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

Alright, Wandaline thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Photography was always a cherished hobby of mine, something I held dear to my heart. While I occasionally dipped my toes into turning it into a business, I never took a significant leap due to my fear of failure. This all changed the end of 2023.

At that time, I was working at a photography studio, as the studio manager, assisting the studio photographer. Suddenly, the studio decided to pivot, which left me without a job. It was a defining moment for me. I was at a crossroads: either find another 9 to 5 job or take a chance on my photography dream.

Many businesses and brands relied on the studio for their photography needs. I saw this as an opportunity. During this time I was already building a home studio, and with the skills I had acquired, I decided to present my own business to these clients. I took the plunge, registered my business as an LLC, and offered them a seamless transition.

I was terrified and nervous, unsure if I could pull it off. But I knew this was my moment. I reached out to the clients, offered my services, and to my delight, a few of them decided to trust me with their photography needs. I became their go-to photographer, focusing on business branding and professional headshots.

Taking this risk was one of the scariest yet most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. Today, I work full-time with multiple businesses and brands, doing what I love. This journey taught me the value of believing in myself and seizing opportunities, even when they’re wrapped in uncertainty.

Wandaline , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi!
I’m Wandaline, the founder of WandaLens Photography based in Phoenix, Arizona. My journey into photography began back in middle school when I enjoyed editing photos for my friends MySpace profiles and eventually got my first pink Sony camera so that I can take photos of everything and moments I found to be meaningful.

What started as a hobby quickly became a passion for visual storytelling.

Although I offer a range of services, my main services include portrait and commercial photography, which can include headshots, product or business branding, and lifestyle . My focus is on creating genuine, emotive images that reflect the true essence of my clients. Whether it’s a business branding shoot, or a headshot, my goal is to make my clients feel comfortable and authentic, resulting in photos that are not just beautiful but also a great representation of the person or subject in which I am photographing.

What sets me apart is my commitment to capturing the spirit of each moment, my dedication to my clients feeling confident in the final product, and providing a fun, authentic, joyful, and relaxed atmosphere. I take pride in my ability to connect with clients, while understanding their unique needs and delivering personalized, high-quality images. My work with notable clients, including Arizona Foothills Magazine, and various businesses and influencers, speaks to my versatility and professionalism.

One of the proudest moments in my career was taking the leap to go full-time on my own photography business. It was a scary but rewarding decision that pushed me to utilize my home studio and establish a strong client base. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to capture their brand and their most important moments.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that I am deeply passionate about what I do. I strive to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience, whether we’re shooting in my home studio or on location. My photography is shaped by a love for candid, in-between moments and a natural editing style that enhances the true beauty of each shot. I believe in the power of photography to tell stories, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. I’m excited to work with you and help you express your unique voice and identity through visuals.

On a personal note, I am a proud mom to three wonderful kids, Micah, Kailand, and Amiah, and a wife to my wonderful school-age crush and best friend, Rochto. They are my heart and my why, inspiring me every day to continue to pursue my passion and build my business so that we can build a life that prioritize our family, while doing the things we love and our passionate about.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The heart of my creative journey is my love for visual storytelling, but more importantly, it’s my family. As a wife and mother, I want my family to be at the center of my life, not just in words but through my actions. This deep desire for flexibility and control over my time was a big reason I wanted to start my own business. As a prior stay at home mom, I knew that I wanted to hold on to that lifestyle, while giving my own passions a room to flourish and develop during the times that my kids are in school.

I aim to inspire my kids to believe in their dreams and create a life they are proud of. I want them to see that it’s possible to achieve their goals while dedicating time and energy to what truly matters. Additionally, I hope to create a space where other creatives like me can thrive, offering them opportunities to pursue their passions and make meaningful connections.

Ultimately, my mission is to balance my professional aspirations with my personal values, showing my family and others that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life doing what you love.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building a genuine community with like-minded people. Joining networking groups has placed me in spaces with individuals whose services complement mine, allowing us to mutually benefit from each other’s expertise. This collaborative approach has been invaluable.

Additionally, being authentic and true to myself has allowed people to connect with me not just as a photographer, but as a person. This authenticity fosters trust and makes clients feel confident, valued and understood, which is essential for building lasting relationships and a business that values people more than anything else.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Wandaline_/

Image Credits

Wandaline Joassin
Mia Lev Driesbach
AZ Foothills Magazine