Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachele Petosa.
Rachele, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had a love for the arts, especially performing arts. I started dancing when I was three years old all the way through junior year of high school dance team. I was also in theater starting around ten years old through high school as well. I always took art and photography classes when I could but remained more in front of the camera instead of behind the lens. It wasn’t until after college I began picking up photography and decided that I really enjoyed being behind the lens, but I wasn’t able to make it a business at the beginning and kept it on the side. I continued to receive my Master’s degree in Education and taught elementary school for five years. It wasn’t until I did my own boudoir shoot (again in front of the camera) that it clicked; this is an amazing type of photography that truly encompasses self-confidence, woman empowerment, and is a sensual yet classy form of the art of photography. I was hooked. I realized this photography is not about shape, race, religion, or sexual orientation. It is about you as an individual and loving the skin you are in.
As passionate as I was about teaching and truly loved it, in the back of my mind I always wanted to be creatively free and on top of that be my own boss. My husband saw my growing interest and encouraged me to make it a business. I was hesitant at first, being used to teaching and realizing I would really have to step out of my comfort zone, which I have been used to for so long. After him encouraging me multiple times, I started slowly making it a business. Along with other local business women, friends, and coworkers my business began to grow and it has been amazing the amount of support I have received which has allowed it to continue growing. I am thankful for my husband’s encouragement and the support of those around me which has allowed me to build my business up, and I can’t wait for it to continue to expand.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been used to always making sure I had a solid paycheck. I was on my own once I hit 18 and no matter what my desires may have been I put them to the side to work multiple jobs and go to college full time. My mindset was fixed on maintaining a life where I knew I had a solid income to supplement my bills. As time went on and I started teaching I loved it but realized as much I love teaching my students and supporting their families the stress of a teacher is something that is almost indescribable. I slowly started thinking about bringing my creativity to the forefront and focusing on photography.
But, as I said before I need to make sure I can at least pay my rent with the income I make. I lacked confidence and knowledge of starting my own business. I may have researched about it but ultimately would go back to my comfortable lifestyle of teaching and dealing with the stress. After my husband continues to see the stress I was under and knew my love for being creative he suggested making it a business. I entertained the idea but didn’t put forth a lot of effort. As the stress continues and my husband continued to suggest starting my own business the more I started to believe in myself. One thing led to another. A logo was created, social media was created (coming from someone who had zero social media beforehand), friends let me shoot them for my portfolio, I would then book a shoot here and there, then I started reaching out to local businesses to do collabs and work together. Like a lot of times as entrepreneur’s when we reach out we get ignored or told no, but it only takes one yes.
A local MedSpa was my yes. Not only did she love the idea of a collab she understood what I was going for. She understood about women empowering women, helping each other be the best we can be, and providing services to women in the Houston area. I started growing my following even more, booking more shoots, and even had the confidence to organize a sip and shop, to not only showcase my business but also the business of other local women in the Houston area. I continue to put my name out there, attend events, and knock on doors (so to speak). Social media is not always my friend given the profession I am in, so I try to make sure my in-person relationships are solid and my business is out in the community. If social media were to go down today I want to make sure my business will still thrive.
Please tell us about Ciao Bella Boudoir Photography.
I am a boudoir photographer. I specialize in a more intimate form of photography that truly embraces the woman as a whole. Boudoir is not just “sexy pictures” as some may say. It is an art that allows women to see themselves in a different light, in a way that they may not see themselves in the mirror. A lot of women say “oh my stretch marks” or “oh I would do that when my body is right.” I try to explain that no matter what your individual goal is each moment is still special. Your body is still special even if it is not considered “ideal” to you. Once clients see their pictures the worries about those last 10-20 lbs or stretch marks vanish. They can’t believe it is them, and it is like YES THIS IS YOU! I am not here to give clients confidence. Everyone has a sense of confidence whether they boast about it or it is hidden deep inside. I am here to try and reignite the flame inside, which in turn helps them find the confidence that they already had inside of them. And for those that have that confidence, I am here to encourage them to keep it going! The beauty of boudoir is embracing yourself. Beauty is not based off age, race, religion, sexual orientation.
There is beauty in everyone and boudoir helps bring that beauty out in front of the lens in an unforgettable experience and pictures that last a lifetime. I work will all types of clients. Some clients want to do this for themselves, some have gone through life situations to where this is their way of helping get them back to feeling like themselves, some want to give it as a wedding gift to their fiance, and some do it as anniversary gifts, birthday gifts; along with various other reasons. I pride myself on being a very diverse boudoir photographer when it comes to photographing size and ethnicity. My portfolio is very diverse and I love that. I want my portfolio to match my potential clients in the real world. I want my potential clients to be able to look through my images and relate to them to know that regardless of what standard of beauty is put on us they can see that they are beautiful regardless.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is when we would go to Hilton Head Island, SC for two weeks every summer. Of course, family pictures was a thing. But I enjoyed the small traditions that took place, spending time with family, and being able to enjoy different aspects of life that were not available in my hometown.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ciaobellagency.com
- Phone: 713-331-3061
- Email: ciaobellagency@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ciaobellagency
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