Abi Voightmann
Abi’s a creative entrepreneur and photographer getting after her dreams from Chicago, IL.
Going after her dreams with everything she’s got, Abi stays determined to build a legacy that lasts. Whether creating content, brainstorming new strategies, or shooting on set, Abi pushes the boundaries for what’s possible. Never one to settle for less, Abi uses her faith to dream big while bringing all she’s imagined to life.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
Right now, I’m in the sweet-spot of my career. Not only am I running and managing my photography business, but I’m also working as an executive assistant, social media manager for multiple businesses, and serving in my church.
When I started my business, the goal was to always have multiple streams of income in and outside of the creative world. With how quickly things change in the world, I was advised to keep pursuing opportunities even if they didn’t fit inside of my “niche.” I believe this has helped me to grow in tremendous ways because I’ve stopped labeling myself as “just a photographer” and staying confined to one career path.
I’m experiencing entrepreneurship in ways I never imagined! It’s cool to see how all the career paths I’m currently on somehow intertwine and support each-other in big ways. Call that whatever you want, but I believe it’s a divine calling.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
2022 was a big year of discovery for me. There are certain jobs or people I work for that really cause me to reflect on how much I love doing what I do. I had the opportunity to photograph a few concerts last year and it was during those sets where I felt as though I were in a dream. The energy, lights, loud music, crazy fans, and hype of it all made me thrive.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
This question makes me emotional. HA! God has been so faithful to me in times where I haven’t been. There have been seasons where I pursued my career and the illusion of success more than Christ. It’s so incredibly easy to do, even if you’ve grown up in church your whole life and genuinely love the Lord.
The past couple of months I’ve basically made it my life’s purpose to follow Matthew 6:33 and John 3:30. It took a couple months of what seemed like no forward progress until I experienced real breakthrough and a shift in my mentality. When I focus on God and His Kingdom, my desires start to change. The opportunities get bigger and the plans I’ve mapped out for my life either dissolve or become better than I could’ve imagined. The more time I spend getting to know the character and attributes of Jesus, the more peace and clarity I experience.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
Meditate on the scriptures! Renew your mind constantly. I’ve gone through some major challenges in my life. My 12 year-old sister passing away when I was 16, seasons of major depression and suicidal thoughts, toxic relationships, and straight ignorance and compromise with sin. Although these battles are a part of my testimony, they are not my identity.
I’ve seen terrible things happen to amazing people and it ruins them forever. Meditation on the scripture and who God says I am is the only way I’m still here today. I’ve gone to therapy, I’ve been on antidepressants, I’ve surrounded myself with good people, I’ve made money, I’ve tried to run from my problems, but the Word is the only thing that gave me life again.
Practically speaking, I record myself speaking the scriptures that I believe I need to get in my spirit. I listen to them on repeat daily. What you speak over yourself will become your reality. Faith comes by hearing! When I found these 3 confessions/affirmations, I would recite them to myself every day. They play on repeat in my mind to this day. Confessing the Word has been one of the most fundamental parts of my growth. I copied these from somewhere on 3/18/18. Years later, I’m still looking back on them, now with the scripture references.
These helped me stay hopeful and focused on my goals. I can get distracted easily, so meditating on these help keep me straight:
I Have The Mind Of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16)
I Am Brought Before Great Men Because Of The Gifts God Has Given Me. (Proverbs 18:16)
I Am Highly Focused On My Assignment, And I Avoid All Distractions. (Proverbs 16:3)
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Gain as much experience as you can! Collaborate, talk to people in your field, soak up as much information as you can, and then act on it. Pursue your dream because it’s your passion, not to be famous or make money. Those things will come if it’s meant to be.