We’re looking forward to introducing you to Callie Weaks. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Callie , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Leadership is a mantle I have willingly embraced throughout my life, often stepping into roles that allow me to guide and inspire others. In my current profession (real estate), beyond the realm of photography, I find myself in a formal leadership position. This role has given me the profound privilege of witnessing the transformative power of belief in an individual’s potential.
The act of empowering others by equipping them with the necessary tools and fostering an environment conducive to success has been an immensely rewarding journey.
My team operates under a philosophy of high accountability, where we meet each individual at the level of commitment they choose to exist in. We have diligently cultivated a space where growth and opportunity flourish, welcoming anyone who is willing to invest their effort, put in the time and change their life.
In this environment, we hold each other accountable, encouraging personal and collective development. It is a testament to the power of leadership that not only inspires but also facilitates the realization of potential in those around us. Our slogan is “who you work with matters.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, where I spent the first 26 years of my life. This city of art in all forms is where I began my career at 15, diving into projects in photography, singing, acting, and modeling. I’ve had the privilege of working with various companies, helping them achieve their potential through the art of photography.
As a mother of two teenage boys who bring me purpose, we’ve defied expectations, spoken words of failure over us and opinions of my choices to create the life we’ve always deserved, pulled ourselves up from our boot straps and are thriving.
I also own and operate several businesses. Balancing roles as a mom, a friend, a business woman, a lover, I always find time to create and do what brings me joy in this world we exist in. Art saves.
I’m thrilled to be here again and share the growth I’ve experienced since our last interview.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
At an early age, I was often discouraged from embracing my creative process. I was always considered “too much.” Ever since I can remember, I have walked into rooms as if I belonged there—even though, deep down, I often did not feel that way. Nevertheless, I always showed up and brought my energy.
In my 30s, I’ve learned to unapologetically show up as myself. Those who embrace this will be drawn to me, and those who do not align with it should probably continue on their own path. We are floating on a planet conforming to the standards of others, but ultimately, what you believe about yourself is what truly matters at the end of the day.
I constantly remind my children that no one else has to exist in our vessel. We are with ourselves 24/7, and we need to be kinder to ourselves. At the end of the day, are you telling yourself that you’re proud of who you are? We are the most precious beings in our lives, and we cannot give from an empty cup.
Life is too short not to show up authentically and truly know who you are. Standing firm in my truths has been a game-changer. Now, I have a voice. I can hold boundaries. I can say no.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Whew.
I come from a background filled with abuse, emotional trauma, and many wrong turns. I think my marriage to an abusive narcissist was one of the scariest experiences. As a lost 17-year-old girl, I was faced with a decision and a desperate need to escape. I encountered a reflection of all the things I wanted to hear and see. When I replay those moments in my mind, I sometimes find it hard to believe what I have endured. What my children endured. What I survived.
However, I have reached the conclusion that we must be grateful for everything that happens to us. This doesn’t mean we deserved it or that it should have happened, but I am truly glad that it has led me to this space.
Every single tiny instance that has occurred from my conception to this moment was meant to be. Could I have done things differently? Probably. Would I have had the emotional capacity or support to live life differently and make different choices? Maybe.
Each chapter of our lives doesn’t have to define the next.
We have the power to control those outcomes, even if it takes longer than we expect.
Learning to be accountable for my actions, forgiving people not for them but for myself, and “letting them” —by the way, you should really read that book The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins—I free myself to continue growing. I take the moments I have lived and learn from them.
In life, everyone is your teacher, whether their influence is good or bad.
I like to think I have climbed some of the biggest mountains in navigating my past, but I have certainly not reached the tallest one yet. I’m proud of myself, though.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
You got me there!
I show up as authentically as I possibly can.
However, I also only give a certain amount of access to my true self because not everyone deserves that version of me.
Really though, how do we even know, even if we do show up as the real version of ourselves, that someone perceives that in its integrity, light, and purity?
Perception is such a tricky thing, and people will conjure up what and who you are, regardless of how many times you reveal who you are.
I would say yes, there are definitely parts of myself I keep private, but my heart, my integrity, and my purpose always show up as the real me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Every day I can photograph is a good day.
A lot of people can pick up a camera, seek validation for a press pass or some recognition for holding the camera.
I work with a lot of people who just need to feel something; Maybe it’s a session for pain, a confidence boost, to be seen how others see them.
Photography captures those small moments no one else is paying attention to: raw expressions, urban environments, and personal stories that are processed on paper and locked in time forever. The photograph is an incredible invention that has supported me through my worst days.
When I have a camera in my hands and I create, everything else around me disappears.
My camera “Lover.” It’s been with me through all my moments and is always an outlet for whatever I need to process.
This is an art. It’s a gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: thistleandlilac_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thistleandlilac
Image Credits
Callie Weaks
