We recently connected with Stephy Wong and have shared our conversation below.
Stephy Wong, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
As a business owner and photographer for almost 18 years, I’ve met all kinds of people — the wonderful, the quirky, and a few that probably belong in an insane asylum. But thankfully, the amazing people I’ve met far outshine the occasional “interesting character.”
What’s really stuck with me are my loyal clients — the ones who come back year after year as their families grow and change. Watching their stories unfold through my lens has been one of the biggest joys of my career. But here’s the part that melts my heart and fills my stomach: some of these clients, who don’t even know each other, have all independently decided that the way to my heart… is through baked goods.
I’m talking cupcakes, still-warm cookies, loaves of fresh bread, doughnuts, even full cakes. I mean, at this point, I’m not sure if they’re my clients or my personal snack sponsors. It’s like they tuned into my inner dessert frequency and said, “You know what this photographer needs? More carbs.”
But in all seriousness, it’s incredibly touching. They never had to do that — they just did. And every single time, it reminds me that what I do isn’t just about photos. It’s about real connections, mutual appreciation, and the simple kindness of humans who go out of their way to make someone’s day a little brighter (and sweeter).
Honestly, I can’t help but feel like the luckiest photographer alive — and maybe just a few cupcakes away from running a bakery on the side.
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?
How YOU doin…. (in Joey’s voice) I’m Stephy Wong Nash, I’m the HBIC… I make memories…. I started almost 18 years ago wanting to make people feel beautiful no matter what and it turned into lifelong friendships and a side career of delivering lifelong still memories.
I like cake and long naps on the couch. Why Wong you ask? It’s my middle name …. which I hid forever until now! I just said embrace your asian-ness (is that a word?)
I have been shooting people for over 17 years and 473 weddings later, and I have had the privilege and honor to shoot the most wonderful amazing clients and their beautiful Engagements, Weddings, Maternity, and Family photos! If you really want to know what it’s like to work with me go to my site to check out the experience of the behind the scenes in action. (do it… you know you want to)
I like to post teasers for my clients … because mostly I’m impatient and want you to see how fabulous you rocked the day. I like my relationships with my clients to be more like a friendship.
I married my meant to be partner Mike in Hawaii and have 2 fur babies that like to tackle you and fart. In this union, I also inherited 3 crazy stepchildren who make us, the family we are! In my spare time I paint acrylic paintings on canvas, watch Friends, and sing karaoke (I’m Filipino what do you want from me!) 🙂
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
If you really want to stand out in business, build a brand people trust — one they can’t forget. For me, that meant keeping it real while creating something recognizable and true to me. And honestly? I think I nailed it.
I’ve never believed in watering myself down just to fit in or impress others. That’s exhausting — and overrated. Stay authentic, stay bold, and let your work speak louder than any trend.
So here’s the truth: stop living to impress everyone else. Impress yourself. When you do that, the right people will notice — and the rest? They can take notes.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I treat my clients like friends or extended family — it’s like having a big reunion once a year! We laugh, catch up, and create new memories together every time. It’s not just a session; it’s an experience that sticks with both of us… literally, since I capture those memories forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephywong.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephywongphotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephywong.photos/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stephy-wong-photography-san-diego-2
Image Credits
All photos by Stephy Wong Photography