Back in 2019, The Flourish Market opened a co-working space called The Locality, and I joined shortly after its opening. Being part of The Locality has been such a blessing! Regardless of location, the space has always been gorgeous along with super functional; being supported by staff of The Flourish Market team has been beyond rewarding. The most important aspects, though, are the blessings of connections with fellow members in this co-working space. Then, in 2021, I was able to present to The Locality my keynote speech on “Productivity Power Plays to Utilize Who You Are for Greater Work and Life Success”, which is always a joy; yet, this time was even more special as it connected me with the incomparable Jen Bauldree, first as a client but quickly thereafter as a friend. It was a true joy to help Jen learn more about how the person she is impacts how she lives a fulfilled life, and I always find it an honor to partner with incredible leaders in best investing their limited resources of time, energy and focus; moreover, I’m incredibly honored to be part of Jen’s squad. Beyond being super talented with a camera and computer, Jen is deeply caring, pays attention to details, excels at being everyone’s hype person, inspires with how she serves our community and encourages others’ movement with her own love of dance as well as working out. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Jen Bauldree

Jen Bauldree, owner of Jen Bauldree Photography, is a portrait photographer creating unforgettable portraits that celebrate high school seniors and families. She is passionate about providing fun and stress-free portrait sessions that make seniors feel confident and celebrated. Jen brings joy to families by capturing their love and moments of connection in photos and by creating artwork to treasure for years. Additionally, she captures beautiful and professional images of Raleigh women for headshots and branding.

After attending business school and every football game as a Marching Tar Heel at UNC-Chapel Hill, her career included communications and family ministries before landing in her happy place of portrait photography. Jen grew up in Raleigh (one of the few natives still here!) with a camera in her hand and has been married to her love, Mike, for 25 years. She loves traveling with Mike and their adult children as well as teaching fitness classes (mini trampoline rebounding) at Danz Insanity.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Jen Bauldree

How would you describe the company you founded and its products?

Jen Bauldree Photography offers portrait photography for high school seniors and families as well as headshots. Each session is customized to capture your beauty, spirit and inner awesomeness. From professional hair and makeup styling to thoughtful posing to guiding you in selecting your favorite images for stunning albums, I’m here to make sure your experience is unforgettable. With a focus on laughter and relaxed energy, you’ll feel confident and oh so beautiful! Custom products include heirloom quality photo albums, keepsake boxes, wall art and prints for sharing or framing.

Why did you start your company?

I’ve always been a memory keeper, growing up with a camera in my hand and absolutely loving to share photos with my friends and family. I discovered that photos can tell a story, sometimes better than words. When I became a mom, my passion of photography was ignited, and it grew alongside my kids. As I took courses and attended workshops, my hobby became a business in 2018. I love preserving moments in time for my clients.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part of my journey has definitely been seeing how my high school senior portrait sessions give my senior clients the self-confidence to shine in front of my camera and beyond. It’s so empowering when they look at the back of my camera during a session and are thrilled to see their photo. I’m a great hype girl! It’s also so rewarding to connect with my seniors and their moms as friends.

About what are you most proud?

The growth of my small business has been fantastic, and I’m most proud of the amazing support from past clients. Jen Bauldree Photography has grown year after year through referrals from happy clients, and I’m truly honored by that.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I grew up in a family of list makers and am naturally pretty organized. I love calendars, agendas and notebooks (you should see me in the stationary aisle at Home Goods!). Give me all the notepads and colored pens! Seriously, to stay organized at home, I keep a DONATE box where my family can regularly drop stuff that they’ve purged. I keep a Google calendar to keep my work and workouts and family schedules organized. On Sundays, Mike and I check in with our calendars and do a brain dump for the week and organize it in my paper planner. It’s always a work in progress!

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My partner, Mike, has influenced my life in so many ways. He’s supportive and loving and has helped me become a better partner and mom. He encourages me to try new things, lifts me up when I’m struggling, and I love the life we’re creating together.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

If you’re feeling disorganized, Emily Parks can help you! I learned so much about time management and productivity from Emily. Also, it helps to break down daunting projects into more manageable tasks. Listing the tasks with a deadline (either online or on paper) will help hold you accountable and stay on track.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I use Google calendar for alllll the things, and I use an app called Todoist for a running list of to-do items. My CRM is 17hats, which keeps my business and bookkeeping organized.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

During my busy seasons, there is very little work/life balance. I’m either shooting a session or editing. What really helps me is doing a Sunday Reset. I make sure all of my Google calendar appointments are also in my paper planner, including work sessions, workout sessions, dates with friends and family commitments. I make a weekly to-do list in my planner and prioritize the tasks for both personal and work. If I’m feeling bold, I’ll do meal planning and grocery list making.

About what causes are you most passionate?

Serving the community is one of the core values of Jen Bauldree Photography, and I love how it feels to make a positive impact. I’m involved in a Backpack Buddies ministry that provides food-insecure children with weekend meals. We pack and deliver 190 bags of food to 10 elementary and middle schools in Raleigh.

I’m passionate about Saving Grace pet adoption because we adopted our sweet dog Daisy there. I donate supplies and volunteer to foster dogs over weekends. As a family, we deliver meals through Meals on Wheels during the holidays.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

When I’ve had a stressful day or hectic week, I know I’ll feel better after I move my body. I’m a fitness instructor at Danz Insanity and lead 2-3 classes per week, rebounding on a mini trampoline. It’s an amazing way to destress, get a good cardio workout in, activate my lymphatic drainage system and have fun! If I’m not leading a Trampoline class, I’ll do one of their high energy dance classes. Afterwards, it’s time for a hot bath!

What is your favorite author / book?

As an empty nester, I rediscovered my love of reading this year. My favorite book right now is The Women by Kristen Hanna. I love historical fiction set in the WWII era.

What are your favorite inspirational quotes?

“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” from Roy T. Bennett as well as “A camera is a SAVE button for the mind’s eye.” from Roger Kingston.

What is your go-to accessory?

I never leave the house without earrings.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I use clean beauty products from Julep Beauty. I have a pretty basic routine of tinted lip balm, mascara, eyeliner and powder. I get regular facials from Joi at Saving Faces facial services, another small business in North Raleigh, to take care of my aging skin.

What is your favorite food?

Sushi

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Wedding Crashers if I need a laugh; otherwise, Love Actually.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

My favorite place in the world is Italy. My great grandparents were from Italy, and I’m lucky to have traveled there several time in the last few years. I love the towns of Orvieto and Pienza in Tuscany, Manarola in Cinque Terre, and Ivrea, Lake Garda and Venice in Northern Italy.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

Danz Insanity – It’s the cardio party you’re craving! Athletic dance, trampoline rebounding, barre and choreography classes that are killer workouts and so much fun. I love being a part of the welcoming DI community.
Flourish Market – You can feel good about your purchase because it’s supporting worthy causes and change makers. They have beautiful clothing and terrific gifties, and the owner Emily Grey is amazing.
Sola Coffee Café – This is a family-owned, neighborhood café in North Raleigh with the best coffee and atmosphere. My dad had Alzheimer's, and his caregiver took him to Sola several times a week. They were SO kind to him.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Time travel.

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

I would tell my 21-year-old self “Feel the fear and do it anyway. Don’t let it hold you back!”.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I would have lunch with my Dad. He died in December 2023 after battling Alzheimer’s, and I miss him more than anything. He loved to eat so we’d have a great lunch together.

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