We had the good fortune of connecting with Gretel Tellez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gretel, are you self-funded or investor funded? If you could start over, would you make the same choice?
As far as I can remember I have always loved photography, having a camara in my hands was something I always loved,ofcourse back then I didn’t have the equipment nor the knowledge I do today, but the love for photography was there . One day I was sitting in my living room and a friend of mine asked me if I could take some pics of her childrens and that’s when the thought came to me….. why not turn this into something more than a pic here and a pic there!!! I don’t think I would have done it differently, because what is life without lessons learned? I think every decision or choice I took ( whether good ones or bad ones) have led me to where I’m today ,every process was needed to grow and to learn ,every sacrifice was needed to learn that dreams come true only when you are willing to work hard for them, every fight I fought was needed to learn that I’m stronger than I thought ( because many times throwing the towel looked easier than keep on going ) so I have no regrets and I thank God for the way I did it and have done it until now, I wouldn’t change it because its part of what my business is today .
What should our readers know about your business?
Thru my business I want to give people the opportunity to preserve a memory that will last a lifetime. I like to believe that despite my style and the way I project my vision thru photography I see my clients as something more than clients, I love to engage with them, get to know them, make them feel comfortable once in front of the lens , establish a connection with them. I’m excited about the days ahead, I know better and brighter ones are ahead of me. I got to where I’m today by being persevering, keeping my faith and my eyes on God who has never abandoned me, being a blessing to others as well as many have been a blessing to me and remembering that everything worth having is going to require a great sacrifice. Ofcourse it was not easy , but giving up was not an option , once I came to that conclutiom it was a matter of learning to go thru the challenges and still not throw the towel, Lessons I have learned : great things demand great sacrifices. You don’t build a brand over night and you wont reap the harvest of your fruit in two days. Patience is a very beautiful thing. To never give up on your dreams because of being afraid of failing . I want the world to know that we are here for you and your family memories , that we value and treasure each and one of you that as I always say become part of our Photo Me Studio family and because of you is that we are here.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Would take a trip to the mall, after all what girl doesn’t love shopping with her best friend, take a walk by the beach and relax while enjoying the beautiful Miami Summer weather , will definetly eat a meal at this place I love ,it’s a Japanese Restaurant by the name of Ruson Japanese Steak house ,their food and sushi is amazing, seating at Juan Velez would definitely take place while we chat and enjoy a great cup of coffee .
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jorge Nacusse. My husband , the man behind the computer screen in charge of our editing , the one who makes sure the final product is finished . Not only he is a great asset to Photo Me Studio, but has been my back bone thru all this years of building my brand, the one who believed in me when at times I couldn’t event believe in myself, the one who thought me many things about photography, my biggest supported and my worst critic. So its hard to speak of Photo Me Studio or Grerel without mentioning him .
Website: www.photomestudio.zenfolio.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/photo_me_studio
Facebook: www.facebook.com/photomestudio
Image Credits
My personal makeup by @www.instagram.com/@glamourbylore