We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamielie Tarrago a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jamielie, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

I attended a pretty art-focused public school in northern New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It was an environment that allowed my creativity to thrive, and growing up so close to New York City only fueled my artistic dreams. One of the more unexpected doors that opened for me came through my school nurse, who was married to the owner of a well-known comedy club in the city. At the time, I didn’t realize just how popular this club was—it was simply my excuse to explore the city and live out my ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ moments.

It was my senior year, and I participated in a program called SIIP, the Senior Independent Internship Program, which allowed us to pitch custom extracurricular experiences that weren’t available at our school. I proposed working as an intern for this comedy club, and, luckily, my principal approved it. The school nurse thought it would be a perfect fit since I loved graphic design, and they needed someone to help with creative projects.

So, every Friday during my senior year, I skipped the typical school day and ventured into New York City to work at the “Comic Strip Live”. I got to take on so many projects—from designing menus to creating promotional posts. Looking back, it was my first taste of content creation before the role even had a name. I met some incredible people, including a few household names and comedians who have since made a name for themselves. One of my coolest assignments was designing a mock comic book cover for Jerry Seinfeld, who’s a huge Superman fan. To this day, I don’t know if he ever saw it, but it was a surreal experience nonetheless.

That internship was a game-changer, not just because of the creativity involved, but because it taught me how fast-paced and demanding the world of design and content creation can be—especially in a place like New York. It also helped me understand that, as a creative, it’s not just about executing your ideas, but about translating someone else’s vision into reality. That requires strong communication skills, especially when people don’t always articulate their ideas clearly.

Interestingly enough, my time as a cosmetologist later on really honed my communication skills, too. Learning how to do proper consultations has become invaluable in my current business. It all came full circle

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jamielie ( jamie-lee) , owner of Mirari Photography. At 26, I’ve built my business as a comprehensive visual service—offering everything from photography and graphic design to web design, plus hair and makeup.

I’ve always been deeply driven by art and color. My strong visual memory and fascination with color psychology drove me to build a business that offers a cohesive, all-in-one visual experience. I’m passionate about using color to enhance branding and make sure every element aligns perfectly with my clients’ visions. Clients often come to me because they’re not satisfied with how their visual presence looks—whether it’s their photos, logo, or website.

I work closely with them through consultations to understand their brand and then handle everything: designing a new logo, choosing branding colors, crafting a mission statement, and developing their website. I also create flyers, business cards, and deliver standout branding and product photos.

What truly sets me apart is my role as a personal ‘Creative Director.’ When clients bring me a concept, I don’t just execute their ideas; I elevate and refine them to truly represent their brand. Whether it’s a rebrand or a photoshoot, I make sure the final product is not only what they envisioned but also something that resonates deeply and stands out.

I focus on just a few branding projects at a time to give each client my full attention and creativity. Many clients end up coming back for additional services, which is a testament to how I integrate myself into their ongoing journey.

I believe that a cohesive visual identity is crucial. By using color effectively and ensuring all elements work together, I help clients create a powerful, memorable brand. From creative photoshoots to complete branding packages, my goal is to offer a seamless, stress-free experience where the result is not only beautiful but also uniquely theirs.

My diverse background—from working in a comedy club to sales and cosmetology—has taught me that creating a memorable experience is just as important as delivering exceptional work. It’s this combination that keeps clients coming back and helps their brands truly shine.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think a non-creative person might struggle to grasp just how deeply a creative needs to create. It’s not about mimicking or recreating something that’s already been done—it’s about pushing boundaries and creating something entirely new.

In our visual age, there are tons of apps like Pinterest that help spark ideas, and while I use them to guide my clients, the real drive for me is to create something unique. It’s like a scientist aiming for a groundbreaking discovery. I want my work to have its own style and make a fresh impact.

The way I see the world is constantly influenced by this creative drive. I’m always on the lookout for inspiration, whether it’s something I see on the side of the road or how I can transform recycled materials into a compelling visual narrative. This intense desire to create is almost a part of who I am, and it can feel like a compulsive itch that needs scratching.

When I’m passionate about a project, it’s all-consuming. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about making something that resonates deeply with both me and my clients, and ideally, with everyone who sees it. For those who aren’t creative, it might be hard to understand just how personal and integral this process is to my life. It’s like a necessary form of expression.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that there’s only one correct way to do things. Now, hear me out—this doesn’t apply to everything, but specifically to photography and graphic design. When you’re first taught these skills, you learn very black-and-white methods for using programs and gear. This foundational knowledge is great, but as you gain experience, you discover that there are often multiple ways to achieve the same result.

Initially, it was tough for me to accept that there were more efficient methods or different applications that could be combined to achieve better results. I had to let go of the idea that the way I was originally taught was the only right way. Embracing this has been a beautiful lesson in adapting to evolving technology and understanding that creativity thrives on flexibility and innovation.

It’s important to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in the creative field. The creative community is incredibly collaborative, and being open to different methods not only helps me grow but also empowers others. It’s a reminder that creativity is about exploration and adaptation, not just sticking to traditional methods.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mirariphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirari.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mirari-Photography/100091317775121/

Image Credits

Mirari Photography, Clark Cold Visuals