We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angela Rivera-Ritchie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angela below.

Angela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Hi! I am Angela, photographer and owner of Photos by Mariposa. I have been doing photography for about 8 years now and have had my studio for about 3 years.

Coming up with my company name was a challenge. I wanted it to be personal, express who I was, and the passion I have for it. In thinking of this, I looked to myself and the journey I had already been on in my life.

At 13 I was diagnosed with Turner’s syndrome and at the same time, moved from my childhood neighborhood and friends starting over just in time for middle school. Turner’s comes with a lot: Short stature (I am a 4’9 photog), infertility, high risk for heart conditions, and more. Thankfully I have a very mild case and the point of this is that I never let my condition define me or limit my ambitions. I have had very successful roles in customer service and sales, have my own business, and have been married 21 years. If you know me you know I love butterflies and the logo for the national Turner’s Syndrome is a butterfly.

So that brings us back to the question. I named my company after the Spanish word for butterfly to symbolize growth, passion, and transforming into your best self. All things I bring to my sessions and my business mission.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started photography after purchasing my first Iphone and getting hip to Instagram in 2012. It wasn’t until about 2 years later that I bought my first DSLR camera and started doing some photoshoots. I bring an interesting perspective to my photography and treat each session with a personal touch and make clients feel very comfortable. I primarily focus on family portraits, senior photos, and business photography with a bit of fashion photography mixed in. I am most proud of the relationship I build with the families and clients I work with and growing with them. Shooting their wedding, maternity photos, 1 year old milestone, to continue family photos. Truly making them part of the family. I love when I am able to bring my clients’ vision to life.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

For me, continually challenging and pushing myself is the most rewarding aspect. That is where you see the growth and see how much your talent and skill has improved. It also takes you to places you may not have even thought about before. Critical to this is having the love and support of other talented people who bring you in to help with their goals. I have been fortunate to work with some fashion designers who have allowed me to be part of their world and it was so fulfilling.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have always worked with the utmost integrity and I think that helped a lot. I am always upfront and clear going into any shoot or starting any project. My clients know exactly what they can expect and I never take on a project that is not a fit. That is not always easy, because sometimes you have to say no. I am also thick skinned and make sure that my clients know they can tell if something isn’t right. They appreciate that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.photosbymariposa.com
• Instagram: @photosbymariposa
• Facebook: www.facebook.com\photosbymariposa