Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Schrepple.
Alexis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 17 years old, my dad and step-mom gave me an ultimatum to choose between my two passions. I’ve always been creative.
I spent the majority of my energy on stage in a musical theater, dance, and choir. I was given a choice for help establishing myself in LA to pursue an acting career, or go the safer route: college. LA was not in the plan God had for me, and I am so grateful for that. Being proficient at coding and web design gave me an advantage when applying for the Graphic Design program at Texas Christian University. This program was elite and competitive. I was one of twenty-four students accepted.
Through the program, I learned that 1. I am an AWFUL drawer and 2. I WAS an even worse photographer. I was realizing the value of my skills that the classes taught me, however, I knew the assignments were rehearsed projects I wasn’t passionate about. I could not sit still and didn’t feel like this was the creative outlet I needed. Through college, I was president and founder of TCU Yoga Club, an RA, a dog-sitter, and had various temporary jobs and internships around Fort Worth.
As graduation approached, I did not attend the Graphic Design Career Fair and chose to attend the Business Schools. Two weeks later, I was offered a position at The Hershey Company. While I was in this job, I began to feel restless again and fell into a deep depression. I was in a great job, but I wanted more. I started going to counseling. My wonderful boyfriend realized (before I did) that although it wouldn’t be a full-time position, I needed to express my creativity… especially with a corporate job.
He bought me a desktop computer, and on a whim, I purchased a Nikon D3400. In March of 2018, I was offered a job in Oncology Supportive Care at a small biotech company with the mission to lead the way to a more comfortable treatment experience. With this career change, I was able to stimulate my mind and make a difference in Oncology treatment around Dallas. I began teaching 2nd-grade youth ministry at my church and picking up photography.
I was a terrible photographer. I didn’t understand manual regardless of the many college courses I had taken. Since that time, I’ve shot senior pictures, corporate headshots, real estate photography, fine art photography, and much more. I am constantly learning and growing. Photography is a fun, creative outlet that keeps me busy in my free time. I am currently working on a Facebook page, but for now, you can find me on Instagram. I enjoy making others feel beautiful and healthy, whether that’s in a clinic or behind a camera.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
God will never give you more than you can handle. There have been a few bumps and struggles along the way, but nothing that I wasn’t able to push through. There were moments I felt like I was trapped in my own thoughts.
Due to my experience as an RA and strong, wonderful women who surrounded me and prayed for and with me, I was able to muster up the courage to go back to counseling. I know depression and anxiety affect a lot of people in Dallas and around the world, chronically or situationally, and it’s important to know that it is ok not to be ok.
It’s also ok and highly recommended to ask for help and look for help. I promise you WILL find it! Stay strong.
Please tell us more about your work.
In Oncology Supportive Care, we provide our patients with certain medication necessary for a better quality of life at little to no cost. Our goal is to help cancer patients through their journey. I am most proud of my company for how much we care about our patients.
In our weekly calls, my manager always asks for inspiring stories. We don’t focus on numbers only, we focus on people and lives. I have made many good relationships through this job and have heard many inspiring stories about cancer patients. Having three family members who experienced different types of cancer, I am honored and blessed to be a part of that journey for others and shine a light in Oncology offices for patients who can’t necessarily afford treatment for some issues that stem from radiation.
My passion for helping others keeps me driven every day. As for my photography business, I currently do anything and everything I can to learn. My passion is people, and I love learning others’ stories; not just in Oncology offices. I am known for creative, vintage-style photography, and I shoot mostly women (for now). I am very proud of the work I’ve done, and I think what sets me apart is how I edit.
I take my time in touching up the skin, fixing and blurring backgrounds (since I don’t have the best lens), and editing based on the person or people I am shooting. I don’t have a fixed editing “style” because every shoot is different in their own way. I also am a very bubbly, personable person who makes my subjects feel comfortable to express themselves while shooting.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My step-mom, Marley and my dad are and have always been my biggest cheerleaders.
Whenever I would blow things up in my mind, they would be there to bring me back to reality. They pushed me to keep a good relationship with Christ and to find a church, which led me to some amazing people. I am so lucky to have had them and the many other people in my life who pushed me and supported me through all of the difficult times.
This includes my high school friends and prayer warriors, my small group, my college friends, Dallas friends, co-workers, managers, patients, nurses, doctors… so many people with so many important and integral roles. My boyfriend, Michael also played a huge role in my success. He has been there for me as a best friend and biggest support in the darkest moments and has ultimately pushed me to become a better woman, worker, and friend.
Contact Info:
- Email: alexisschrepple@gmail.com
Image Credit:
James Harris of GRIT Images Co
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