Meet Lila Seeley of Lila Bell Creative

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lila Seeley.

Lila, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always dreamt of being a writer and photographer – really of holding any job remotely related to anything creative. I carried disposable cameras around with me everywhere I went, made my own TV channel and wrote scripts, some of which actually saw a rehearsal or two whenever my siblings were compliant. However, after studying film at American University, I felt as though I lost all clarity as to which direction I wanted to head in creatively. I got a job at a startup doing everything from food photography, producing recipe videos, social media marketing and copywriting.

After a year, I began to feel creatively stunted and wanted to get out. I finally got the courage to quit my full-time job with a very, very thin safety net beneath me. But, doing this was the best thing I could have done for my career. I began finding any photo clients I could – mostly in the wellness space – sometimes making money, other times coming home with a stack of free yoga pants. Yet spending my days doing exactly what I loved excited me and I began to find bigger and bigger clients.

Now, I work mostly with just one client. I have the freedom to find my own ways to creatively express myself and brands I feel personally empowered by.

Writing is coming back into my heart, and I’m curious to see what’s next. It’s all a ride.

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?
Is it ever a smooth road? I seriously struggled to understand what it was I actually wanted to spend my time doing. I had the hardest time quitting my first job at the startup even though I wasn’t happy or doing what I wanted to do. I struggled to support myself after quitting and had to resort to babysitting most of my days while searching for avenues to practice my craft. Most days I still struggle with the question of what I actually want to do, what I’m supposed to do, where I’m going.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m relatively young and new to this space. Most of my time is spent photographing and writing, although my photography is what’s leading.

I’m most proud of the people I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, for I’ve learned much more from them than I have in school or on my own. That’s what I truly enjoy. I like to think that I’m rather intuitive, introspective and thoughtful and I believe that allows me to see more in a photo or story than simply what’s reflected through the lens or plot.

That’s what I try to communicate through my art – what’s underneath, thoughts, feelings, and ideas that lay underneath.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Working with free and native! Receiving the feedback and visibility the brand has allowed me. Also, seeing my images in print, and on packaging in grocery stores nationwide.

Contact Info:

• Website: lilabseeley.com
• Phone: 3154160097
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @lilaabell

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.