Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gretchen Lanham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gretchen, appreciate you joining us today. How do you think about spending on the little things / small joys when finances are tight?
Honestly, I never gave much thought to expenses like that. I saw them as a way to help me stay motivated. It took a while but eventually I became more selective and had to prioritize. Making soy lattes at home was a daily (and nightly) ritual, allowing me to save. I realize that finding a balance between treating myself and making smart investments was something I had to learn over time. Its a daily work in progress.
Gretchen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Im from the enchanting town of Sedona Arizona. Growing up surrounded by the desert and its beauty, I developed a deep appreciation for art and self expression. It was during my high school years that my passion for photography really started to take shape. I used to sneak my grandmas 35mm Olympus camera into concerts and became addicted to capturing the raw essence of live shows. After I graduated, I decided to move to LA where I started working in fashion which made me embrace both worlds. This combo allowed me to develop my perspective and create my style.
Now I get to work with clients and capture their artistic vision. I work closely with bands and fashion designers to understand their concepts and translate them into visually striking photographs. I believe in aligning my artistic vision with that of my clients, ensuring that the final images reflect their unique brand and style.
Lately, I’ve been heavily involved in music videos and creating content for my favorite bands and brands. It’s an exciting opportunity of visual storytelling.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Currently I’m listening to Unshakeable by Tony Robbins. I have done well over 100 hours of his live events. They say to find a mentor, but now I have several. Ive been learning from people like Pace Morby and Codie Sanchez. Their videos provide valuable insight and advice. Regularly immersing yourself in these resources can help shape your management and entrepreneurial mindset. It’s something I have to do every single day. I’ve been forever paralyzed by fear and unable to find it in me to ditch the comfort of my 9-5 and really embrace a life of limitless possibilities. I was never one to take risks or venture into the unknown willingly. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I was forced to confront my fears and embrace them fully. Through the process I discovered my true potential and found this resilience within myself I never knew I had. Each new experience fueled my creativity and continues to push me to evolve as an artist. The path I chose can be extremely challenging, its in those moments we discover this inner strength and ability to adapt. The risks arent just about photography, they are about embracing a life filled with purpose, adventure, and fulfillment. Magic happens when you discover the power of leaning into uncertainty.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
One thing people may not understand about the journey of someone who is creative is the constant internal battle between self doubt and the drive to continue to create. There are so many moments of uncertainty, questioning the value and worth of my work and even myself. This struggle to overcome self doubt can be extremely difficult. Creating something and sharing it with others can be a deeply personal experience. Its a constant emotional rollercoaster that most creatives often go through during their journey. But I’m learning that it’s important to just get it out, even if it’s not perfection. “Complexity is the enemy of execution” … or something.
Contact Info:
- Website: twinkphotography.com
- Instagram: twink6
Image Credits
Bardi Johannsson Malcolm Guess