We recently connected with Gianna Vara and have shared our conversation below.

Gianna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To me, success is profoundly anchored in faith and the knowledge that Jesus is the only one who can completely change things. The world defines success in a variety of ways, including money, position, and accomplishments, but true, long-term success is found in walking in accordance with God’s purpose and trusting Him to do more than we could ever accomplish alone.
One of the main mottos I live by is based on Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” This scripture reminds me that I always have more to give and accomplish, but it also indicates that Jesus will bring abundantly more than I could ever ask for
Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered that if you put in the effort, things will come organically. Opportunities, success, and growth do not happen fast, but when you stay dedicated, push through obstacles, and trust the process, God moves in ways you never expected.
Most importantly, I’ve realized that no one was coming to do it for me—I had to show up for myself. Every single day. No one was going to build my dreams, put in the hours, or make the sacrifices for me. I had to be disciplined, stay consistent, and push through even when it was hard. That’s when I started seeing things shift. So for me, being successful means staying faithful, putting in the effort, showing up every day, and believing that no matter how much I accomplish, there is still more ahead—more growth, more opportunities, and most importantly, more of Jesus.

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’m Gianna Vara, the heart and vision behind MilaJo Photography and Lucia Living Photos. My journey into photography began at an early age, driven by a deep love for cameras and the art of capturing moments. Even as a child, I understood how fleeting time is, and I became passionate about preserving memories in a way that allows people to relive them for years to come. Over time, that passion transformed into a business where I don’t just take photos—I tell stories, elevate brands, and create lasting impressions.
What sets my work apart is my intentional approach and dedication to storytelling. I don’t just show up, take pictures, and leave—I invest in my clients, their stories, and their vision. I want my couples to feel deeply seen in their photos, and I want my brands to feel confident in their imagery. My work is rooted in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” This belief is at the core of everything I do—knowing that there is always more to give, more to create, and more that God has in store than I could ever envision myself.
With MilaJo Photography, I specialize in wedding, graduation, and lifestyle photography, ensuring that every moment is captured with authenticity and timeless beauty. Whether I’m documenting love stories, personal milestones, or everyday moments, my goal is to create imagery that is both meaningful and enduring. Through Lucia Living Photos, I focus on branding photography and social media content management, helping businesses craft a strong, cohesive visual identity. I not only provide high-quality, striking imagery but also strategic social media solutions that allow brands to stand out, connect with their audience, and grow with purpose.
Working with me isn’t just about getting beautiful photos—it’s about a full experience. Whether it’s a wedding, a branding session, or an entire social media strategy, I approach every project with intentionality, creativity, and care. If you’re looking for someone who will truly invest in your vision, bring it to life, and exceed your expectations, I’d love to work with you! Send me an email or shoot me a DM and let’s connect!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I grew my social media following by consistently posting, using strategic hashtags, and genuinely engaging with my audience. Rather than just sharing content, I focused on building connections—responding to comments, interacting with my followers, and creating content that resonated with my ideal clients. I made sure to showcase my unique style and storytelling, which naturally attracted the right people to my work.
For those just getting started, my best advice is to be intentional with your posts. Share content that aligns with your brand, use relevant hashtags to increase visibility, and most importantly, engage with your audience in a meaningful way. Consistency is key—show up frequently, interact thoughtfully, and let your work speak for itself.
As a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful social media can be for growth, but I also know how overwhelming it can feel to keep up with content creation. That’s why I now offer social media management and content creation services for local brands and businesses. I help them establish a strong online presence, create high-quality content, and develop strategies that not only attract their ideal audience but also convert followers into loyal customers. Whether you’re looking for a complete social media strategy or just need help with content, I’d love to help take your brand to the next level!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In my opinion, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been consistently showing up on social media and engaging with my audience. Some of my best clients have found me through my posts, stories, and reels, where I showcase my work and share behind-the-scenes moments. I’ve learned that staying active, sharing valuable content, and interacting with potential clients keeps me top of mind. While word of mouth is powerful, social media has been just as impactful in bringing in new opportunities and expanding my reach!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://milajophotography.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: @milajo.photography and @lucialiving.photo
• Facebook: MilaJo Photography
• Other: Tiktok: milajo.photography

Image Credits

Mayfields Photography