We were lucky to catch up with Denisha Mccauley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Denisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
As a woman who’s experienced the challenges of being a mother, wife, and a businesswoman, I understand how easy it is to lose yourself in the daily hustle, prioritizing everyone and everything else over your own needs.
Growing up, I wasn’t the pretty girl. I was perceived as the “tomboy” because I played basketball. I know what it is like to not feel “beautiful” because you don’t meet society’s standards. When shooting portraits I want every woman to feel like a model. I want each and every woman to feel empowered.
I’m here to offer you not just photography services, but a transformative experience. When you step into my studio, it’s all about making you feel comfortable and empowered. From the music playing softly in the background to your wardrobe choices, every detail is tailored to your preferences.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I run a premier full-service creative studio boutique that’s all about celebrating and empowering women and women-led brands.
As a woman in business, I’ve walked the same road. I know what it’s like to feel unsure of where to start, to question whether I’m really enough, and to wonder if anyone will see the value in what I offer. Balancing everything – the business, the brand, and all the roles in between – can feel overwhelming. But through countless lessons, hard work, and a little bit of courage, I found my way forward.
Today, I run a one-stop shop dedicated to empowering other women. I’ve created a unique approach that combines personalized brand strategies, portrait sessions that make you feel confident, and everything needed to elevate your business. I’m not just another coach or photographer – I’m a strategist, a storyteller, and your advocate. I dive deep to uncover what makes you unique, crafting a brand presence that speaks to who you truly are.
I believe in the magic of genuine connections, the power of standing out authentically, and creating experiences that help you feel as unstoppable as you are. If you’re ready to step into your confidence and let your brand shine, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The first time I walked away from my full-time job to pursue my dream, I failed. It was humbling to say the least. I had to put my pride aside and return to the workforce—and to a job that paid less than before. On top of that, I could hear the whispers of “I told you so” from those who didn’t believe in my vision. Not everyone supported or understood the dream I had for myself, but I knew it was bigger than their doubts.
I didn’t let failure stop me. I kept grinding, working, and preparing for the day when I could try again—and this time, I was ready. By God’s grace, I haven’t looked back since. Now, I get to wake up every day doing what I love: serving women and helping them feel confident, beautiful, and seen. That journey taught me resilience isn’t just about perseverance; it’s about believing in your purpose even when others don’t.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
For me, the turning point in building my audience on social media came when I started showing up as me—Denisha. I made the choice to be more vulnerable and transparent, which I know can feel intimidating, but that’s when my business really shifted. I let my audience see glimpses of my life, sharing things I was comfortable with, and in doing so, I became relatable. People saw my struggles, heard me speak about real challenges, and found parts of themselves in my story.
I’ve always shown up authentically, not trying to be anyone else. Some days you’ll see me in sweats and Jordans, and other days I’ll switch it up and dress it up—it’s just who I am. I’m open about my fitness journey, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing life as a wife, mom, and business owner. It’s not always wins on this journey, and I don’t pretend it is. I’ve taken losses, learned tough lessons, and kept going. That honesty resonates with people.
My advice for those just starting? Show up authentically. Your audience doesn’t want perfection; they want connection. Share your story, your challenges, and your victories—because someone out there needs to hear it. Consistency and being you are key to building trust and a genuine following.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.denishamccauley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmccauleyphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmccauleyphoto
