We recently connected with Anna Laura Sommer and have shared our conversation below.

Anna Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Sommer Media and Shine Studio, my mission is to create space—both literally and figuratively—for women and entrepreneurs to show up boldly, be seen, and own their stories.

This mission is deeply personal. I built my business from the ground up, starting with a $200 camera and a relentless belief that I could create something meaningful. But this journey has been shaped just as much by faith and challenges as it has by success.

Losing my brother changed everything. It wasn’t just a moment—it was a dark season of grief that completely shifted my perspective on life, purpose, and trust in God’s plan. It taught me, in the hardest way, that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. That we don’t have time to play small or wait for permission to take up space. That we are here for a reason, and it’s up to us to step into the call placed on our lives. That lesson is at the core of everything I do—helping people step into their confidence, be seen, and put their brands out into the world in a way that truly reflects who they are.

That same drive led me to co-host a podcast, which later became a TV show on Comcast RISE, a platform dedicated to representation and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. We spoke with women business owners, creatives, and leaders, not just sharing their stories, but breaking things down in a way that made success feel attainable—no gatekeeping, just real, actionable insight. That experience reinforced something I’ve always known: representation matters, and access to the right tools, spaces, and platforms can change everything.

Then came motherhood—becoming a mom to my twin boys deepened everything I believe in. It gave me a new level of patience, perspective, and drive. But more than anything, it made me bolder. It reminded me that boldness isn’t about being fearless—it’s about choosing to move forward, even when it’s messy, even when it’s unknown, even when doubt creeps in. It’s not just about what I build for myself, but about the legacy I leave behind—for my boys, for other women chasing their dreams, and for the people who feel unseen or uncertain about stepping into their full potential.

That’s exactly why I launched Shine Studio—to give brands, creatives, and entrepreneurs a professional space to create, whether it’s a photo shoot, a video campaign, or a podcast recording. I want people to walk in feeling inspired and walk out with the confidence that they belong at the table (or better yet, building their own).

At the heart of it, this isn’t just about media—it’s about faith, impact, and boldly stepping into the life God has called you to live. And as this mission continues to grow, my focus remains the same: creating spaces where people feel empowered, confident, and ready to shine.

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.

About Me, My Work, and My Brand:
I’m Anna Laura Sommer, a brand photographer, videographer, podcast producer, and the founder of Sommer Media & Shine Studio. My work is all about helping entrepreneurs and creatives show up boldly, be seen, and own their stories.

I got into this industry in a way that wasn’t exactly “planned.” I picked up a $200 camera years ago, not knowing it would change the course of my life. What started as a side hustle quickly became my full-time business, and through years of experience, I learned that branding is so much more than just photos or videos—it’s about creating something that deeply connects with people. I wanted to build something that wasn’t just about content but about confidence, visibility, and impact.

That passion led to the launch of Sommer Media, where I create high-end brand photography, videography, and podcast production for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creatives. Whether it’s a bold brand shoot, a promotional video, or a podcast that amplifies a brand’s voice, I help my clients bring their vision to life in a way that feels aligned, elevated, and completely unique to them.

But I knew there was more to be done. I saw firsthand how challenging it was for people—especially women—to find spaces where they felt comfortable creating high-quality content. That’s why I launched Shine Studio, a creative space designed to remove barriers and give brands, creators, and entrepreneurs a place to show up fully and create. It’s more than just a studio—it’s a space where people walk in feeling inspired and walk out with the confidence that their brand is worth showing up for.

What Sets Me Apart?:
I don’t just “take photos”—I help people be seen. Every shoot is deeply intentional, focused on telling a story that aligns with the brand’s vision and values.

I provide a full media experience. With photography, videography, and now podcast production, I create content that works together to build a strong, recognizable brand.

Faith and boldness are at the core of what I do. I believe God calls us to take up space, to pursue the things we’re passionate about, and to not let fear keep us playing small. My work is about helping others do the same.

I built my business from nothing—so I get it. I know what it’s like to start from scratch, to feel overwhelmed, and to wonder if you’re “doing it right.” That’s why I work with my clients in a way that’s not just about delivering visuals but about giving them the tools and confidence to keep showing up.

What I’m Most Proud Of
There are so many moments I could name—turning my podcast into a TV show, opening Shine Studio, working with incredible women-owned brands. I never let fear stop me. I stepped into this work even when I wasn’t sure where it would lead.

But more than anything, I’m proud to be a mama to my boys. Being their mother has made me even more intentional about how I show up — not just in my work, but in my faith, in my home, and in the way I live my life. I want them to see, firsthand, what it looks like to chase something you believe in. To take risks. To trust God even when the next step isn’t clear. To build something that matters.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about photography or media. It’s about faith, impact, and showing up boldly. And that’s exactly what I help my clients do every single day.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy has always been community building. It’s easy to get caught up in marketing tactics and social media trends, but at the end of the day, people want to work with people they trust.

From the very beginning, I’ve focused on genuine connections over quick wins. Whether it’s through hosting events, collaborating with other creatives, or simply showing up consistently and engaging with my audience, I’ve found that building relationships leads to long-term, aligned clients.

This is also why I created Shine Studio—not just as a rental space, but as a hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and business owners to connect, create, and grow together. It’s why I highlight client success stories, cheer them on, and celebrate the brands I work with. When you invest in your community, your business naturally grows with it.

At the core of everything I do—whether it’s through photography, videography, podcast production, or creative space rental—is this belief: when you build a strong community, your brand becomes more than just a service. It becomes a movement.

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

Absolutely. One of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand is that being a creative entrepreneur isn’t just “fun” work—it’s real work. It’s strategic, demanding, and requires just as much structure, discipline, and problem-solving as any other business.

People often assume that because I’m a photographer, videographer, and now podcast producer, my work is just about “taking pictures” or “making content.” But what they don’t see is the deep level of thought, planning, and execution behind every single project. There’s a constant balance of artistry and business strategy—branding, marketing, pricing, client management, creative direction, and the actual production itself.

Then there’s the emotional side—putting your work (and yourself) out there, navigating imposter syndrome, and constantly having to push past self-doubt to keep showing up. When you’re in a traditional career, there’s often a path laid out for you. As a creative entrepreneur, you’re building the plane as you fly it.

And yet, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I get to create, connect, and use my gifts in a way that helps others show up boldly. There’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing a client step in front of the camera and finally see themselves the way the world sees them. Or watching a business owner launch a brand, a podcast, or a visual story that changes how they show up.

At the end of the day, I hope more people recognize that creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a powerful force that builds businesses, tells stories, and inspires action. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about making things work in a way that moves people. And that? That’s real work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theshinestudio.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/annalaurasommer ; instagram.com/sommer.media ; instagram.com/shinestudio.chs
• Facebook: facebook.com/shinestudio.chs ; facebook.com/sommer.media

Image Credits

Shelby Cece Portraits