We were lucky to catch up with Jade Mendoza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jade, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success in business isn’t just about making money—it’s about impact, integrity, and intention. For me, success means having high integrity, being disciplined, staying organized, having faith, and operating with a clear passion and purpose. Integrity is everything in my work. People trust me to capture their most important moments, whether it’s a wedding, a branding session, or something deeply personal like a boudoir shoot. That trust is earned by consistently showing up, delivering what I promise, and treating every client with respect. Discipline and organization are just as essential. Running a creative business means wearing multiple hats, and without structure, things can easily fall apart. My revolving queue system, for example, ensures my clients always know where they stand, eliminating confusion and stress for both of us. Faith and passion keep me moving forward, even when business is uncertain. My passion isn’t just photography—it’s storytelling, empowerment, and capturing people at their best. Doing for the greater good is also at the core of my business. Whether it’s helping someone see themselves in a new light, mentoring other photographers, or preserving moments that matter for future generations, my work is about more than just me. Success isn’t just personal gain—it’s about creating something lasting, meaningful, and impactful, and that’s what drives me every day at JLauren Creative.

Jade, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jade Lauren, the creative force behind JLauren Creative, a brand that blends photography, digital and graphic design, event coordination, and social media influence. In addition to running my business, I work full-time as a historic preservationist for the State of Nebraska at the State Historic Preservation Office. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, whether through a camera lens or the study of history. I was born to be curious, and my love for social studies has shaped the way I see the world—always looking for meaning, connections, and the bigger picture.

Photography has always been at the heart of what I do, but I never wanted to be boxed into just one niche. That’s why I embrace an unniched approach, capturing everything from weddings and portraits to branding and boudoir sessions. I love the challenge of stepping into different worlds and telling stories through my lens.

I designed my process to ensure that every client feels taken care of, confident, and excited. From the moment someone books with me, I want them to feel a sense of ease, knowing they are in good hands. My revolving queue system ensures every client knows exactly when to expect their images, removing the stress of waiting and wondering.

Beyond photography, I offer creative design services, helping businesses and individuals bring their visions to life through branding, social media content, and event visuals. I also work as an event coordinator, ensuring seamless execution for everything from styled shoots to large-scale gatherings. My ability to wear multiple hats while keeping a strong, cohesive brand voice is something that sets me apart.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I make on people’s lives. Whether it’s a bride seeing her wedding photos for the first time, a business owner finally feeling confident in their branding, or someone stepping in front of my camera and discovering a version of themselves they never saw before, those moments mean everything to me. I’ve also worked on deeply meaningful projects, such as photographing my grandmother for her book, capturing moments at historic Indigenous celebrations, and empowering individuals through boudoir photography.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that JLauren Creative isn’t just about photography—it’s about storytelling, empowerment, and helping people show up as their best selves, whether in front of the camera, in their business, or in life. I value integrity, connection, and creativity, and I pour that into every project I take on. My work is deeply personal, not just for me but for the people I create for, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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

When I first started growing my social media, I was all about posting my work, hoping people would take notice. But the biggest shift came when I started showing my face more and humanizing my brand. I realized that people want to connect with real people, not just a business. So, I started sharing more behind-the-scenes moments, showing my personality, and letting my followers get to know me beyond just the photos. Customer service was a game-changer too. By going above and beyond for my clients and treating them like more than just transactions, I started building real relationships. Those connections are what make the difference—not just for my business, but for everyone involved. I also learned how powerful it is to support other small businesses. By collaborating and lifting others up, I was able to build mutually beneficial relationships that helped everyone thrive. The more I focused on creating a community and being authentic, the more my audience grew. It’s all about showing up genuinely, being kind, and putting people first. That’s what has made the biggest impact on my business.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is having the ability to create art to serve other people. Art that will last forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jlaurencreative.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlauren.jpeg?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092284203242&mibextid=9R9pXO
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jlaurenphotography
• Other: Tictok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jlauren.jpeg?_t=8ojZ3B8KuZ4&_r=1
  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JLaurenCreative

Image Credits

@JLauren Creative
Branding Photo: @Tara Bryanne