Boss Ladies: Heather Goodman

Photos C/O: Alyssa Shreeve

Heather Goodman runs a travel and photography business with her husband Bryant. She promotes brands and experiences that inspire others to explore the world and get the most out of life. Heather and Bryant live on the North Shore of Oahu where they enjoy surfing, hiking, making lots of food, and photographing the world around them.

Growing up I really wanted to be 

A jockey and an artist. I would draw horses all day long!

My most-used emojiis are

The happy sun face, the blushing smiley, and the big ocean wave!!

I don’t know how I ever lived without 

My darling husband and his endless support.

One thing people don’t know about me is

My mom's family is Spanish and I've been working hard to learn the language since I didn't grow up speaking it. My husband and I practice speaking and praying in Spanish!

My real life hero is

Jesus, because He is the ultimate example of love and sacrifice and I so wish to be like him.

What I love about my work is 

I get to meet rad people, grow as a person and as a business owner, travel the world, and set my own schedule. I love creating something that didn't exist before by capturing beautiful moments to share with everyone. I think photography can be a great reminder of how incredible this life can be.

The hardest thing about my work is 

All the emails! I'm terrible at staying on top of them.

How I got started with my current career

My friends and I would skip school and take pictures of each other on adventures. Pretty soon people wanted to pay me for it.

The dumbest thing I did when I was starting out was

Not really take my calling as a photographer seriously. I didn't put the time, money, and investment into it like I should have.

My typical day looks like

I wake up, drink a smoothie, read my scriptures, practice Spanish, answer emails, and get ready for the day! I'm very goal oriented and always trying to find better ways to stay on top of them. Honestly though, there are days when I am completely unmotivated and just go surf. It's great. Now that I'm in school I have to keep more on top of everything. It can be overwhelming but I live for those free moments!

I used to think success meant 

Looking like all the people I idolized --  aka being wealthy and famous.

My current definition of success is 

Being able to spend time with my loved ones and not having my work take over my life.

An example of when I had to push through my fear was when

I sometimes have a hard time believing in myself - especially when I compare myself to those who seem ahead of me. When I moved to Hawaii I had to restart my entire business. I was in a new place, surrounded by people who were already very successful, and was told I wouldn't be able to get any business because it was overflowing with photographers and the locals wouldn't like me. I felt like an outsider, but I've been amazed at how loving and encouraging the people I've met have been. Now I'm working on putting more into my business than I ever have instead of being afraid. I've had to learn that I do have something to offer and that I'm not just another photographer -- none of us are. I'm lucky to have so many good people in my life to remind me that.

I know my work/life balance is out of sync when

It feels like forever since I've seen my husband. We shut off all electronics and spend time together surfing or having date night.

The last time I created something I was proud of was

The guacamole I made yesterday. I love guacamole - I've totally mastered it.

I wish I could tell my younger self

Everything is going to work out and that the most important thing you will ever do is to be kind to others. It's more important than anything. And being married is awesome.

The legacy I hope to leave is

That no matter how successful, famous, rich, refined, smart, or talented you become, it doesn't matter in comparison to how many lives you touch and change and help. Life is so much more than work, business, Instagram, and being the best. God has asked us to seek justice and love mercy, and there's nothing more important that we could be doing! This life can be so rewarding if we simply put Him first!

XO,

Heather