What started as a way to level-set Shania Hirdler’s work-life balance has transformed into a business that actively engages and collaborates with the community. At the end of 2021, she launched Shania Hirdler Photography to give herself a creative outlet and provide for her family in a way that fills her bucket - while having a business that fits her family’s needs.
“When I became a mom in late 2020, I was an elementary art teacher, dance instructor at the Princeton Just For Kix program, choreographing the fall musicals at Sauk Rapids High School, and photographing friends’ and families’ life events as a hobby. I was stretched so thin, and I knew I wasn’t giving 100% to any of my roles. Something had to give. I resigned at the end of the school year. After a year of finding the right balance in my role as a mom and an artist in the world, I decided to launch Shania Hirdler Photography. This really allowed me a creative outlet alongside providing for our family in a more flexible way and taking on the primary childcare role. Over the years, I have been able to ebb and flow my business to fit our life's needs, like adding our daughter to the family and exploring other artistic avenues outside of my mural work and wedding photography/filmmaking services.”
When she started, Shania offered wedding photography and videography. “My husband and I are a team, capturing wedding days together and creating a gallery or film that tells your story. I’m passionate about helping couples prepare for their day by building a timeline that prioritizes their wants and needs while reducing stress. I find the longer I am in the wedding industry, the more I am able to serve couples in a more individualized way, which has been awesome!”
“We’ve recently been able to grow the business by offering mural paintings for homes and businesses. This has been such a fun shift and allowed me to put a different creative energy into our community. I love to create custom designs after meeting with business owners and then bring their space to life.”
Most recently, Shania collaborated with one of our January feature stories – Nurture to Play – on a mural in their new space in Sartell. “When I saw that Jordan and Alexis were opening a play cafe in Sartell I was SO EXCITED! I emailed them the same day to see how I could partner with them to elevate Nurture to Play with some integrated art. We came up with some really fun mural designs, including an interactive wall where kids can touch and play with elements that tie into the art. It has been a joy to work with them.”
Working with the community is a huge part of Shania’s business - regardless of what work they pursue. “One of my favorite things about being an artist is creating something that captures a moment and makes it last. Whether it’s lifestyle shots for Rinke Noonan, headshots for Christ Our Light Church, a film project with Rocket Up Tattoo, or the mural at Nurture to Play, I’ve also been able to keep my love of dance alive and connect to the area communities by choreographing their fall high school musicals. But I would say my most special connection to date has been the owners of Korppi Coffee having me capture their wedding day. I’ve been a huge supporter of the joy and community they bring to Central Minnesota, as well as delicious food and coffee. So that felt really special.”
With a 2 and 4-year-old at home, her main full-time gig is Mom and Wife. “My kids fill my days with so much learning, joy, and love. But the time I give to my photography business, mural work, and dancing is really able to ebb and flow throughout the year. Summer and Fall are FULL full-time (with a dash of overtime in October, yay wedding season). Winter and early spring is when I get to slow down a bit, make some murals and soak in my kids growing the most. I’m so grateful for my partner John and the family members who make up our village. Being able to fill so many roles throughout the year is only possible with their support and love for our kids! I wish there was more time to say ‘yes’ as often as I want to. I say yes a lot, but am learning to balance my personal pursuits, parenting, and personal well-being – it’s tough.”
“Moving away and coming back to this area gave me such a beautiful perspective. Central Minnesota is overflowing with art, compassion, and truly loving humans. The people in our community are always willing to help their neighbor. I’ve been pushed out of more snowy ditches than I can count by kind strangers. I’ve had moms help me hold my babies in the checkout line. I’ve chatted with complete strangers at the dog park, in my theater seats, and at the DMV. I could write a whole novel about my love for nature here. Minnesota is the best place I could ever imagine living, working, and raising my children. I have a huge passion for human connection. I think however I am operating in this community my main objective is to learn from those who I share this space with. Empathy and love are my highest values in work and in life!”
To learn more about Shania’s photography and mural work, check out her website – and if you want to connect or collaborate with a fellow Mom, you can find her on Instagram.
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