Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Arceri.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been an artistic person and didn’t always know how to channel it. I just knew I loved to make things beautiful. When working in retail, I would pray for something creative to do, and make a living doing it. Then in 2012, I got my first iPhone. I took photos of everything and people would tell me I had a gift. I thought “Nah, that’s just the Instagram filter!” Then a girl asked me to do a photoshoot of her. My dad had a DSLR starter camera so I borrowed it. The girl ended up canceling the shoot, but I still had the camera in my possession… I didn’t touch it for a while, but one summer I was going through a difficult season and threw myself into photography. I would stay up all night researching and practice all day. I would use friends as models. Within a month, I decided to make a business out of it and started charging. I stayed part-time while having other jobs for a while, but I soon realized I was very unhappy with the 9-5 life. I took a giant step of faith and went full time in 2015. It was scary but I trusted that God would provide for me. My business has grown more and more every year since. Looking back… this is exactly what I prayed for in my retail years. I get to do what I love- be creative and make connections with amazing people every week. There couldn’t be a perfect career for me!
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been pretty smooth for me. There have definitely been moments of self-doubt, but they don’t last long. I think the reason for that is that I’ve known so strongly in my heart that this is a huge part of the journey God has for me, so even when times of doubt or less busy months roll around… I remind myself that and keep going. My husband reminded me too! Haha!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have done a bit of almost everything photography-wise. Everything from weddings, to families, portraits, fashion, real estate and interior design photography. I think my favorite is by far couples and weddings. I think as time goes on, that will be my primary focus. My clients tell me they chose me for my style and because I’m easy going. I try to keep my photos genuine, romantic and on the moodier side of editing. I’m most proud of the relationships I get to build with my clients. I try to help brides with their weddings as much as possible. I was a bride myself last year and I know how stressful it can be, so in whatever way possible, I try to help them find what they want and need, whether it’s vendors, decor, etc. I’m also a huge people person and am not very “polished” when I relate to clients. I found that just being “me” works the best… people often tell me I make them feel really comfortable in my presence and that’s what I always hope to do.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Honestly, I always give credit to God for pointing me in this direction. I wouldn’t be where I am today if He hadn’t shown me who I am and what I’m capable of. I prayed for a creative career that I could call my own and He gave it to me. My friends and family also believed in me every step of the way and cheered me on. I still can’t believe this is my life and what I get to do for a living. It doesn’t feel like work when you love it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juliaarceri.com
- Phone: 832-515-9292
- Email: juliaarceriphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @juliaarceri
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/juliaarceriphotography
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