it was kind of like that! Just when I thought I was getting the hang of things and ready to open my studio, 2020 threw me a curveball. I had just signed the lease for my beautiful new studio, and then—bam! COVID-19 decided to crash the party. Talk about bad timing! But you know what? When life throws you a curveball, you grab your camera and turn it into a creative opportunity!
In 2019, I got a little sidetracked trying to launch another business with my husband. It was like trying to juggle two flaming torches while riding a unicycle—definitely not my best idea! My studio was on the back burner while I chased this new venture, and let me tell you, it felt like I was letting my dreams drift away.
Then came my “aha” moment. I realized what truly mattered: my passion for photography and empowering women through my work. It was time for some tough love—I had to let go of that other business and focus on what made my heart sing: my studio and my clients.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work saving my studio. It seriously felt like performing CPR on my dreams, but with every photoshoot and every empowered woman who walked through my door, I knew I was on the right path. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing! Those struggles have shaped me into the photographer and business owner I am today. Plus, they give me some pretty fantastic stories to share—nothing breaks the ice like a good “remember when I almost tanked my own business” story!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the face behind the lens at MARANDO Studios in Orlando, FL. My specialty? Making women feel like the absolute queens they are through the magic of photography! I’m all about boudoir, branding, and portrait photography. But let me tell you, it’s so much more than just snapping pictures. It’s about creating an experience that empowers women.
What sets me apart? Well, imagine walking into a judgment-free zone where you can be 100% yourself. That’s what I’ve created at MARANDO Studios. It’s like a safe haven where women can let their guard down and truly shine.
I’m known for my ability to make anyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Trust me, even if you think you’re as photogenic as a potato (which, by the way, can be pretty cute), I’ll have you feeling like a supermodel in no time!
What am I most proud of? It’s those moments when a client sees their photos and gets a little misty-eyed. Like the time a woman looked at her gallery and said, “Wow, my friends always tell me I’m beautiful, but I never saw it until now.” Those moments? They’re pure gold. Those are the moments I live for.
What really sets me apart is my commitment to female empowerment. Every session is a celebration of womanhood in all its forms. I don’t just take pictures; I help women see themselves through a lens of love and acceptance.
Plus, I’m always learning and growing. I attend photography group meetings, collaborate with other creatives, and constantly push myself to try new things. I create a safe space where women can be unapologetically themselves, capture their true personality in stunning photographs, and help them see their own beauty. It’s not just about the photos; it’s about the transformation that happens when a woman truly sees and embraces her own worth. And the best part? I get to do this every day, surrounded by amazing women who inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Oh, where do I even begin? The COVID-19 crisis was like a plot twist in my entrepreneurial journey that I never saw coming! But you know what? It taught me some invaluable lessons that I carry with me every day.
First and foremost, I learned the importance of flexibility. Just when I thought I had everything planned out for my new studio, the world hit pause. I had to pivot quickly—embracing virtual consultations, outdoor shoots, and even experimenting with creative ways to connect with clients. It reminded me that adaptability is crucial in any business. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches and find new paths to success.
Another big lesson? The power of community. During those challenging times, I saw how vital it is to support one another. Whether it was collaborating with fellow photographers or sharing resources with clients, we all came together in unexpected ways. It reinforced my belief that we’re stronger together, and that sense of camaraderie made all the difference. Community over competition is a way of life for me now and I feel blessed to have experienced this first hand.
Finally, I learned to cherish every moment—both in life and in my work. The pandemic reminded us all how fleeting time can be. Now, more than ever, I appreciate the joy of capturing those special moments for my clients. Each click of the shutter represents a memory that deserves to be celebrated.
So yes, while COVID-19 threw us all for a loop, it also provided some important lessons that have shaped me as a photographer and business owner. It taught me resilience, the importance of community, and the power of connection. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I’m more committed than ever to empowering women through my art—because we all deserve to see ourselves shine.ñ
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marandostudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marandostudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marandostudios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marandostudios
Image Credits
Branding By Jo, MARANDO Studios
