Meet Valerie Wei-haas

We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Wei-haas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I’d say my work ethic comes from a mix of necessity and realization. Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of resources, so I quickly learned that if I wanted to get ahead, I had to put in the work — hard work wasn’t optional, it was the only option. I had to show up, push through challenges, and keep going even when things weren’t easy.

But as I moved forward in my career, I came to realize that hard work is more than just putting in the hours. It’s about showing up and giving my 100% every time, being fully committed to what you’re doing. When you bring your best to the table, whether it’s a photoshoot, a client meeting, or a creative solution, it makes a massive difference in the outcome. It’s the little things—the extra effort, the attention to detail, the consistency—that add up over time and set you apart.

That commitment to quality and consistency not only builds trust but also keeps clients coming back. They know that they can count on you to always give your all, and that’s what keeps the cycle of hard work and success going. So, while my work ethic definitely comes from humble beginnings, it’s been reinforced over the years of knowing that when you give everything you’ve got, the results speak for themselves.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a photographer and videographer, and I run a company called Wei-Haas Creative alongside my husband, who’s a web designer. I specialize in food photography, portraits and commercial photography and videography. My goal is always to help businesses showcase their products and services in the most beautiful and effective way possible. It’s really rewarding to work with clients—from small businesses to larger companies—and bring their vision to life in a way that truly reflects their brand. There’s something special about making a business shine through visual storytelling, whether that’s through a stunning product shot, an engaging promotional video, or helping them build a digital presence that works for them.

Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some really exciting projects, including cookbooks with chefs and food brands. These projects have been especially fulfilling because they allow me to dive deep into the world of food photography and storytelling in a way that feels both creative and meaningful.

I also really enjoy the world of videography because I’m able to capture people’s stories—whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a chef at work or a company’s journey in building something amazing. Every project is a chance to create something engaging and emotional, and it’s so exciting to bring those stories to life in a way that resonates with audiences.

At Wei-Haas Creative, we’re a team that thrives on collaboration. My husband and I work hand-in-hand to make sure that everything—from visuals to digital presence—comes together seamlessly. For us, it’s all about creating a cohesive brand experience for our clients, one that helps them stand out and succeed.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been hard work, consistency, and having a good attitude.

Early on, I knew that if I wanted to get ahead in a competitive field like photography, I had to give it everything I had. Hard work is the foundation for everything that follows—it builds skills, trust, and long-term success.

Consistency has also been crucial. No matter how talented you are, if you’re not consistent in delivering quality work, you won’t build a reliable reputation. Being dependable and producing high-quality work on a regular basis is key, especially in a field like photography where clients expect excellence every time. If you can deliver consistent results, you’ll earn trust and loyalty from clients, which is everything.

The third quality that has helped me is having a positive attitude and being easy to work with. This might seem simple, but it goes a long way, especially on set or during a project. People want to work with someone who’s not only skilled but also a pleasure to collaborate with. Keeping a calm and positive demeanor, no matter the pressure or challenges, helps keep everyone focused and makes the process smoother. Clients remember how you make them feel, and having a good attitude means they’ll keep coming back.

For those just starting out in photography, my advice would be to say “yes” to everything you can in the beginning. Take on as many different kinds of projects as possible, even if they seem outside your niche at first. The more experience you get, the more you’ll learn about what you truly love and what you’re best at. Every job is a learning opportunity, and over time, you’ll discover your unique style and niche within the industry.

And always remember, having a great attitude is just as important as having a great skill set. When clients enjoy working with you, they’ll want to hire you again, refer you to others, and keep you in mind for future projects.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe that when you’re a business owner, it’s essential to focus on your strengths and then delegate areas where you’re not as strong. Yes, you do have to wear many hats in the early stages, but it can quickly become overwhelming to try to do everything.

I recently brought in a very talented editor who specializes in photo and video post-production, and it was a game-changer. At first, I had a tight grip on every project, but once I started letting her take on the editing work and having free rein, I realized that she was doing an incredible job and it freed me up to focus on other aspects of the job. With her help, I’ve been able to take on more projects, feel less stressed, and deliver higher-quality work without burning out, especially during busy seasons.

Focusing on your strengths doesn’t mean ignoring areas where you could improve. It means recognizing that as a business owner, your time and energy are better spent where you can make the most impact. I was able to grow my business in ways I couldn’t have done alone because I knew I didn’t have the time to do everything on my own. So, I highly recommend finding the right people to delegate to—it’s not just about easing the workload; it’s about doing what you do best and allowing others to shine in their own areas of expertise.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photography by Valerie Wei-Haas

Portrait of Valerie with camera by Anna Kadavy

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
Working hard in 2025: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that