Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciana Blanchard.
Ciana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I first got my experience with my job(s) now three years ago. My senior year in high school, I started a fashion club for not only models but hairstylist, makeup artists, and photographers to develop and gain more experience. I discovered that I was really good at networking with people and I loved bringing people from different backgrounds together as creatives. I managed the models and helped them build their portfolio using the team I had, whether they just wanted to try it out or make an actual career from it. I took a year break and now here I am 2 years later, somewhat doing the same thing! I only manage two models now, but I also have my own photography business.
I started doing photography once I realized how much money my clients and I were spending to build their portfolio. I realized I could buy a camera and learn it myself, and I did. I’m still learning but I’ve definitely made progress from when I first started.
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?
I wish I could say my journey has been a breeze, but it hasn’t! Dealing with my day to day life, the military, managing my clients, and my photography business there are times where I get discouraged. I am learning to balance doing all the things I love, because I love all of my jobs, so I don’t lose my determination to achieve the goals I have set forth. I’ve dealt with times where I felt as if I wasn’t doing good enough as a manager, photographer, or even as myself. I felt like I could be doing more and that I should. I’ve had a few times where I felt like I lost creativity with my work, but I’ve learned strategies that help me deal with all my struggles now!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ci Da Vinci story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in photography now, that’s how most people find out about me. I enjoy that and I don’t mind it being that way because I stay behind the scenes with my models.
One thing I am most proud of is how I make my photography clients feel from the time we first speak to one another to the time I send out their photos. I can proudly say my clients enjoy photo shoots with me. They’re always so tense and shy when they first arrive but there’s always a big difference from when they leave. I also work my hardest to achieve the vision they had when they booked me if they had one!
What sets me apart from others right now are my prices, I keep them low because I’m still learning. But that’s fine with me because I enjoy what I do!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
No, for me luck hasn’t found a way into my business yet. I work hard for everything and I’m happy to! I like the feeling of actually achieving things I worked hard for. Hopefully one day a lot of blessings will rain down to my business. Life wise, I’m always blessed! Thanks to God!
Pricing:
- $130 Studio Shoots
- $90 Location Shoots
Contact Info:
- Website: cidavinci.as.me
- Phone: 404-709-9724
- Email: camanagement7@gmail.com
- Instagram: ciana.alysia
- Twitter: twitter.com/CiDaVinci
Image Credit:
Photo of Ciana: @scrilldavis Instagram
The rest Ci Da Vinci
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