Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Griffin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission was more personal, but decided to share with the world anyway. I grew up in a home where I was not free to express self, thoughts or opinions. There were constant fights and arguments within the family. Those were my first daily doses of trauma. Once entering adulthood and experiencing dating, the trauma continued to pile up. The constant trials and errors I endured were from lack of guidance and love from home and within. I knew there were others who grew up in toxic/unsafe environments while also dealing with trauma endured situations at school and throughout adult life. I decided to break the cycle by choosing to heal, let go and make my dream a reality. I began Pen & Camera not only for me. For those, especially children, who are/have experienced anything in their lives that affected them now. We don’t have to continue what was started before us. We can be that change. My goal wasn’t just to heal from my own life and take charge, but to inspire that in others. Especially the children.

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

Pen & Camera offers Photography and Writing services. I take/edit photos and videos while also writing song lyrics, stories, newsletters, etc.

My journey officially began at age thirteen in Cleveland, OH. I had suddenly began writing poetry in my notebooks in my bedroom. I was feeling, thinking and going through so much before, and after, that I wasn’t conscious of what I was doing. That led to me being solid on my future career. I originally did not see myself as a writer, but it is a gift I am maturing each day. Photography had not been considered an addition until my final year of high school. Realizing how fun it is and how much I could incorporate that into what I write, the more confident I became in my decision.

My fascination for books had launched as well. I hadn’t fully realized my attraction towards books or writing until I was a senior in high school. That’s when a lot of the things I was wasn’t too sure about began to solidify. Though Pen & Camera went through many growing pains since 2015, so did I. Which is why I began writing, let alone start my business. It’s also why I photograph and video so much now. I have a voice and I’m choosing to use it for positivity. I haven’t had many positive voices in my ear. I wish to be that positive voice for someone else.

Even if it’s just one person, we can all heal, grow and be better for ourselves and each other. Growing up in Cleveland, there’s so many opportunities. Only if you aren’t being held back by outside forces. I can imagine how much I could’ve done, but everything happens for a reason. Though I wished for a different life, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If it weren’t for my own traumas and healing from them, I probably wouldn’t have been inspired to write as much as I have. And once I have many acres of land, it’ll be a paradise for all animals. Especially for our future generations of children.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had to pivot when creating my website. In the beginning, I was literally doing everything on my own. From coming up with a name to creating the original website. The original had potential, but the layout was horrible. Links did not work properly or at all. There was difficulty navigating to and from each page. No matter how many attempts I put towards making changes, those did not matter. It was time to switch platforms and hope to find someone who could help.

So I deleted that site and took a break. I still kept all of my ideas. I just needed another platform with better tools and a second pair of eyes to give an opinion. Hence where my husband and partner came in. Once finding a better site, he helped with my websites look, logo suggestions, colors, etc. With everything set up and running, that’s more focus I can put towards creating more content.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I currently sell my books on Amazon. I haven’t begun to sell any photographs as of yet (still working on getting my camera fixed in the future). My books can be found on my website and will take you directly to Amazon. I soon plan to sell them in my husband and I’s warehouse website. We’re attempting to have that done by summer 2024.

Contact Info:

• Website: penandcamera.net
• Instagram: @penandcamera1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShyWolf93?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penandcamera
• Twitter: @penandcamera12
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pencamera8633