We recently connected with Marielle Echavez Mathis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marielle, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
I officially started Marielle Jai Media as I was studying photojournalism in college. My first clients were my friends who were seniors that supported me and my work. Senior portraits was really my stepping stone into realizing that I could really form a career out of taking photos. It was the biggest honor for my friends to trust me to capture such a big milestone like graduation, for them to have photos to look back on forever.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’m Marielle, pronounced “Mary-El,” and for as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being creative in any way possible. Whether that’s through art, painting, dancing, writing, photos, videos, I love it all. I studied communication in college with the hopes of getting into the video production industry post-graduation, but I found photojournalism along the way. This is really where I found a love with just being behind the camera and telling stories for people, capturing memories, romanticizing their lives through my photos and videos. I think what sets me apart from others is that as an Asian woman, I understand that it’s not realistic for all of my photos on my feed to fit one aesthetic or editing style. I like to keep colors warm, vibrant, with moodier, true to life tones. I love using prisms and crystals during my sessions and love to include film-inspired black and white details, even if it’s just senior portraits or a couples shoot. I really vibe with people who are down for whatever to romanticize your life during our session. Let’s lay in the grass, slow dance, run around a field, belly-laugh, dance, jump. Be free to show your excitement, love, passion, intimacy. I’m based in Chattanooga, TN, but I’m willing to travel anywhere to get creative.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I am a firm believer in “fake it till you make it.” Be confident and excited to promote your work on social media. Even if you don’t have a bunch of work from clients, reach out to friends and other creatives who may be willing to get creative with you, even if it’s unpaid. It’s okay to do things out of passion instead of income. When it comes to building an audience, I started by posting my work on my personal Instagram, Facebook, etc. Once people started recognizing my work, I created a business page and followed ALL of my friends from my personal page. Invite your friends to like your page on Facebook. From your business page, follow all the people that normally keep up with you on your personal instagram. When you’re confident in your work, people will recognize that. Be confident in all that you do know instead of all the things you don’t. Be open to constantly learning and growing, but also be proud of where you are now.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I am eager to grow as an artist creatively and to constantly learn new skills, camera technicalities, and editing processes. I don’t have one particular goal on my creative journey, but I allow the space between where I am now and where I want to be as a creative inspire me. Even if I’m not in a place where I want to be just yet, I don’t let that discourage me because it’s exciting to know that I am capable of growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariellejaimedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariellejaimedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariellemedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielle-echavez/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfYIwSM6tgxYcsGXq6IVd0g
Image Credits
Marielle Jai Media