Meet Alyssa Cates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Cates.

Alyssa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If you had told me ten years ago that I would go off to own a photography and videography business in my late twenties, I’d be super into the idea of it – but I would have probably also laughed. Ten years ago I moved to Dallas to go to school to pursue vocal performance. With no idea what I’d do with that degree, I ended up leaving school and working odd jobs for about three years. During this time, I began dabbling in my lifestyle YouTube channel and blog “Lateleigh with Lee” to get my creative juices flowing – I shot a lot of video and photo content on my iPhone and will never forget those humble roots! In the summer of 2015, I stumbled upon a creative start up company and submitted my resume. I knew I wasn’t meant to be pushing papers behind a desk at a 9-5 job – but also didn’t know what to do with myself at the time. I was eager to work for something more. That creative company allowed me to hone in on skill and fall passionately in love with being behind a camera. Now, four years later, I am pursuing my very own dream – a photography and videography studio that offers creative services for creative people.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Waiting for peace on big decisions has been my biggest struggle. I won’t do it if I don’t have peace about it. And I’m not very patient, ha! But really, you can ask anyone close to me and they’ll tell you I can be very anxious and indecisive – but when it comes to something I know deep, deep down – I am all in without any regards to worry. I waited a long time to pursue this business full time and I was very grateful when I knew deep down in my bones it was the right time. A few other rando struggles: learning how I work best as a business owner, starting an LLC, pricing my work, crafting some sort of contract and figuring out my new stabilizer… TBD on that last one.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Alyssa Cates Studio was founded to fill a void in not only my creative journey but to bridge a gap in photography and videography services in the DFW area. What Alyssa Cates Studio offers are creative photography and videography services that thrive on working with unique people, brands, couples, influencers, and families. I love telling very authentic and meaningful stories through images and film. Learning people’s backgrounds, their journey’s and who they are at their core brings light to my work. As a nine on the enneagram (yes, I am going there) I love making people feel comfortable – on and off-camera. My goal is to make every person I work with feel beautifully themselves – all while having the most fun making magic with me – it is a collaborative endeavor.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Man. I’d love to say my mom – she championed and believed in me more than any other human on this planet. She influenced so much of who I am today and I know she’d be beyond happy to see me pursuing my dreams. She went to heaven almost two years ago – so not having her here during this journey has been difficult but I believe she set me up for success simply by being my mom. 100% could also NEVER do this without the support and love of my wonderful best friend/husband, Daniel. I’m also grateful to my beautiful Savior, wonderful family, church family and friends. Rally your loved ones around you when you are passionately pursuing something. They will pour light into you and pick you up when you feel down.

Contact Info:

• Website: alyssacatesstudio.com
• Email: info@alyssacatesstudio.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/alyssacatesstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssacatesstudio/

Image Credit:Alyssa Cates Studio

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