We had the good fortune of connecting with Glendy Rocha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Glendy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Ever since I can recall I have always liked to sell things starting at an early age in Cuba where we did not have much but I would lay everything out on a table and play store by myself, I feel like I have always had an entrepreneur mindset. I was always very creative and artsy, very much “out there” taking my camera everywhere we went and capturing everything I could because I feel that there is so much beauty in everything and everyone. I honestly had no idea that taking pictures of my barbies at 10 years old would eventually turn into capturing moments for events, friends, family, and strangers that have become like family. I opened up my first business at 20 years old called Sprawl Ink where I used to make custom t-shirts for people and businesses around the country. That business started taking a toll on my health so I took a break from it. Then, one day out of nowhere, someone I was courting and was led by God to give me a professional camera he had and I fell in love!!! I started capturing moments of everyone and everything around me, from events, to maternity, anything I could be a part of to not only practice my craft but to be a blessing to others and then… I could not believe I could get paid to serve others with something I love doing and I have not stopped since then.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a lifestyle branding content creator for busy entrepreneur women who need consistent content to show up and communicate with their audience. This has been a life changer for me, I love every minute of it, I get to help other women with the photos I create for them! Who would have ever thought? That is just mind blowing to me that I get to do what I love every single day. I have been in the photography business for the past 7 years and just pivoted this past year and rebranded everything! I have had to fight and stand up for what I believe in, as someone that was very close to me tried to take me away from one of the reasons I was created for. I have fought this last year and stayed determined to do what it takes to bring the vision to fruition. My divorce brought me clarity and understanding that this is indeed what I am called to do and I will not let anyone take me away from what makes me feel most alive, never let anyone tell you what you should be doing but let God open doors that no man can close and lead the way. You can do hard things! You were created for so much more than the box people will try to put you in, don’t let them!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to Miami!! Are you ready to have some fun? First things first we will get a hotel for a few days in South Beach nearby Ocean Drive I have a little hidden gem of a hotel with a beautiful relaxing backyard, pool, cabanas called “Marseilles Hotel”. I love it there since it is close to everything you may want or need (stores, restaurants, bars, beach). We can go across or down the street for food and drinks and even some dancing If you get lucky! Next morning we wake up early to see the sunrise and then have breakfast at the downstairs restaurant of the hotel with mimosas! After that we are headed poolside to hang out, swim, tan and have a good ole time. We can go to Wynwood and explore the art scene as well as yummy foods and drinks and even some dancing if wanted… it is Miami after all. We can also head to the design district to Swan at night time or Dior Cafe during the day, have a beautiful photo session while we are there. Another night we can head to Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas Beach Blvd) we can visit Rooftop Lounge Friday night for drinks and dancing, after there we can head down to the Las Olas Blvd Strip walk around and explore the little bars, restaurants and clubs they have, it is always guaranteed a great time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost shoutout to God because without Him there would be no me, there would be no photography, there would be no story. Secondly definitely Mom & Dad for supporting me one way or another even if they thought I was crazy, I just had to prove to them this is what I wanted to do and could do if I set my intentions on it. Third, shoutout to the person that first placed a professional camera in my hands long long ago and helped me believe in the mission and vision God placed over my life and how this was not merely a business but a ministry where I can serve and reach others while I love on them in whatever season of life they find themselves in.

Website: www.lifestylebrandingmedia.com

Instagram: @victoriousglendy @lifestylebrandingmedia

Image Credits
Magda Hernandez for the pictures of myself (pink background and blue background) Glendy Rocha for all the other pictures.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.