We recently connected with Rachael Ann Gliebe and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachael Ann , thanks for joining 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.

Just start. start where you are at, with what you have and just don’t give up! Mentally prep yourself for failure and remind yourself that it’s worth it. Something fails, cry it out and get back on the grind the next day. Start again, start over, do what ever you need to do to simply keep going. And never forget grace for yourself and the process. Having a dream doesn’t mean it failed if it turned out differently than you expected. Often we get so set on the goal that we forget the growth is in the process. I think the key is in the unexpected! The lessons, losses, highs and lows during the process is what grounds you, builds you, strengthens you and makes you grow into the very person that is needed to execute ‘the dream.’ Let me start off by telling you this, having an idea or a dream is just step one. You then begin taking ne step in front of the other and you’ll learn that often what started as a hope, becomes a passion, morphs into purpose and ultimatly leads you down the path of destiny.

For me, my path wasn’t laid out, paid, planned or easy. I knew nothing, I still am learning every day, but what I know about myself is I am not a quitter! I took the time to teach, educate and discipline myself. Without those three things there is no execution. Applying myself to learning new things, reading new books, taking new classes was all a big part of the process and without that self discipline you won’t get far or you’ll end up back tracking without it. Apply it!

My journey started off as a hobby, that turned into a passion and ultimately my career. It wasn’t what I had dreamed of or thought was possible at the time. It simply was something that made me happy and I enjoyed doing. I think that is also another life key. Do what makes you happy and you’ll never work a day in your life! Eventually after several failed attempts, I decided to push myself even further and get a degree in photography at the Art Institute of Atlanta. it wasn’t until my 2nd year in collage, 2 jobs, owning a business and almost 8 years into when I first started my business that I FINALLY had a breakthrough! Only a year later, I finally was self-employed and on a road to the success I had only dreamed of up until that point. Never give up!

When it came to the nitty gritty of what was in the details, it’s more than you can imagine. It’s sleepless nights, countless hours, investing time, energy and effort. It learning new things, taking new paths, watching/learning new techniques etc. It’s the ability to consistently apply yourself humbly to the unknown and fighting for you believe is possible! It’s a constant willingness to be better, do better and remain humble during the process. It is the unwavering belief of a vision that you are unwilling to let go of. It is trusting your gut, your heart and living every day to its fullest! It is working through your fears and concquring your weaknesses. Its possible, its inside of you and you are magical! Just believe its possible, be willing to do the work and you’re already half way there! Remember who you are, have a passion for the process and know anything is possible. The winning ingredient is determination backed by perserverence!

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

My name is Rachael Ann Gliebe, born and raised in Portland Oregon with one of the most unconventional families you could imagine. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and missionaries. As you can imagine, normal wasn’t known in our household. We come from nothing and work hard! My journey into the artist world started at a very young age. I loved painting and drawing! I played guitar and took pictures! I loved anything that was colorful, vibrant and expressive. I began taking pictures at 15 years old just as a fun hobby…little did I know that 10 years later I would begin collage to get a degree of Fine Arts in Photography. Just 2 years after that I was able to step out as a self-employed photographer. A year later I graduated with honors and started a full time journey into the unknown business world of full time self-employment. It was much like taking a leap of faith without knowing where’d I’d land, but I knew I’d be okay because I trusted myself to be able to handle anything that came my way by that point.

I have now been self employed for almost 10 years, won numerous awards, been in magazines, written up in articles and always evolving personally and professionally. I am about to start my first book and open up a space for creatives! I think the biggest and hardest lessons have been to remain in my lane and know there is only one me. We each bring something beautiful and important to the world! What you have to bring to the table is one of a kind mentality! Mindset, discipline and consistency is important when it comes to dealing with clients, your personal dreams and forward movement is what will fuel the magic! What’s amazing about what I do is that I get work with some amazing people, typically during the heightened times of their careers and moments. Which bring some incredible energy to the table when working with the right people and projects! It inspires me just as much.

I currently have a Fine arts degree in Commercial Photography with a flair for fashion, which helps a lot when it comes to my creativity with weddings, but I also work with a lot of doctors, dentists and commercial clients on their social media imagery. Recently I launched the ‘Mini Me’s’ which is a fun photo opportunity for kids, families, girlfriends, couples and influencers centered around holidays and special moments. Also have some fun ideas up my sleeves for the near future, but I am excited about where this year is headed!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Relationships! You can work your butt off, brand, build, advertise, but my opinion the win is always in the people you surround yourself with! If you don’t have a solid core group of honest friends and role models you’re more likely to crash and burn. On top of that, word of mouth when it comes to your work is the most solid way to build trust and expand your business 100%!

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

Beyond the fact that most of what I get to do is expressive, expansive and fun; I get to experience the world through some incredible lenses! There is something about being a creative that allows you to view the world, its beauty and opportunities differently. You have the opportunity to push boundaries, explore and create whatever you want!

Contact Info:

• Website: rachaelann.com
• Instagram: rahaelgliebe, ragartistry, storybookedspace, lovemyminimes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelAnnGliebe
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-ann-gliebe
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RAGartistry

Image Credits
All images are taken by me or a member of my team and are mine to use freely. Rachael Ann Gliebe of R.A.G.artistry