Life and Work with Mia Griggs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Griggs.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story starts like any others. I loved taking photos as a kid, but I didn’t take photography seriously as a career until I started going through my divorce when I was 21. I bought my first DSLR for $300 in 2013 and used it as a distraction throughout my divorce proceedings. Once I realized my true obsession with photography, I decided to make it official and opened my business in early 2014.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey as a female photographer and small business owner has been the absolute hardest, yet most rewarding venture I’ve ever been on. I had no professional training with photography or running a business when I started out, and I severely underestimated just how difficult this industry was. I just thought that as long as I did what I loved and created art that I was proud of, the rest would follow naturally. It took me years to hone my craft, and even more, time trying to figure out how to run a profitable business. My advice to younger women looking to start their own business; DO IT! You will never regret it. But it is virtually impossible without help along the way. Get a mentor. Take business classes. And please be prepared that if you are wanting to start an art-based business, your art is only 10% of what you will be doing on a daily basis. The other 90% is business. And although that 90% is the “not-so-fun” part, it will make the rest of it worth it.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a Denver, CO fine art studio portrait photographer. I use my art as a way to speak my truth. I create timeless portraits of people, who believe that they should be displayed like works of art. I am drawn to spitfires who take each day head-on and want to kick ass at everything they do. After a few years of finding my style and niche, I finally found that the people I connect to the most are the ones like me; fierce, creative, unapologetic people who would do anything to show others the beauty that they see in the world.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up in the foster system in the Denver Metro area, I needed a distraction and photography became that distraction. Being a foster kid meant that I had no identity. I used my camera as a way to create the kind of world that I craved and desired; full of light, beauty, and vibrancy. The hobby of photography that I turned to as a child, turned into a passion and then a business in my adult years.

Pricing:

• MAGIC COLLECTION -$550 – Up to 30 min | 5 high resolution digital images | 4×6 keepsake box | Each in color and black and white | Client wardrobe available
• CHARMED COLLECTION – $850 – Up to 1 hour | 10 high resolution digital images | 5×7 keepsake box | Each in color and black and white | Client wardrobe available
• STARRY COLLECTION – $1250 – Up to 90 min | 15 high resolution digital images | 8×10 keepsake box | Each in color and black and white | Client wardrobe available

Contact Info:

• Website: www.miagriggs.com
• Phone: 3035917856
• Email: info@miagriggs.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/miagriggs_fineart

Image Credit:
Clients/Models: Jameela, Michaela Carpenter, Ty Kranz, Ashlie Wynne, Kayla Armstrong, Emily Shuff, Emmie Wellems, JayLynn McDaniel, All photos by Mia Griggs

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