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

Mariah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I felt led to start my business in June 2023, but after going through a breakup, I didn’t officially launch until September. In that moment, I made a choice to be purposeful and build something meaningful. That decision became the birth of my brand. I used my creativity as both a tool for healing and a way to stay productive. It was my way of betting on myself. No risk, no reward.

Since then, my journey as a business owner has been filled with growth, constant learning, self-discovery, and a powerful shift in identity. I’ve evolved not only in my craft but in how I see myself as a creative with purpose, resilience, and something meaningful to say. Along the way, I’ve learned how to maximize my skills, boldly put myself out there, and commit to the continual evolution of my craft. But most importantly, I’ve learned to believe in myself. Embracing confidence as a key part of my creative journey has been essential. It’s what allows me to show up fully, trust my vision, and create with intention, both for myself and my audience.

When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing or where to begin. Still, I was determined to show up. I had a deep desire to grow alongside my brand, and that’s what pushed me to officially form my business. I committed myself to showing up consistently, creating with heart, experimenting boldly, and evolving with purpose.

There’s still so much I have to learn, but I’m always looking forward to what’s next. I’m passionate about merging creativity and purpose. I am here to grow, inspire, and create intentionally every step of the way.

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?

My name is Mariah Thompson. I am a Graphic Designer and Photographer, and I am a passionate creative at heart. I hold a B.S. in Graphic Design from Elizabeth City State University, and my ultimate goal is to become a well-known, established creative who makes a positive lasting impact on the industry by staying true to myself and my gifts, while using creativity as my voice and motivation.

I didn’t just stumble into design—I chose it, intentionally. I’ve always loved expressive creation, but it wasn’t until I began my undergraduate degree program that I truly started creating with intention. That’s when everything changed.

I founded Mariahnotcarey Photography to bring my clients’ visions to life through bold, creative storytelling across both photography and design. My mission is to execute every concept with purpose, originality, and care. Visual storytelling is the heartbeat of my work. Whether it’s a photo series or a graphic layout, every piece is crafted to tell a story—one that invites viewers to see from my perspective, feel the moment, and connect with the narrative behind the visuals.

What sets me apart is my drive to keep showing up, no matter what. I’m committed to growth, to evolving in my craft, and to making space for my community to see themselves reflected in the art I create. I’m most proud of how I continue to push forward consistently, not just for myself but for those who support me and believe in my vision.

To my clients, supporters, and followers, I thank each of you. Your love and encouragement fuel me. Knowing people are waiting for my work and rooting for my success means everything to me. From the bottom of my heart, I’m truly grateful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A major goal of mine is to create financial freedom through my creative gifts. Being able to monetize my skills means unlocking more opportunities, more advantages, and, ultimately, a life of creative freedom. I envision a life where I work for myself, create freely, travel often, and live each day doing what I love. I want to thrive and live through my creativity. I pray that my good works will make room for me to live the life that I designed. One rooted in freedom, authenticity, and joy. That, more than anything, is the vision I’m working toward every single day. It’s my greatest goal on this creative journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I first felt led to start my business in June 2023, I had no real roadmap, just a strong pull to create and honestly just start. But life happened. After going through a breakup, I no longer delayed my start, eventually starting in September. For a while, I let the thought of not having all the answers hold me back. I thought I needed the perfect plan, more experience, or the “right time” to fully go after it. But truthfully, there is no perfect time. and growth doesn’t come from waiting but from execution. I had to unlearn the idea that I had to be ready in the traditional sense. Instead, I learned to trust the process, start where I was, and believe that clarity would come with consistency. Now, I embrace the journey as it unfolds. I’m learning, growing, and evolving every day, and I learned that’s more than enough. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to start and be consistent.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mariahnotcarey.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahnotcareyyyy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-thompson-b00b97248
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mariahnotcareyyyy?si=3TVQUHJdZ5-INmso
• Other: TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahnotcareyyyy_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc