Living a Multi-Passionate Life with Dorothy

Dorothy is a photographer, business analyst, and real estate investor who is also passionate about travel and the future of work.

Multi-passionate would be an understated way to describe Dorothy. Between her career as a photographer, business analyst, and real estate investor, she has her hands in a lot of different buckets - and that’s just the way she like it. Leading a life driven by passion and taking calculated risks has allowed Dorothy to experience life through a unique lens and to tailor her work to have the most impact. We were able to chat with her about all things travel, balancing diverse careers, and how others can also create their own lifestyle.

Hi Dorothy! Tell us about yourself. We know you balance a variety of trades, so how would you describe yourself on first introductions?

I’m a photographer, business analyst, and real estate investor. I rarely mention all 3 on first introductions — unless I’m really trying to impress someone. ;) It depends on the audience; I’ll usually mention the 1 or 2 things that would be most relatable to them.

We want to dive into how you carved your own career path and lifestyle. Can you tell us about how you balance a business, fuel your creativity, and travel?

Sure! Here’s the secret: 2 teaspoons sugar, 5 cinnamon sticks and lots of ginger (thinly sliced). Add water, a few drops of choice bitters...

…If only it were that simple. ;)

Actually, what works for one person may not work for another. Personally, I’m constantly iterating my own “systems” and trying new methods. There are only two things that have stuck, no matter where I am in the world and what my priorities are at any given moment: focusing on my well-being to boost energy levels and personal morale, and organization. Simple, but understated.

Let’s start with photography. How did you start with photography and what sorts of projects are you drawn to?

The first images that come to mind are ones taken in Cambodia. I was about 10 years old, traveling to my parents home country for the first time. I remember feeling intensely shocked and for so many reasons. I wanted to remember it all—the poverty, groups of children begging for money (why weren’t they in school? I thought), the child that crossed a dangerous road to forage through a restaurant’s garbage bin; the absence of “order,” stop lights that were heeded by no one, constantly needing to guard myself from petty crime, seeing how desensitized people were to injury and death—how it contrasted everything I knew. I was shaken, not in the way that freezes you, but in the way that mobilizes you. I wanted the world to see what I saw, and photography became my medium.

As far as projects go, I’m mostly interested in capturing people and landscapes. I’m drawn to documentary photography and portraits--candids, composites, boudoir, you name it. Interiors and still life, too.

Do you think having other outlets like being a business analyst have shaped or even counterbalanced your creative side?

Interestingly, it’s mostly compartmentalized. I’m equal parts left- and right-brained and both sides need to be nurtured. I’m fortunate enough that I was able to take nearly two years off from the corporate world to focus solely on my creative projects. Even then, though, the business analyst in me would creep up…in the form of spreadsheets, and my contributions to non-profit organizations abroad.

Do you travel often? Your instagram always has inspiring photos of where you’re working and moments from around the world. What motivates you to travel? Do you have a home base?

Yes! I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t travel. I wouldn’t recognize my own privilege. I wouldn’t understand others and myself nearly to the same degree—how policy shapes culture; how culture shapes people, their values and beliefs. This is what perspective does to you. It uproots you from the old, or it strengthens your convictions—both essential for growth.

A year ago, most of my items were in “storage” (read: parents basement). I’m not sure if that counts as a home base. But now, I can finally say that I have my own bed again, and it’s in New York City!

We know you also consult for healthcare and public safety as an analyst. Can you tell us more about how you started in that field?

I’m a business analyst in tech and so far have been on projects in healthcare and public safety, but not limited to those industries. My first “big girl” job out of college was at a consulting firm in Minnesota, which eventually transitioned into a full-time position with my first client—a healthcare company in Minnesota. I was really lucky because I got to work with some of the most skilled and inspiring business analysts in the industry. Their noses are probably itching right now (AHEM--Greg, Beth, Joy).

We’ve been speaking to so many creatives about balancing responsibilities with passion. What’s your best advice for someone looking to break out of the normal 9-5 and look to creating their own lifestyle?

Risks are scary but worth it. People say that I’m fearless, but I’m not. Let courage triumph over fear. If you make the jump, then when you’re older, you can worry less about “what could have been” and more about what happens next in that one Netflix show!

Seriously, though, I pictured myself in dentures…regretting all the chances I didn’t take, and that scared me enough to make the jump. Works every time. Once you make the commitment, you can Google the rest. ;)

With the current events and the world in a sense of flux, we’re seeing more traditional jobs experience working from home, using technology to rework the “workplace.” How do you think Covid-19 will affect work styles in the future?

More coworking places (thank you Croissant!!!), less traditional office spaces. Happier people, less overhead. More pretty interiors to inspire creativity. If not that, then you’ll be stuck needing to buy more toilet paper. I’d recommend the former.

We also have to ask: favorite Croissant space to work and why?

But I have 2! The New Work Project in Williamsburg (Brooklyn, NY) and Campfire in Shoreditch (London). I love their boutique vibes and the interiors are gorgeous!

Any new projects or anything you’re looking forward to soon?

Project-wise, it’s a secret! :-)

Mostly though, I look forward to normalcy being restored and this pandemic ending. Stay healthy and stay safe, friends.