Interview: Elizabeth

Ellen - How did you find out about Ellen Wolff Photography / Long Island New York Headshots?

Elizabeth - I had done some research online, but when I came across the gallery photos and looked further into your work, I was certain that I wanted to work on this with you. There was a certain inexplicable element in your work that struck me. 

Ellen - Can you tell us why you came in for a headshot?

Elizabeth - I was looking to take the next step in my career and I also wanted to think long term about how I wanted to brand myself for my ultimate dream as a professional.

Ellen - How do you take your coffee?

Elizabeth - A very large cup of steamed milk with no sugar.

Ellen - What was the last book you read for fun?

Elizabeth - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Ellen - Tell us one thing you can't live without.

Elizabeth - My faith in God and my family. Two things!

Ellen - It is said that genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. What is that ratio like for you?

Elizabeth - I find myself dreaming constantly (80%) and trying to make a plan and make it happen (20%).

Ellen - Red or white?

Elizabeth - White peach sangria!

Ellen - What is your favorite restaurant? Why? [Any meal, any where in the world. Be sure to include the City.]

Elizabeth - In my family's hometown in Spain, it's called Restaurante Florida. (Boiro, La Coruna).  The food is always plentiful and true to bringing the comfort of the foods my family made for me growing up.   I go there everyday when on vacation to eat in the middle of the day before a nice siesta LOL

Ellen - How did you get started on your current path?

Elizabeth - I started off as a NYC Public School teacher for seven years. Toward the last year I knew that I needed a career change thanks to the major reforms that were nonsensical and not in the best interest of the students I wanted to educate and empower. I enrolled in a evening continuing education program and obtained my certification for medical coding. I switched into the healthcare field because at its core every interaction should be on a basis of serving others with compassion.  That is in line with my core values and although I don't have the stomach to be a nurse, I can still serve patients in an indirect role.  I don't regret my decision to quit being a public school teacher despite my innate tendency to want to share with others my love of literature and writing. 

Ellen - Tell us something you want us to know about what you do, something most folks don't ask and you wish they would. (Something useful to a client or a special skill you have…)

Elizabeth - Having compassion for others and to be of service to others is at the core of anything I do.  No one gets to where they are without the help of someone else along the way.  In my life experience thus far, I have gotten to where I am today thanks to others who have taught me or helped my family in times of need in conjunction with my own hard effort. I believe that remembering where you started from and never forgetting your humble beginnings are what keep you grounded.  The opportunity to help others is a way of saying thank you and paying it forward.  Many people don't ask why someone does what they do and make assumptions.  Assume nothing and do all things through love because you don't know what path someone has had to walk to get where they are today. 

Ellen - What is your dream project?

Elizabeth - I would love to open my own certification/vocational programs  school.  It is my opinion that there are many individuals, (whether they are young recent high school graduates or adults seeking a career transition/advancement), who need to see that there are in fact education programs that can lead to highly rewarding and satisfying careers.  Too often I would see talented students who were only considering that an academic path was the only one available to them to open doors. Not true!! I would love to offer a wide gamut of programs and counsel individuals on the many options that are out there that can help them become successful.  If I could make this happen, I'd like to partner with local community groups and organizations so that I could help serve and empower others. 

Ellen - Where can we find out more about you? [Do you have online resources or a website?]

Elizabeth - I am on LinkedIn for now.