Angela Grissom shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Angela, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I am wandering in the woods! Hiking is a favorite pastime of mine. I feel like a different person when my phone is out of service, and all I can hear is the wind in the trees, and maybe the running water of a mountain stream. Time stands still, and doesn’t matter, when I am in nature. All comes into focus and I am my truest self out there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Angela, and I am a branding and portrait photographer, based out of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, a southern suburb of Denver. I first discovered photography when I taught a yearbook class right out of college—I had to learn it quickly in order to teach my students, and it sparked a passion I’ve carried ever since. I later started my business as a way to stay home with my babies while still pursuing something creative and meaningful, and the flexibility it’s given me to be there for my family has been a blessing. Today, I provide both photography and b-roll video services for businesses and families, giving clients a range of options to fit their needs. I solve the common problem of needing high-quality photographs while also making sure my clients actually get to be in them instead of behind the camera. For businesses, I elevate their brand by creating polished content for websites and social media that captures attention and builds trust with their audience. For families, I preserve their most precious memories in a way that feels authentic and timeless. What sets me apart is the intentional time I take with each client to craft a session tailored to their unique needs, style, and preferences. Above all, I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my customers and the way I’ve made them feel seen, valued, and celebrated. While I will always be available to my families, my newest passion is helping businesses showcase who they are through great portraiture.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world gave me any messaging about my value, or who I should be, I was a creator and an explorer. As a child, I would have ideas, and then gather all the supplies I could to create/build my version of what I wanted or needed. I always had a new idea. No one told me that my ideas were bad, or that a better version of my idea could be found in a store. 😉 I also spent all my free time outside – exploring my boundaries, or climbing a tree. I wanted to know everything there was about my space. As I grew up, the messaging became that I needed to use my passions to make money. I’m still working on how to explore outdoors and make money from it, but I’ve found a great balance with creating in photography.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In the last four years, I broke my hand in a bad car accident, broke my ankle, and went through a divorce that left me as the sole breadwinner for my three kids. During that time, I had to make a choice—either give up and move back home to Kansas, find another job, or keep trusting that I could build a photography business strong enough to support us. I’m so glad I chose to stick with photography, because not only did I get by, but my business actually grew. It’s turned out to be the best decision for both my kids and for me. Through it all, I’ve learned how much strength comes from pushing through when life gets hard, and I’m proud of the resilience that journey gave me.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that God, and my relationship with Him, is the most important thing in my life. Believing that I am a loved child of God, and striving to please my King, is the lens through which I live my life and make ass of my decisions. Second, they would say that my family is a close second. Everything I do is for them. I strive to love and service my family and their needs above my own. Next my friends would say that my business, working out, being outdoors, and being in relationship with people are my biggest passions, and they would be right.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want to build a legacy of loving and helping people, leaving those around me better than I found them. I hope to empower women by giving them the confidence to be seen and celebrated for who they are. I also want to support small businesses by providing them with portraiture that elevates their brand and helps them thrive online and in their communities. At the end of the day, I want people to say I made them feel valued, capable, and proud of themselves. I hope to be remembered as someone who used creativity and compassion to make a meaningful impact on others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelamariecreative.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/angelamariecreative
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/angelamariecreative
Image Credits
Jeremy Rill Photo – photo of me
All other photos taken by me
