We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ellie Rich. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Ellie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What battle are you avoiding?
That’s a tricky question, because “battles” can mean so many things. If we’re talking about pointless confrontations — the kind that have no clear beginning or end and exist mostly to drain your energy — those are the ones I consciously avoid. There’s little sense in proving something to someone who’s only interested in the argument itself.
But if we’re speaking of “battles” as in the inner resistance we feel toward certain tasks or goals, then I try to meet those head-on. I’ve learned that the things we avoid often hold the greatest potential for growth. The magic we seek — in life, in art, in meaning — is often hidden behind the work we resist. So the sooner we stop avoiding it, the faster our life begins to unfold into what it’s meant to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Eleonora Richardson, though many know me as Ellie Rich — I’m a multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and author based in Colorado. My work lives at the intersection of photography, modeling, fine art, storytelling, and purposeful living that makes every day count. Together with my husband, Dillon, I create visual and written worlds that celebrate natural beauty, craftsmanship, and emotion — from atmospheric photography and hand-painted pieces to my fantasy book series, Empire of Vanishing Light.
What makes my brand unique is the intentional way everything connects — the art, the writing, the photography, even the materials I choose to work with. I believe beauty should be both seen and felt: in texture, in story, in the quiet details that make something timeless.
At the moment, I’m expanding the universe of Empire of Vanishing Light through my second novel, creating new paintings, and continuing to capture stories through photography — each project connected by the same purpose: to preserve beauty, emotion, and meaning in a way that endures.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed that to be understood, I had to explain myself — that clarity came from justification. Over time, I learned that real understanding doesn’t always require words, and that peace often begins when you stop trying to be seen in a way that pleases others.
I also used to think that creativity was something you either had or didn’t — a kind of magic granted to a few. Now I know it’s something we nurture through persistence, curiosity, and honesty. It’s not about waiting for inspiration — it’s about building a life where inspiration feels at home.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to never believe the people who say “it’s not that simple.” That phrase is often used to disguise fear — theirs, not yours. The truth is that nothing feels simple in the beginning, but once you dedicate yourself to learning, growing, and trying again, it always becomes clear. What once felt impossible eventually becomes second nature.
When I was younger, I was often harshly criticized. I was told I was too ambitious, too naïve, too different to succeed. I grew up believing the world wouldn’t tolerate me as I was, that being “just a girl” meant my dreams were impractical, that happiness and confidence were luxuries for other people. But leaving my country and rebuilding myself taught me that it was never the world that was against me — it was only my belief that it might be.
So I would tell her this: start being your own hero as soon as you can. No one else will create the life you dream of living. The moment you stop waiting for permission and start acting from conviction, the world begins to open.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is real. What people see is not a performance, but a curated reflection of what I genuinely value — beauty, honesty, creativity, and meaningful work. I believe deeply in integrity, both in art and in life, and I’ve never been interested in building a façade just to appear more polished or appealing.
What I choose to share comes from a genuine place, shaped by the same care and emotion that guide my work. I value authenticity, so every brand I collaborate with, every outfit I wear, and every subject I explore in my art reflects what I personally believe in and genuinely love. I think sincerity has its own quiet brilliance. When you stay close to what feels real, life unfolds more beautifully, and people can sense that authenticity no matter where they encounter you.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, a few times. I’ve achieved certain goals that I once thought would bring complete fulfillment, only to realize that satisfaction fades when it isn’t rooted in purpose. For a long time, I equated success with specific milestones — recognition, progress, visible results. But after reaching them, I understood that what I truly seek is depth, not applause.
What lasts is the process itself: creating, learning, growing, and seeing my work touch others in an authentic way. The things that once felt like the destination often turn out to be just milestones along a larger path. Real satisfaction comes from alignment — when what you do, what you believe, and who you are all move in the same direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellierich.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellierich_artistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ellierichartistry
- Other: My book: https://a.co/d/hsjEdfT
Image Credits
In frame: @ellierich_artistry @dillonfilmphoto
Photographers: Dillon and Ellie
Wardrobe: Erika Peña ( @erikapenaofficial ), Son de Flor ( @sondeflor ), Linennaive ( @linennaive ), @yvessaintlaronn, @nakedwolfe, @susanamonaco, @mariovalentinoofficial, @elagiawear, @suitsupply
