Shannel Gray shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Shannel, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of building a legacy of giving back to the community and for my children through the creation of my photography business. I have been blessed in so many ways to so many people through my lens. I am grateful that I was obedient to God with doing what I know is best with creating lasting memories. The joy of seeing people looking at their loved ones with pure excitement and just happiness that their vision came to life. I am blessed to see that my children decided to come behind me and also take on the talents of shooting their own photos. I am thankful for every photo taken and every life touched.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shannel Gray. I am a single mother of 2 wonderful young adults, 22 and 18. My educational background is the medical field. I have 2 degrees in Health information administration with a concentration in medical records and my second degree is Health information technology degree with coding. I have been active in the medical field for 23yrs. I currently work in hospitality field in the hotel industry. I made a My other love and passion is photography. I am currently the owner of my own business, ShaeGray photography established 2010. What started out as an interest in a second job with a photographer turned on the light bulb in my spirit to start my own journey and ministry in photography for myself. I am very thankful for the open door and vision that God has truly blessed me with. I consider myself not your ordinary photographer, but a ministry of outreach to be an inspiration to many who are yet starting or may not have the drive or support needed for them to open up their own business. For others to see me passionate about what I love to do and to also serve them with a full heart is also needed in the world we live in today. I care. It’s not about taking clients’ money all the time but planting seeds in them and bringing untouched details of their session out to them or just making them feel exceptional letting them know that they matter!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My father instilled in me about work ethic. My father was a machine operator for Georgia Pacific for 40yrs. He was the only person in a household of 5 to provide for the family. My mother stayed home to raise us girls. I watched my father work tirelessly for many years. Some days he would walk to work so that my mother could have the car for us to take us to school and run errands. My dad never gave up. He was never afraid to work. He looked his best going to work and also encouraged others on the job to do their best work and always keep their heads up, believing they can be their best self. Dad sacrificed a lot for us, his daughters to be able to grow up and live comfortably along with having family vacations and see the world. Dad believed in working hard to send us to college for a chance at obtaining a higher chance at better education. I learned to work hard and believe in myself and my work ethic like he did. I gave myself a chance at life and always place my best foot forward in whatever I do.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been many times I thought about giving up. There were times when I got tired of juggling the life of a mom, career with a full-time job and also thinking about what needed to be done to keep business promotions rolling. It was overwhelming at times and required a lot of life balance. But I remembered my reason, my why. I had to write down all the reasons why I was doing what I was doing. I reminded myself of the challenges I was facing and why it was worth it. I took a break and remembered that I was built for this life I created. We sometimes have to remember how far we have come and realize it will not always be easy but well worth the sacrifice in the end.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that my love and relationship with God is everything in my life. I believe in the power of prayer and also making sure I keep God as head of my life. I am all about love and loyalty. Family is everything as well. I believe in being genuine and showing love to everyone.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe that I was born to make a difference in the lives of other people. To be the light that shines oh so bright and help others discover their inner self and reach their goals. I like to walk tall in any leadership role and help others see their potential in leading and also understanding that they are not alone in doing so. We are built to make a difference in each other’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: shae4photography
Image Credits
All credit goes to ShaeGray photography
