Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Ann Gliebe

Rachael Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey began 20 years ago with a simple thought: I wanted the freedom to live life on my terms while working a job that was fun, creative, and flexible. In 2012, I took the leap and went full-time with my own photography business, R.A.G.artistry. Leaving the corporate world behind, I embraced the challenges and opportunities of being an entrepreneur, choosing to do something I loved rather than just something I “had to do to get by.”

Passion is everything to me. Starting R.A.G.artistry allowed me to channel my creativity and connect with people in meaningful ways. I work hard and am consistent in all that I do, and getting to where I am today is a result of mindset and discipline. Getting started required focus and consistent practice, and I made it a point to level up in every aspect along the way.

Through dedication and hard work, I’ve grown my business and established myself as a respected photographer. I’ve also expanded my skill set to include social media content creation and branding, further enhancing my ability to support and inspire other entrepreneurs. By leading by example and empowering others, I’ve not only helped my business thrive but also contributed positively to my community.

Ultimately, I aim to shift into an avenue where I can travel, be present in every moment, and make money while I sleep. All while still leading by example and ultimately becoming a mom.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road has not always been smooth. While pursuing my passion and building R.A.G.artistry, I’ve faced various challenges. Transitioning from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship was a significant leap and came with its own set of struggles, including financial uncertainties and the need to constantly adapt and learn.

One major challenge was balancing the demands of growing a business while maintaining consistency and high standards. There were times when the pressure of managing every aspect of the business felt overwhelming. Additionally, navigating the competitive landscape and staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry required continuous effort and resilience.

2020 brought an entirely new level of complexity. The pandemic forced me to pivot and explore new avenues of income, which was a profound learning experience. Being a business owner teaches you a lot about resilience and adaptability. The pressure, while intense, is a privilege as it drives growth and innovation.

Despite these struggles, each challenge provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. They have shaped my approach to business and reinforced my commitment to pursuing my goals with determination and adaptability.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

In my role as the lead photographer and founder of R.A.G.artistry, I specialize in capturing compelling and authentic images that tell a story. My work spans various genres, including branding, social media content, and lifestyle photography. For the last 14 years, my most consistent niche has been South Asian weddings. I deeply appreciate the cultural aspects, traditions, and sense of community that come with these events. The relationships I build with clients often feel more like family than just business interactions, which adds a meaningful dimension to my work.

My newest adventure, which I started about 6 years ago, is branding, a field I am incredibly passionate about. I especially enjoy working with fellow entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them establish and elevate their brand presence. This has allowed me to blend my creative skills with strategic insights, providing a comprehensive approach to visual storytelling and business growth.

What sets me apart is my commitment to creating personalized and impactful content that resonates with audiences. I take pride in my ability to collaborate closely with clients, ensuring their vision is brought to life in a way that aligns with their brand identity. My background in social media content creation and branding further enhances my ability to provide a holistic approach to visual storytelling.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the positive impact my work has had on their businesses. Seeing the tangible results of my efforts—whether it’s a successful branding campaign or a client’s growth on social media—is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, my dedication to supporting and inspiring other entrepreneurs through my work and community involvement is a source of great pride.

What truly sets me apart is my focus on authenticity and the strategic integration of creative content with business goals. My ability to adapt to new trends and continually innovate ensures that my work remains fresh and relevant, helping my clients stand out in a competitive market. Thank bright, bold and full of essence!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of adaptability and resilience. In the ever-evolving world of business, change is inevitable, and the ability to pivot and adapt to new circumstances is crucial. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles has been a transformative mindset shift.

Another key lesson is the importance of staying true to one’s authenticity while navigating the pressures and expectations of the industry. Building genuine relationships, whether with clients or within the community, and maintaining integrity in my work has been fundamental to my success and fulfillment.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that consistent hard work, coupled with a willingness to learn and evolve, is essential for long-term success and personal satisfaction.

Pricing:

• Weddings start at $6,899
• Branding starts at $799

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.RAGartistry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essenceofrachael/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelAnnGliebe/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ragartistry
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLyINM21JmmUGkQd3RJ2exw

Image Credits
All images are taken by myself (R.A.G.artistry). My personal headshot was taken by Brandon Andrews Photography