Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Valiton.
Angelica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey doesn’t really have an official start date. Growing up, I have always been inspired by people and their stories. I loved reading books and was involved with theatre and acting throughout my childhood – which led me on my path into the entertainment industry. I began Cal State Northridge with the intention of graduating with a major in TV production, but after many internships, I realized that this was not the industry for me. While in High School and College, I was taking classes in film photography and received my first DLSR camera on my 15th birthday.
Throughout college, I had a lot of friends ask me to take photos for them for their senior photos and family portraits. I charged close to nothing and would deliver almost every photo edited. I was self-taught and initially didn’t have much guidance. Through my years of navigating this business, I was also going to school, and getting involved on campus. My time devoted for my business was very limited. I had high standards for myself and didn’t want to jump into weddings too prematurely – I wanted to make sure I had the confidence and equipment needed to provide a quality service to my clients.
After I graduated with my BA in May of 2015, I realized that I wanted to make photography my career and decided to fully invest into my business. Later that year, I started a graduate program in Communication Studies at CSUN and devoted those two years for professional and academic growth. It was not easy. I taught public speaking to underclassmen, was involved with the student body government, took graduate courses, and ran my business full time. I was in over my head, but through all of that, I learned the value of a good work ethic and the importance of patience.
Immediately after graduating with my Masters in Communication Studies, I decided to go full time with my business and am pretty proud of where it has evolved throughout the years. If someone would’ve told me on my 15th birthday that I would be owning my own business and doing what I absolutely love, I would’ve laughed. While it’s taken a long journey to get here – I wouldn’t have wanted it to happen any other way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t and I think I mentioned most of the struggles in the previous question. While juggling my business, grad school, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs were tough – I would say my mental health was my biggest fight. I struggled with impostor syndrome and a low self – esteem most while starting my business. Because I was self-taught, I consistently felt like I wasn’t enough and didn’t think I deserved success. I was constantly comparing myself to other photographers and always wanted more. I was never content with where I was at that moment and was only focused on the future. All of these emotions were happening on top of the emotions of just graduating and dealing with post-grad depression.
I hated how I was feeling about myself and my life. I would consider myself a very positive, uplifting person, but just couldn’t help but feel this way. I am also the kind of person that hates talking about themselves and keeps everything in – which only furthers the problem. It’s something I struggled with all the way up to this last year, and have devoted every year since to self-care and improving my mental health. After investing in coaching and talking to other entrepreneurs that felt the same way, I have drastically improved. I am still working on it every day, but through therapy, mentors, and self-help books, I am on the right path!
After moving from Los Angeles to Dallas, it’s been a tough transition to market my photography out here! Most referrals come from past clients and coming to a city where I knew no one was very tough. In the last two years, I have really invested my time with networking and creating a community here in Dallas and I am so thankful for all of the amazing people I have met!
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road for anyone but that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. It’s the connections you make and the people who have helped me through the hardest of times that brings light to life’s battles.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I specialize in Branding, Portrait and Wedding Photography. I am a very light-hearted and carefree person who just wants people to have a great time. Which is my goal with every photoshoot and wedding I work.
I love people. My clients are the energy behind my business. I am so devoted to capturing these fleeting moments in time for them. In the last 8-10 years that I’ve been doing this, I am proud that people still print my photos in their homes and talk about how much they love how they look. I want people to feel beautiful, special and loved when they look at their photos. I am proud to say that has been the feedback I have received.
I think my personality and an eager willingness to make my clients happy is what sets me apart. I run my business as if I was the client and always welcome constructive feedback. At the end of the day, all I want is my clients to have a positive and fun experience working with me.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The most important advice I would give is to never break a promise to yourself. If you said, you were going to start that new side hustle or go on a walk for 30 min everyday… DO IT!! We are the only ones who will ever get in our own way. It’s important to keep those promises to ourselves. Find people who will cheer you on the entire way, work hard, be consistent, and good things will come!! Also, be okay with change. Your business or life may take on a new path and trust in it.
Pricing:
- Wedding packages start at $4000
- Branding Sessions start at $450
- Portrait/Family Sessions start at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelicamariephotography.com/
- Email: info@angelicamariephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelicamariephoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelicamariephotography/
Image Credit:
Jenny Quicksall Photography
Angelica Marie Photography
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