To celebrate 5 years of Babe Crafted, we commissioned a custom illustration of each amazing member who has been with us for five years! Here’s Andrejka’s beautiful illustration by Maureen Horan.

Hiya! Ready to party?! Blog party, I mean. ;) Can’t wait to introduce you to an amazing entrepreneur— it’s time to say hey girl hey to Andrejka Hirsch of Andrejka Photography and Andrejka Coaching. “Andrejka” is a Slovenian name and is pronounced on-dray-kuh.

Andrejka is the proud daughter of Slovenian immigrants and has built a beautiful, unique life for herself. She splits her time between Northern Michigan, St. Petersburg, FL and Bali. You heard that right! When she’s not photographing magical weddings in Michigan’s Mackinac Island, she’s working on business-building projects and enjoying island life in Bali. Andrejka loves being by the water and is really passionate about travel.

When she’s not photographing couples or coaching photographers on how to build a profitable & sustainable business, you can find her in a yoga class or planning a trip with friends. Enjoy getting to know Andrejka and her story! See you in the comments, girl. xo -Gina

How would you describe the last 5 years as a business owner?

A roller coaster of ups and downs and lessons everywhere.

One of the most challenging parts was hiring people that weren’t a good match for me and investing money into systems that ended up not working for me. Another challenge I’ve had to work through is the how to push against the norm when there’s so much pressure to follow trends and do what everyone else is doing.

In the end I learned how to ask the right questions, understand my business more, and what I want for me isn’t what others might want so I might need to forge my own way. Along the way, I’ve truly learned how to trust myself even when I’m taking a big risk that I know is right for the vision I have for my business.

Ultimately with every valley, there was an even higher mountain I landed on. And now I see a future I never imagined. Sticking with all the struggles has led to greater rewards!

Can you spot Andrejka in this group photo from our “Salty by Nature” Cinco de Mayo party in 2018?! She’s radiant in a black dress in the back row! // Photo by Jessica Fredericks Photography

“In the end I learned how to ask the right questions, understand my business more, and what I want for me isn’t what other might want so I might need to forge my own way. Along the way, I’ve truly learned how to trust myself even when I’m taking a big risk that I know is right for the vision I have for my business.”

— Andrejka Hirsch

What’s been your proudest moment (so far!)?

I've established a business that allows me to live half the year anywhere in the world. And allows me the flexibility to have a true work life balance. I work where I want, when I want, and with who I want. And the ability to try new things have fun and break molds.

When hard times show up, instead of giving up and giving in, I now use it as a point to pivot and reach even higher. This is a huge accomplishment to me because it takes consistency, confidence and the ability to keep going even when it’s tough. I now do this naturally when it wasn’t natural before and many people would’ve quit instead of making a pivot… and then another.

What are you excited to accomplish in the next 5 years?

I'm so excited to be launching my multi-faceted education programs that will include 1:1 coaching, VIP days, online programs, in person retreats around the world and speaking engagements.

I’m excited to encourage photographers to focus on the business aspect of being a professional photographer and not just the photos. I’m also looking to help photographers focus on building community, communication, and teamwork.

It’s important to have a strong base at the beginning from which they can launch a business based on longevity and financial growth without burnout. I want to help them avoid the mistakes I made over my 15 years in business.

Andrejka Hirsch of Andrejka Photography photographing one of her brides at Mackinac Island Harbor in Mackinac Island, Michigan

How has being a part of Babe Crafted impacted you?

Babe Crafted has supported me in every ups and downs of my business. It has provided me a sounding board when I needed one, a directory of knowledge from every walk of life, and a community of like-minded professional women from whom my closest friends have emerged.