Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Chaponan
Hi Melanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was always very fond of photography, especially in High School. A lot of my friends were in the photography magnet class so it was fun always watching them take pictures! My mom gifted me my first camera as a graduation gift and thats where it all started. I finally decided to start my photography business journey back in 2021. Fast forward to now, I have about 30ish weddings under my belt, as well as quinceañeras. I specialize in all kinds of portraits and special events. To this day I can’t believe how far I’ve gotten and there’s still so much to go! There were definitely struggles along the way but constant discipline is what kept and keeps me going.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This journey has not always been easy and probably won’t get easier either. It takes consistent discipline for myself to keep up with every aspect of running a small business. As far as marketing myself, being my own scheduler, keeping up with the money side of it, and my own editor. Alongside of that, keeping up with 3 jobs, school and my family! BUT it’s all worth it because I am doing something I love! I am thankful every day for getting to do this.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Melanie, or “Mel” for short. I am a photographer and I specialize in portraits such as birthdays, graduation, engagement, maternity, family, and your fur babies! I also do special events such as holiday parties, birthday parties, quinceañera’s, weddings, etc. I love dancing and singing even though my singing is absolutely terrible, and my co-workers remind me every day. So even at sessions, I take my speaker, play some music for you and will most likely sing/dance while I’m there! I’m proud of how far I’ve made it with my small business and continue to move forward. There have been many times where I have thought about giving up. I know this may sound cliché, but… whatever you have your heart set to, DO IT and DO NOT give up. It is amazing seeing something that you created grow so much.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love to do a little bit of everything! I currently work in healthcare as my day job, and I also bartend on the weekends, alongside my photography. I believe in knowing how to do multiple things will bring new paths and open more doors for you. Definitely making more connections!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melchaponanphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melchaponanphotography?igsh=MWQ1ZnVwcWpkdnh0bA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melchaponanphotographyy?mibextid=LQQJ4d
