We recently had the chance to connect with Monika Wertman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Monika, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My family and in particular, my grand daughter. It is such fun to see her grow up into a strong young lady, she is 13 now and facing things in her life that I didn’t have to worry about at her age, but also has access to things I did not. I do worry about her future as a woman in our current society, but am finding joy in her talents and joy in living authentically.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there, my name is Monika Wertman, I am a professional photographer in our small town of Hagerstown, MD. I have had my studio for 14 years now and love working with people, telling their stories through photographs. I love capturing the spark that makes every person unique.
When I am not working on my business, I am volunteering as one of the founding chairs for our local annual Christkindl Markt, a tradition we started in 2016, bringing local artisan vendors to our small town on the second weekend in December. Christkindl Markt Hagerstown is a small non-profit organization that features local artisans and food vendors and is based on the experience of the traditional German Christkindl markets. If you have been to some of the bigger ones in the area but have not checked us out, you are missing out:) Join us this year December 12 and 13.
On a personal level, I have always been interested in all forms of art, studying several mediums including painting, drawing, photography of course, and lately I have been drawn to glass blowing. I recently went to Baltimore to create a bowl during a glass blowing experience and plan to take classes to learn how to do it all from scratch. I am excited to explore this medium more.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My husband of 40 years is the person who made space to let me become the person who I am today. He has loved me unconditionally from the start and helped me see who I am and was supposed to be. He has supported every crazy idea I have ever had and has always been encouraging. Being a strong woman is not always easy and it takes a special man to stand by her side.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be easier on myself and trust in my instincts more readily and without hesitation. My instincts have always been correct about situations and people, but when I was younger I did not always listen and ended up getting hurt.
I also grew up with constant criticism and guilt tactics which made me doubt myself at times, making it hard to just go after what I wanted. It took years to let go and with the help of my husband’s belief in me and his love I learned to trust in what my gut was telling me and to become who I am today.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Robin Williams. I loved his public image as he made so many people happy with his humor and performances, but what I truly admire is what we all found out after he died. He treated people with kindness no matter who they were, giving them chances when others would not, all without letting anyone know about it. No fanfare, no public announcements, just kindness and goodness behind the scenes and quietly done.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe that I am doing what I was born to do. I create artwork and make people happy by capturing moments in time for them.
It took me a while to get here, but every job I held before owning my business led to this. Every experience I had can be utilized while working with people. Wha could be better?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wertmanphotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wertmanphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wertmanphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wertmanstudios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WertmanPhotographyHagerstown
Image Credits
Wertman Photography
