Mompreneur of the Week: Meet Desiree Hoelzle!

Each week, Macaroni Kid Lower Bucks features a different "Mompreneur" -- a local mom who also runs a small business in Lower Bucks. The challenges for small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic have been unprecedented, and even more so for many moms who simultaneously juggle virtual schooling and the many social and emotional challenges that children face during this confusing time. For more information on how you or someone you know could be featured in an upcoming Mompreneur article, click here.

Meet Desiree Hoelzle!

I'm a wife and mother of 2 children, a 7-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son, and a dog and guinea pig mom, too! I never thought I'd be a business owner, but it's so fulfilling and gives me so much more flexibility for my family. After my son was born and had some medical issues that warranted a NICU stay, I had a very difficult time trying to transition back to my office job in Higher Education. I knew there had to be a different balance that worked better for me and my family. I remember just after I had returned to work I told my husband I had a dream of becoming a birth photographer.  His reply was, "Okay, I'll always support you, but do you even know how to use a real camera?" Spoiler alert: I did not.  But I was determined. I got gear, purchased tutorials, watched videos while nursing my son to sleep, and practiced every day for hours.  I always had dreams of becoming a photographer and once I left my full-time job I started to really concentrate on making that dream a reality.  Less than a year later, I started my business. I officially started Desiree Hoelzle Photography in early 2017, so I am going into my fifth year now!

Achieving a Dream

My business, Desiree Hoelzle Photography, is a lifestyle photography company.  I am based in Yardley/Morrisville area, but I travel all around the Philadelphia region and even the Jersey Shore for sessions.  I specialize in family photography-- from couples & maternity, to newborn, immediate family, and multi-generational family sessions.  I also offer casual headshots and branding sessions as well as boudoir in a studio. I have also achieved my dream of being a birth photographer, but for now that's on hold because of COVID.  

Most of my sessions are on location, meaning in client homes or in various parks, towns, and other locations that make for awesome backgrounds for photographs. Starting in late winter, I will also be sharing a studio just over the bridge in NJ! I love capturing families' playful connections, kids' silliness, and candid moments.  I am the colorful, fun family photographer that loves families as they are-- joyful and even chaotic!  I embrace it all! I am a newer resident to lower Bucks and love it here!  There are so many beautiful areas, and I would love the opportunity to meet new families and grow a more local client base in lower Bucks.  

Start Where You Are

A lot of my work takes place in evenings or on weekends, which helps me to be more present during the day for my children.  It can be tough, though, because I often miss family events and get-togethers, kids' activities and birthday parties, etc.  This year, of course, has been different though-- my kids are both home currently and have been since March, with my daughter doing virtual school and my son home full-time with me.  Balance has definitely been trickier this year because this fall was also the busiest season yet for me.  I have to be very intentional with my time.  I work almost every night for a few hours after the kids are asleep on editing and other administrative tasks, and then on weekends I am often doing shoots for a large part of my day, especially from April-December.  

For anyone aspiring to open your own business, I say just jump right in and start where you are, even if it's in small ways.  You may be sacrificing sleep, Netflix, and social outings, but you're building your dream.  One day the things that seemed so overwhelming to start will one day be simple tasks to you.  It's such an overwhelming and tedious process to become a business owner, but it's so worth it if it's your dream!  

Want to Learn More About Desiree Hoelzle Photography?

Visit her website!