Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Riles.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Hello! I’m honored to be featured! My name is Michelle Riles, and my life’s journey has been an extraordinary blend of cultures, adventures, and a deep passion for the arts.
Raised in the Philippines, I moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at a young age with my mother to join my father, who worked for Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (GAMCO). Both my parents worked in the aviation industry, exposing me to diverse landscapes and cultures from an early age. Living in Abu Dhabi and attending an international school helped me become fluent in French as a second language and instilled in me a profound appreciation for creativity and the world around me.
California became our new home when I was 19, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our family. It was there that I met my husband, Randy, and our shared connections to aviation led to numerous adventures together. In 2006, military obligations brought us to Texas, where we settled for the time being. This move allowed me to pursue higher education, completing my BFA in Visual Communications at the University of Texas at Arlington, followed by my Executive MBA at Texas Woman’s University.
We’re blessed with two wonderful daughters, Keira (12) and Kailani (1). Keira shares my passion for the arts, excelling in competitive dance, colorguard, playing the oboe, and thriving in honor classes at school. She also enjoys attending concerts and accompanying me at performances with my dance crew. Kailani is an avid fan of her big sister and already expresses interest in everything she does.
My own artistic journey began at a young age, immersing myself in theater, dance, voice, and various art forms. I started out as a designer, and the path to my career was filled with people who recognized my talent and unique perspective and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to work with renowned brands like Target, McDonald’s, and American Airline Publishing, honing my skills in diverse industries, from food and beverage to automotive.
The transition into photography was a natural evolution for me. Inspired by my love for cosplay and the desire to create, I found my calling in capturing genuine connections and evoking true emotions through my lens. The final push came after attending The Photo Cookout by Tomayia Colvin, where Tash Calhoun of Mustard Seed Studios showcased resilience amidst adversity during her session, inspiring me further.
As the founder of Creative Chelle Studio, I’m dedicated to blending design expertise with photography, providing a contemporary boho-chic environment in my studio that ignites creativity and inspiration. Whether it’s crafting family portraits, conducting branding sessions, or hosting engaging workshops, my aim is to manifest your vision with assurance and immortalize timeless moments. Offering a spectrum of services ranging from design and photography to studio rentals and creative services subscriptions, I’m committed to assisting both small businesses and individuals on their creative journey.
At the heart of my ethos lies community integration and reciprocity. I aim to cultivate an atmosphere where mutual support thrives, empowering us to flourish collectively. As a testament to this commitment, I co-founded the Tarrant County Boss Babes group, a vibrant network fostering collaboration and support and strengthening women-owned enterprises in the DFW area. Together, we champion each other’s endeavors and contribute to the enrichment of our community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Establishing Creative Chelle Studio has certainly been far from an easy path, yet I cherish every step of the journey. Embracing setbacks has been integral to my growth; after all, without failure, there can be no progress. Along the way, I’ve strived to cultivate the right support network, bolster my confidence, and juggle various roles—as a mother, spouse, student, and professional. While my focus initially lay in my advancing my career as a creative director in the corporate realm, the arrival of my youngest in 2022 presented an opportunity to pursue my passions while maintaining flexibility and time for my family. Undoubtedly, there have been hurdles, from garnering support for my vision to striking a balance between work and family commitments. Nevertheless, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Creative Chelle Studio?
At Creative Chelle Studio, my goal is to coax you out of your “creative shell” and inspire confidence in your unique beauty and personality whether it is in photography or your branding needs. I can help elevate your brand with quality design and photography. From eye-catching signage to captivating websites, every aspect of your business’s visual identity matters. With a range of services, including Creative Services Subscriptions, Headshots, Product Photography, Graphic Design, and more, I’m dedicated to making top-tier design and photography accessible and affordable for small businesses.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I thrive on networking and stay busy by engaging in conferences, listening to audiobooks, and immersing myself in the industry. I’m a hands-on individual who prefers being right in the midst of things and learn well that way.
Contact Info:
- Website: mycreativechelle.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mycreativechelle
- Facebook: facebook.com/mycreativechelle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleriles/
- Other: michelleriles.com
Image Credits
Creative Chelle Studio
