We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Glenda Mitchell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Glenda below.

Alright, Glenda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Photography started as a way to decompress. The medium was a way I used to connect with myself and others. My knowledge has been mostly through trial, error and listening to the universe. She stay looking out! When I first started out I thought I was “behind”. I thought I needed a traditional school education or a degree to obtain clients and build credibility. As my business grew I’ve learned the credibility comes from doing my best for my clients every time and staying true to my vision. Sometimes imposter syndrome still creeps in but the fall 7 times get up 8 mentality in me reminds me to be resourceful and find ways I can grow.

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

GM.CREATIVE was born from a desire to do more of what I love. I’m pretty open about my journey as a child of adoption. I don’t have images of myself under the age of 2. That, coupled with growing up in an environment where I was the only black girl in school until college, I had a heightened awareness and respect for being different than everyone else.

When I started a family it was important for me to capture memories and highlight the differences that made my daughter shine. Photography started as a way to decompress and became an outlet to recognize the beauty in every “other” person.

I (pronouns she/her/hers) serve the Greater Milwaukee area and the state as a whole, specializing in lifestyle portrait and wedding photography. My clients feel comfortable in front of the camera because we’re not “shooting,” we’re having a conversation about their unique story and I just happen to be taking beautiful photos along the way. It’s not just about the pictures, it’s about celebrating that every day living your authentic life is a victory.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Referrals! But that can only come from treating each client like a human first and a reflection of you and your business next.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being a creative has given me more autonomy in my life and ownership of where I want to be. Straight out of high school we’re told the degree will get you the job that will pay for the life you want but then adulthood hits and you realize no one’s there to save you. You’re in control of the life you want. Photography and running a business has shown me what I’m capable of in ways no other life circumstances ever have.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gmcreativephoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gm.creativephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GM.CreativePhoto

Image Credits
Glenda Mitchell of GM.CREATIVE Photography