Amanda Dee is a photographer and owner of Amanda Dee Photography, located in the NewBo neighborhood of Cedar Rapids. “My passion is capturing the connection we have with our world and the people most important to us.” Learn about Amanda Dee…
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
First job: Shakey’s Pizza and Buffet at age 14.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: Hiking trails with my three kids, drinks on patios with friends, dinners at local restaurants and live music events. And my latest obsession: Orangetheory!
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Moving into my dream studio space in the Cherry Building in NewBo. I’d always dreamed of a gorgeous warehouse-style space with huge windows and hardwood floors. I’ve been living the dream there for over three years now and still have to pinch myself some days!
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Transitioning from being married for 17 years to being on my own and being a single mom while maintaining a business, and during a pandemic!
Someone who inspires you and why: My daughter, Evelyn. She has only experienced life on this earth for eight years and surprises me almost daily with her wisdom and insight. She sees the best in everyone and loves freely with all her heart. She inspires me to always be the best example of a human, mother and friend I can be so that she can continue to grow and expand and share her light with the world.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t compare. Do more of what lights you up and don’t be afraid to show your true self. The more you follow your authentic bliss, the more you’ll attract your ideal client. Oh, and never stop learning.
Favorite quote: “You can either follow your fears, or be led by your passions.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’ve always loved art and wanted to be an artist of some sort, but I also strongly considered a career in the science/medical field. One of my favorite subjects in school was biology. Secret nerd over here!
What makes someone fabulous: Letting their light shine! I love when someone is just so completely and unapologetically themselves and shares that with the world. I think it’s contagious to witness that, and the world needs more of that fabulousness.