We were lucky to catch up with Glenai Gilbert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Glenai , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my late mother, who was the most driven and compassionate person I’ve ever known. As a single mother raising two children, she faced more challenges than most, yet never let her circumstances define her. She built a life for us with sheer determination, working tirelessly to create opportunities where none existed.
She led multiple businesses, earning ownership stakes through her relentless commitment and talent. Companies often tried to recruit her because of the incredible results she delivered. But beyond her professional accomplishments, she had an unwavering dedication to her community. She was recognized for her work with women’s clubs, the Boy and Girl Scouts, the March of Dimes, local schools, and even the police and fire departments. She believed in lifting others up and made time to serve, no matter how busy she was.
What influenced me most wasn’t just how hard she worked, but the way she did it—with grace, humility, and a deep desire to grow. She took time to understand people, to lead with empathy, and to constantly improve herself. She never sought shortcuts, only the satisfaction of doing things the right way.
Her life taught me that true strength lies in consistency, compassion, and character. I carry those lessons with me every day, and I work hard because I saw what it means to give your all—not just for success, but for something bigger than yourself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Glenai Gilbert Photography, my husband and I work together as a photo and video team, capturing weddings with care, intention, and heart. What we do is not just about documenting a day. It is about preserving the feelings, the connections, and the legacy that couples carry with them for a lifetime.
My passion for this work comes from personal loss. After losing my mother, I often wished I had more photos with her—more pieces of our story frozen in time. That longing gave me a deeper understanding of how powerful and meaningful photos can be. Every image is a way to hold on to something we can never get back, and that truth inspires me to approach each wedding with purpose and compassion.
What makes my work special is how personal it is. I pour my heart into every part of the process. I take time to truly connect with my couples so they feel loved, supported, and at ease. My goal is to serve them with excellence and empathy, and to give them more than just photos—I want to give them memories that feel alive.
Something new I am excited about is the launch of a content creation service. This will give couples fun, candid clips that capture the in-between moments of the wedding day. It is a lighthearted and meaningful way to remember the little things that often become the most treasured memories.
At its core, my brand is about love, legacy, and being intentional. Every couple deserves to feel special and seen, and I am honored to be part of telling their story in a way that truly matters.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been especially impactful in my journey as a creative business owner.
The first is learning to trust that my business is mine for a reason. I don’t have to run it the way someone else does in order to be successful. Once I let go of the idea that I had to replicate someone else’s brand or style, I found freedom in making decisions that align with my values, my vision, and what feels right for the couples I serve. It’s important to know your business inside and out, and to advocate for the direction you believe in.
The second is resisting the urge to compare. Success looks different for everyone, and our paths aren’t meant to be identical. Just because someone else is being published or winning awards doesn’t mean you have to chase the same milestones to feel accomplished. Set goals that actually matter to you, and give yourself permission to celebrate every win (no matter how small). Those moments build momentum and confidence.
The third is embracing growth. I’m learning new things all the time, and I’ve come to understand that growth often comes from being willing to try, fail, and try again. Change is part of the journey. You don’t have to be perfect… you just have to keep moving forward, even in small steps. That’s where real progress lives.
If I had one piece of advice for anyone starting out, it would be to trust yourself. Know why you started, stay grounded in your purpose, and let that guide your decisions. The more clearly you define what matters to you, the more confident you’ll feel building a business that’s not only successful, but meaningful.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
It is very easy to feel overwhelmed in this business. We are capturing some of the most important moments in people’s lives, and we only get one chance to do it. That kind of pressure can feel intense. When I start to feel it, I remind myself that as long as I have prepared well and I am giving my all, that is enough. My goal is always to try my hardest for my couples, and if I can stand by that, I know I am doing my job with integrity.
I also try to stay aware of how I am feeling physically and emotionally. It is important to check in with yourself. Rest is not always easy to allow, especially when you love what you do and want to keep going, but it is necessary. Rest and realignment help me stay grounded and prevent burnout.
I am very thankful to have my husband and partner by my side. He helps carry the load, both personally and professionally, and is a steady presence when things feel heavy. Having someone who truly understands the demands of the work makes such a difference. I also find strength in community. Connecting with others in the wedding industry, people who understand the highs and lows, helps me feel supported and seen.
My advice is to listen to yourself, allow rest when you need it, and build a support system around you. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury… it is part of doing your best work and serving others with your whole heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glenaigilbertphotography.com
- Instagram: @glenaigilbertphoto
- Facebook: Glenai Alexis or Glenai Gilbert Photography
Image Credits
@glenaigilbertphoto / Glenai Gilbert Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
