Today we’d like to introduce you to Le Tresse Trahan Grissom.
Le Tresse, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well my background is in behavioral and mental health. I spent more than ten years working with individuals affected by behavioral disorders accompanied by mental illness. My clientele ranged from children as young as five years old to adults up to 33 years of age. I was very passionate about working with this population of individuals and their families, however, working in this field also can draw up a lot of stress. Which is how my heart turned to the camera. Now, I already loved taking photos, but as my career in the social service world became more strenuous I found myself drawn to being behind the camera more.
As my career in social services was becoming more stressful and demanding along with my husband, we had to make a collective decision for me to take a leave for a while due to our demographics at home. Now, anyone that is a wife and/or a mother knows sometimes we have to put our wants on the back burner and place whats needed in front. And at the time, my families needs were primary. After being off for a while, I said to myself “you know what you’re good with the camera and you have excellent interpersonal skills, why not use them to your advantage and make this thing make some money for you while having fun at the same time!” Fast forward two years and here I am. Funny how this interview is right on time, I started my sole priority with LA in April 2017.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The entrepreneurial ride is not an easy one. Especially, when you have several items to juggle. For example, I am a wife, a mother, a property investor, property manager, a photographer and I still have a desire to work in the realm of social services in some type of capacity. It’s a day to day ride.
One of the major challenges that I am faced with every day is juggling my hats. Clearly, I have a lot going on, but I enjoy every bit of it. One thing that I struggle with is being accepted as not only a photographer but a self-taught photographer. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am constantly taking educational tips and courses (Ben Sasso is a great resource for this), but when I tell people that I have a background in behavioral and mental health, sometimes that can shy them away. However, as I previously stated somewhere in this article I believe that this a strength of mine. I believe that this helps me better connect with the clients that I collaborate with.
If I could offer any advice to another young woman that is just getting started on their journey, it would be to just keep pushing. That sometimes your path will change, intersect or even loop back around and that’s okay. Continue to expand your mindset, sharpen your skills set and do not be afraid to ask for help. If you’re willing to learn, you will always advance and grow in your passion. Know that this life is a Marathon (RIP NIP), not a race. That with hard work and dedication eventually comes reward. Understand that the lows will come, but you can’t let that stop you (PUSH THRU!).
So, as you know, we’re impressed with FeBeJoy Photos – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a self-taught female photographer of color. I’m very passionate about connecting and creating with female lifestyle brands, brand builders, style bloggers, and creative entrepreneurs. One thing about me is that I am a planner. Anyone that has worked with me knows that I always want to meet with them initially, not only just for the sake of meeting but to really get to know a little bit about them, what they are trying to achieve through their photos and how we can create it together. Additionally, I always tell women that I meet with that just because you sat down with me does not mean that you have to obligated to move forward in working with me. And honestly, I believe that this approach has not only allowed them to feel more comfortable with me but has helped me as a business owner because everyone is not a match.
I recently went to NYC for fashion week and loved shooting the street style. Fashion is another passion of mine. But aside from my love of photography, I hold a BA in Behavioral Science and an MA in Psychology. I believe that my social services background has assisted me in making connections and being able to not only create with my clients but hear what my clients need and help them achieve that goal.
Who have you been inspired by?
Well, FeBeJoy is a name derived from the women that are/were most influential and inspiring in my life. The love and appreciation for the ladies that helped mold me into the woman that I am today. Felecia (Fe), my mother, who I will always love dearly. She showed me that life doesn’t always have to be taken so seriously. She will forever be my wonderer (Sag). Berenice (Be) my paternal grandmother, the sweetest most kind hearted woman ever. Words cannot describe how I truly feel about this lady (my heart). Joyce (Joy) my MaDea (maternal grandmother) who showed me how to welcome others and love even when your head is telling you to do the opposite. I also got my love of cooking good soul food from her as well. These ladies will forever be with me, FeBeJoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.febejoyphotos.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @febejoyphotos; @febejoyphotos_issastreetthang
Image Credit:
photo of interviewee was taken by Courtney Paige Ray
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
