We’re looking forward to introducing you to Margie Dotson. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Margie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Oh, I’m 100% a wanderer. I love exploring, chasing curiosity, and seeing where things lead. Some of the best moments happen when there’s no strict plan, just an openness to try something new and see what unfolds. Wandering keeps things fun, fresh, and full of surprises.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Margie, the photographer behind MARANDO Studios in Orlando. I specialize in boudoir, branding, and portrait sessions for women who want to feel confident, seen, and celebrated. My approach is relaxed and conversational. No stiff posing, no pressure to “perform,” and definitely no one-size-fits-all experience. Every session is built around who my client is, not who they think they’re supposed to be. I left a corporate healthcare career to build a business rooted in connection, creativity, and empowerment, and I’m always dreaming up new ways to help women show up boldly, both in front of the camera and in their everyday lives.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My middle school art teacher saw me clearly long before I did. She noticed my love for creativity and expression at a time when I was being told I needed to be practical and aim for a traditional career, like becoming a doctor, with art kept safely in the “hobby” box. Her belief in me planted a seed that stuck, even when I couldn’t fully name it yet. Looking back, she helped me trust that creativity wasn’t something to outgrow, it was something to build a life around.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been a few moments. Giving up isn’t really in my nature though. Even when something probably should be let go, I tend to keep pushing well past the “you should probably call it” point, which my husband would frustratingly confirm. Over time, I’ve learned to find a better balance between perseverance and knowing when it’s time to pivot. At least… I think I have.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely. I’m an open book, and honestly, I don’t have the energy to be anything else. What you see is what you get. Lighthearted, occasionally stumbling over my words, sometimes tripping over myself, and always showing up as me. It feels way better than trying to keep up an act anyway.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m 100% doing what I was born to do. I did take the medical route for a while and learned a lot along the way, but creativity was always there, patiently waiting. Photography brought me back to the arts and gave me a way to blend connection, storytelling, and creativity into something that finally feels like home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marandostudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marandostudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margieanndotson
Image Credits
MARANDO Studios
