Meet Marissa Denson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marissa Denson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marissa, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I feel like my whole life has revolved around mental health – and not just my own. When I was 9 my father took his own life and lost the battle to mental health. Ever since then I’ve been more of an empathetic person, I’m very aware of people in need and I very much so cling to them. I think that’s where my love for animals sparked as well – considering everyone always says that animals love unconditionally. They really do if you treat them well and show them respect.

I’ve had my own struggles with mental health in all sorts of ways over the years. Anxiety, depression, postpartum and trauma have all played huge roles in the person I am today. I’ve always managed to find a way to navigate these rough waters when they do rock my boat of life. I try my best to look at the bigger picture, to see how far I’ve come and cling to the ones that need/love me. My animals have always been my rock in life. They have always been my passion from the time I could crawl. Thankfully I was born into a family of animal lovers as well and I always say I got this spark from my father.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Rissa’s Little Moos LLC blew up on TikTok in 2021 when I posted our first little reel of a baby cow loving a toddler and I’ve hit the floor running since then. My business kind of just fell in my lap – which I know is super rare for most. I have been a vet tech for 8 years, one year for my birthday I had wanted to raise a baby cow as a bottle calf. Most of you know the dairy industry is very over flown and I had found a local dairy that was selling fresh maybe 24-48 hour baby calves & I brought my first baby home.
I had posted pictures of her on social media and I had a local photographer on there reach out asking if we could use my baby “Prim” was her name – for some local photoshoots! Our first date of these “Calf Minis” was successful!
Since then I have continued to rescue these baby calves and bring them into a pet environment to be raised around compassion & love. I’ve partnered with several photographers over the years from ALL over Florida. I love to travel to expand and meet new clients!
Fast forward to today in 2025 I still can’t believe the impact I have on people with these baby moos. I recently had a very huge loss in my business and my life last year in March. I was involved in a huge barn fire when I was just 28 weeks pregnant with my first daughter, I had lost EVERYTHING including multiple animals in the barn.
My horses survived that were turned out in a pasture for the night and one baby cow who I had quarantined in my cow trailer. It was beyond devastating for me, very pregnant and alone I had escaped through a window in the camper I was living in. After this set back I wasn’t sure I would have a business to come back too. My clients waited for me and supported me in so many ways. They eagerly awaited the arrival of my daughter Mia. Once I had Mia I went right back to work and trying to get the business going again.
The big picture for this year isn’t so much expansion – but to rebuild from the literal ashes. To continue to grow as a photographer, travel to different areas of Florida to offer this once in a life time experience to new clients.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’m not sure if stubbornness should count as a quality – but I sure am too stubborn to take no for an answer, too stubborn. I’m very determined to be successful and love the life I live. My compassion is another powerful quality that drives me in the right direction each day. I love to teach and share these moments with my clients during sessions.
Determination and compassion are qualities I feel I was born with in my blood. Creativity is something I’ve had to fight tooth and nail for because I’m just not naturally a creative person. I have to really brainstorm and seek out new ideas, new set up, new ways to edit to keep the spark flowing. Some people this just comes naturally to them and I’ve never been one of those people. I’ve had to fight for it. If I could offer my advice to anyone looking to start their own path in life or a career it’s that you can never stop pushing. You have to keep reaching and looking for ways to expand, be creative, collaborate with people you like that share your passion.
When in a position of being stagnant be sure to seek knowledge or creativity to ignite that spark again!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I love to collaborate with other businesses or creators! I’m always looking for more western vibes as I’m a Florida cowgirl myself. But I love to brainstorm and help others reach their goals for their businesses as well. If you think my photography or baby animals spark some creativity for you please reach out with your ideas via email!

[email protected]

I am local in Central Florida – but I love to travel when I can. If you have an event coming up that might need a fluffy baby cow as a quest, I’m your girl to bring one!

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