Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Grissom.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story didn’t start like most- I didn’t have a dream from the time I was young, in fact, I had no idea what I wanted to do. In my senior year, I was actually awarded a full-ride scholarship for graduating in the top 20% of my class.
I went to college for just one year and ultimately left because I had zero clue as to what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. I worked in retail and restaurants, which I knew deep down in the long term, wasn’t for me personally. About three years after graduating high school, I was reading a magazine called The Awake, and in it, the issue had a list of ideas on how to create work for yourself.
It had photography listed as an option, and I thought ‘that would be fun! I am always the person taking photos anyway!’ I really loved the idea of working on my own terms and so I began my journey.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not! It honestly came with a lot of frustration in trying to learn both the craft and the business side of things simultaneously. But I really think, as weird as it sounds, that what continued to drive me forward was exactly that same frustration. It felt like a puzzle, and I wanted to figure it out.
I also built my business during some of the absolute hardest seasons of my life. Life’s random challenges don’t stop just because you’re an entrepreneur. However, I will say that my love for the art and the beautiful people I get to work with were such a bright light in my life during those tough seasons.
Now, when I look back on all these years, I can say that photography & this business has truly been a blessing from God. Photography found me, became part of me, and is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer and I currently specialize in weddings (as well as am expanding into branding photographers for other business professionals & photographers!). I’m definitely known for my weddings and my light, airy, soft & romantic fine art style. Every single person who looks at my work always first calls it romantic- and I feel like that’s very true to who I am as a person. Definitely a hopeless romantic!
I think what I’m most proud of is that despite everything that I never gave up. Really, I guess you could say the qualities that this experience has helped me develop. Entrepreneurship can definitely be a roller coaster, and I’ve had moments where I was crying at my kitchen table to my husband and moments where I felt the best I’ve ever felt. And in those moments where I’ve cried and it felt SO incredibly hard- I still chose to pick myself up and move forward. I am truly grateful that this endeavor has given me even an ounce of those qualities.
I think what sets me apart from others in my field is a combination of three things! My photography style itself- is mentioned above. The detailed & supportive experience I give my brides (I want them to relax on the day of their wedding knowing that I have everything I need from them to create the beautiful images they are dreaming of). As well as my personality- I’ve been called bubbly, but I think at my core I am just kind and happy!
So I guess it’s a trifecta of things I suppose! haha.
What do you think about luck?
Well, I feel about none haha! I truly believe that what you focus on, you bring more of to yourself. A positive mindset in my opinion is tremendous and more than any luck- good or bad-that is 100% in your control.
Think of it this way- if you get 10 people interested in your business and service, and 2 follow-throughs, you can choose to focus on those 2 people and be extremely excited and happy. That joy will aid you SO much to continue in your efforts because you feel so rewarded.
However, you can take that same scenario and think ‘boo, ONLY 2 people followed through, I’m failing, this isn’t working, I want to give up.’ That feeling of failure and lack of gratitude for what you ARE getting will make it SO much harder to keep going.
Ultimately, who of those two do you think will succeed? Choose your ‘luck’!
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages begin at $4500
- Branding Packages begin at $700
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.melissagrissom.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/melissagrissomphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/melissafoggphotography
