We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa LoMeli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alyssa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success isn’t about being the most talented; it’s about showing up with determination, discipline, and persistence. If you can build those habits in one area of your life, you’ll find they carry over into new challenges. For me, balancing a full-time teaching career while growing a drone photography business has been a learning curve, but focusing on progress and constant improvement has helped me move forward. Early on, I spent hours learning to fly drones and honing my photography and editing skills. What many people don’t realize is how much goes on behind the scenes when running a business—beyond capturing photos, there’s building a website, creating social media content, and figuring out how to market effectively. You don’t need to be the best photographer to succeed—you need to put in the work, learn from your mistakes, and stay committed to getting better. The only real competition is with yourself. That’s my recipe for success.

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.

Introducing Myself and My Journey
Hello! My name is Alyssa, and I’m a Long Island native passionate about history, travel, and photography. By day, I’m a junior high school social studies teacher, but in 2021, I decided to launch an Instagram page to showcase the photos I captured abroad and around Long Island. I soon realized that using a drone would let people experience these locations from a new perspective. After purchasing my first mini drone, I spent six days teaching myself how to fly it before returning to Italy. From then on, I was hooked—capturing beautiful landscapes became my obsession, and I shared everything on my Instagram @teach_andtravel. Friends and family suggested I turn my growing photography passion into an actual business, and that’s when A1 Aerials, LLC was born.

From Hobby to LLC
In 2022, I made things official by forming A1 Aerials, LLC (@a1aerials_llc). I also got my FAA Part 107 drone license to fly and film commercially. This step helped me separate my brand from my original photography blog. Today, I provide aerial photography and videography services for clients looking to level up their websites, social media pages, YouTube channels, and other marketing platforms. I love collaborating with businesses on large-scale property projects, using drones to capture angles and scale that an iPhone can’t match. My goal is to listen to a client’s vision, learn what inspires them, and then bring their ideas to life.

The Inspiration Behind A1 Aerials Shop
While my commercial work keeps me busy, I felt a strong desire to do something more with my photography—especially the photos that celebrate my home on Long Island. I’ve always loved seeing local shops sell items that tap into Long Islanders’ pride, whether it’s ornaments, shirts, or home décor. However, I noticed a gap in the market for more boutique-style options geared toward women, especially given how many beloved small businesses have had to close during these challenging times. This inspired me to create products like t-shirts cut for women (and men), journals, ornaments, zipper pouches, tote bags, mugs, and candles—all featuring my drone shots of iconic Long Island landmarks.

What Makes My Brand Unique
A1 Aerials Shop blends my drone photography with creative designs that capture Long Island’s charm—sometimes quite literally. Many of my products feature the shape of Long Island, incorporating my aerial photos into the silhouette. While not every collection follows that exact theme, they all highlight iconic places that are special to locals. Because we’re an online store, we can offer a wide variety of products without being limited by physical inventory. Whether you’re looking for a personal keepsake or the perfect gift for a fellow Long Islander, you’ll find something that honors the beauty of our region. And I’m just getting started—I’m always discovering new spots to photograph and dreaming up new collections to share.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m still a full-time educator, and that mindset carries over into how I share the stories and history behind each location I capture. Balancing a teaching career with a creative pursuit has shown me what’s possible when you go after what truly excites you. I hope my journey encourages others to explore their interests. Through my commercial services and online shop, I plan to keep showcasing the beauty of Long Island—and beyond—in a way that resonates with locals and visitors alike. If you’d like to see more of my designs or learn about my business, you can explore my online store at www.a1aerialsshop.com.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I currently sell through my own Shopify store. Initially, I planned to launch on Etsy, but my shop was suspended over a simple oversight—waiting too long to confirm an email. Despite weeks of appeals, I couldn’t get a real person on the phone and eventually discovered that Etsy is known for permanent suspensions that can devastate small businesses. Because your shop is tied to your EIN (Employer Identification Number), starting over isn’t as simple as opening a new account.

After spending two months trying to fix the issue, I switched to Shopify. It seemed more daunting (and more expensive) at first, but it was a blessing in disguise. With Shopify, I own my domain and have complete control over my branding. No one can shut down my store without reason, and the platform’s fees are generally more predictable than Etsy’s transaction and listing fees. Although it’s not a built-in marketplace like Etsy, the freedom to customize my site and protect my business long-term more than makes up for it.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of the guiding principles in my business and personal life is the power of positive thinking. I don’t always know exactly how things will turn out, but I trust that the possibilities are endless. Even when unexpected challenges arise—like my permanent Etsy suspension—I’ve learned to take control, adapt, and find solutions.

A few books have reinforced this mindset: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill both emphasize personal responsibility and an abundance mentality. I was also inspired by My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi; her journey to becoming a groundbreaking female CEO reminded me that big dreams are possible with perseverance. More recently, Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten resonated with me. I grew up watching her cooking show, admiring how smart, funny, and elegant she was, but I never realized how much she struggled and took risks before finding success. Stories like these reassure me that hard work and dedication truly do pay off.

I also believe in learning from those who’ve already walked the path. Having a mentor—whether in teaching or photography—has helped me grow by leaps and bounds. Embracing guidance from seasoned professionals has been one of the most impactful decisions I’ve made.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.a1aerialsshop.com // www.a1aerialsllc.com
• Instagram: @teach_andtravel // @a1aerials_llc // @a1aerials__shop
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/a1aerialsllc // www.facebook.com/a1aerialsshop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a1aerialsllc