Meet O Mag Insider – Amy Boyle!

Age: 47

Occupation: Professional Photographer

What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

An actress – I used to write plays and skits for my friends and family to perform with me. Watching countless hours of The Carol Burnett Show with my family may have been my inspiration!

What are some different jobs you’ve had in your life?

A Florist, a Fine Jewelry Buyer for The Boston Store, Bon Marche, & The Emporium, and a Marketing Manager for Spark Creative Comedy.

What do you work toward in your spare time?

I’m constantly learning. Last year I completed a specialization in Social Media Marketing and Integrated Communications from Northwestern University. Being a student, no matter what my age, charges me up!

What are you most proud of?

My husband and I have four sons, each two years apart. As our boys get older, I could not be more pleased with the fine young men they are becoming. In our home, I am the only female (even our cats are boys!) yet there is not a sense of gender specific roles. All our boys can cook and clean. I have even been known to swing a hammer or use the nematic nailer to help in one of our many home renovations over the years! Last weekend, I was thrilled to have my sons join me for the Womens March for the second year. You’ve seen the quote – “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” I completely agree, but I have my own twist… Here’s to strong children. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

What are you known for?

Being a big thinker and a doer. I meet challenges with ideas, a plan, and a can do attitude.

What inspires you?

Being in nature inspires me. There is nothing better than waking up to see the sunrise, listening the sound of the ocean, or even walking on fallen leaves in autumn. It grounds me literally and fills me with gratitude and awe.

Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.

I grew up in a museum. My parents were avid collections and my childhood home was a registered museum with the state. (More on that here.)

Why did you apply to be an O Mag Insider?

As a dedicated O, The Oprah Magazine reader for years, I was excited to see the call for readers to apply to be magazine Insiders in February 2017. I do believe wholeheartedly that we are all stronger together and am an active member of many groups. Once accepted into the inner circle of O, I was once again convinced I am where I supposed to be. I’m very proud to be a part of this incredible group of like hearted go-getters, my tribe! Last year was my Year of Adventure. My #OMaginsiders highlight was joining nine other Insiders on the inaugural cruise with Oprah Magazine and Holland America to Alaska. Meeting fellow Insiders in person was fantastic. The destination of Alaska was breathtaking, and the programming by #OMagOnHal was unparalleled. I recently found out that I will be joining 13 other Insiders on one of the three remaining #OMagOnHal cruises for 2018. Next up is the Eastern Caribbean. I’m still pinching myself. What a dream come true!

(Read my blog on 5 Reasons to Book this O-Mazing Cruise).

How do you live your best life?

Living my best life means service. Service to myself, my family, my community, and world. Even small efforts can have great impact on others. In Oprah’s own words: “The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance — and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.”

What’s a day in the life of Amy Boyle like?

A life of a photographer is always a moving target. My favorite thing about my day is that my schedule is flexible. In reality, I wake up thinking about dinner. Huh? Yes, the highlight of my day revolves around my family returning home after our individual days at work and school. I love to cook. And I especially love to cook for my family. I appreciate the beauty in the simplicity of sharing a meal together. Each meal from seed to dirty dishes is met with gratitude. Time passes quickly and making time for each other is irreplaceable.

My daily story told in photos: INSTAGRAM

My blog: http://www.amyboylephoto.com

Website: http://www.amyboylephotography.com

This is part of an ongoing series, introducing you to the dynamic individuals who make up O, The Oprah Magazine’s Brand Ambassadors known as the O Mag Insiders.  For more information on the program or to apply, click HERE.