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

Daniella, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Moving away from my hometown was a major life change that evoked many emotions. I grew up in a small, rural town in Harnett County where I formed my greatest memories and closest bonds. Also, saddest memories there. The day I moved was surreal. As I took one last look at my home in the rearview mirror, my chest felt heavy as I was about to cry. But I knew this was an important milestone on the road to adulthood. Over time, I adjusted to another town but a piece of me will always cherish my hometown roots. Though the physical distance is great, the memories made there will stay nestled close to my heart.

Moving as a business owner and now a mother can be an incredibly challenging transition. Without an established network of friends or clients in the new city, it’s easy to feel isolated and unsure of where to turn. After two years of struggling to plant roots in the community, it’s normal to start questioning if the move was the right decision. Attending church and seeking guidance is a constructive first step, but expanding a social circle likely feels frustratingly slow.

Meanwhile, a business with no local customers can slowly drain savings and shake confidence. The pressure mounts to quickly rebuild what was left behind. However, finding true friends or loyal customers takes time. With continued persistence and courage to put me out there at neighborhood events, school functions, and local business networking nights, the pieces will eventually come together. Joining groups related to hobbies or volunteer work can help too.

Above all, that loneliness and professional uncertainty are temporary. Vision the future network and client base that will come. Though the path there feels unclear now, taking small brave steps forward each day will ensure progress.

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

I never planned to become a photographer, but looking back, all the pieces fell into place in a way that led me here. I’ve always loved connecting with people and hearing their stories learned the ins and outs of platforms like Instagram, and Twitter, and saw firsthand how impactful social media could be for small businesses.

After a few years, I felt I needed to go out on my own. I launched my social media business with just a handful of clients. Over time, through referrals and word-of-mouth, my client list grew. Now I work with other small businesses, portraits, newborns, families, and even weddings!

Pricing varies, but I will never turn down a client. If someone truly needs a photographer and cost is the reason they are having a hard time, we can personally do a one-on-one video call or an in-person meeting to see what you are looking for in your price range to help you.

What I love most is using social media to help me connect with other communities. I help uncover my clients’ unique stories through photographs.

Most of all, I’m proud to use my expertise to give a lifetime of beautiful photographs to my clients. As my business continues to grow, my focus remains on providing top-notch service and measurable value. That’s what motivates me in this work every day.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As a photographer, I believe there were several key factors that helped me build my reputation within the photography market. First and foremost was developing a strong portfolio that showcased the full range of my skills and artistic eye. When starting out, I focused intently on photographing any shoot or wedding I could, even at low cost or for free, to build up samples of my work. I made sure to capture all the important moments with technical skill but also focused on telling the story of each couple’s unique love or anyone’s story through creative, emotional images. As my portfolio grew, so did my confidence in showcasing a cohesive body of work that reflected my personal style.

I also made relationships within the industry a priority. Networking with other local vendors led to valuable referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations. Moreover, taking the time to get to know each of my clients allowed me to better understand their vision and exceed their expectations. My reputation grew as happy clients shared their experiences with friends and family. Additionally, I leveraged social media and online reviews to give potential customers easy access to positive feedback from past clients.

Patience and persistence were key. I had to continually improve my skills and style, while also remaining dedicated to providing exemplary customer service. It took time before I became the first choice referred photographer in my area. Looking back, building a strong portfolio, nurturing relationships, and delivering consistent quality were the pillars that helped establish my reputation within the competitive photography market.

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

As a photographer trying to grow my clientele, the most effective strategy I’ve found is building relationships and trust with potential clients before ever asking for their business. The key is to genuinely connect with people, learn about them and what they may need to be photographed, and look for ways to add value without an agenda. For example, I’ll offer free headshots to new acquaintances looking to update their LinkedIn profile or volunteer to capture candid moments at a friend’s wedding or family gathering. When people get to know and like you first, they become much more inclined to hire you down the road. I also leverage word-of-mouth by wowing every client with an incredible customer experience and stunning photos they can’t wait to share. When they rave about working with me to friends and connections, it sparks genuine referrals and introductions to more potential clients. While it takes patience upfront, this relationship-based approach has proven far more successful than cold outreach. By putting people first, I’ve steadily grown my clientele over time with ideal customers who already trust me and the quality of my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://guidedphotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidedphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Guided-Photography/100084274591803/