Today, The Platinum Mask channel would like to introduce Madison Gray for a conversation.
What was the biggest obstacle in your journey and how did you overcome it?
The biggest obstacle I had to deal with was the transition of being only a photographer to photographer, editor and owner. With that taking, over the business and creating a plan that held true to the functionality and success that Bad Kitty already had and making it evolve into staying relevant and exciting for a new era of boudoir photography and our awesome clients!
What separates you from similar artists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
We are a national, all female owned and operated boudoir photography studio. We want clients to be able to express themselves in any way that makes them feel empowered, sexy and beautiful without judgement. Body positivity and self expression is one of the most important things we as a whole want our clients to experience in that time spent with everyone and anyone on staff. If you treat us with respect, we will do the same. <3
Is there anything you wished you would have known earlier in your journey?
Fortunately, no. I am grateful to have Cinnamon, the co-owner and founder of Bad Kitty, but also my mom, by my side guiding me along the path while she settles into her retirement. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to continue to legacy of Bad Kitty with her close if I need help with anything, but I do try to leave her alone about it! LOL
Do you have any favorite spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Any place that has good drinks and live music has my heart in the Dallas- Fort Worth area.
Were there any major challenges due to the covid-19 pandemic? How did you overcome them?
Like with many business owners in the US, we too look a huge hit during COVID. It forced us to come together and come up with a safety plan not only for health reasons, as some of our photographers have elderly family and small children living at home, I am a Type 1 Diabetic. But to also find a financial plan so no-one was under stress of not being able to make rent, eat or fail as a company entirely. We as a studio had to put a pause on certain cities due to outbreak risk and spikes. Today I am proud to say, as a unit, we are a bunch of strong willed women who banned together and made the best out of the worst possible situation. Today, our cities are fully open and active with talk about upcoming re-launching cities so keep your eyes peeled Texas!
What was your upbringing like and did you discover your passion early on?
My upbringing was unconventional I suppose but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Cinnamon, co-owner, founder and mama, is a full blown artist. Essentially, I grew up with Bad Kitty. Sexuality was not hush hush in our household. We had open conversations, I was allowed to ask questions and for the most part I always got answers that fit appropriately for my age at that time. Painting, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, photography, you name it, we did it. My mother is an incredibly passionate human, so by default, I too have that artist itch. I honestly did not fall in love with photography until I was about 15. I started spending real time at the studio and I got to experience the process of being a professional photographer and I was hooked. No wonder she loved it so much. I found out pretty quickly that I was damn good at it too!
Do you have a mentor and can you remember any key advice they have given you?
Well this is pretty obvious. My mom was and is currently my mentor. One piece of advice she has given me that I stand by to this day is probably not appropriate for this article, but here is a good one : not to take anything too personally when it comes to work. Having a thicker skin has saved me many a time when things get stressful.
Were your friends and family supportive of your mission?
Incredibly. My step dad, Carlton, has always been a huge Bad Kitty supporter. When my mom is working her tail off, when I work my tail off, he is always cheering us on and celebrates our wins with us. My friends are always team Bad Kitty as well as my boyfriend, Trevor. He has stood by my side through the good, the bad and the best over the last few years while we kept our feet firmly on the ground while the world froze over.
Any links you want to share for the viewers?
https://www.badkittyphotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/badkittyphotography/
https://www.tiktok.com/@badkittyphotography?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
