Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marissa Mauro Flemming. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Marissa , 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?
When I was in high school, I told my high school band director I wanted to major in music in college. I had successfully won first chair in the all-county band, was drum major of the marching band, and principal flute in the regional youth orchestra. She laughed in my face and told me to come back in four years and tell her I was still doing that. Having people constantly questioning my abilities and doubting me only fueled my drive and passion to prove them wrong.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
This is such a loaded question. I have a doctorate in music, I play principal flute with the South Florida Symphony, I teach flute lessons, and I also have a BOOMING photography business. Not to mention being a full time mommy to two little girls!
During covid, I lost my orchestra job when everything was shut down. Concerts were at a stand still, lessons were taught through zoom, and things were not looking good for the arts. I knew I had a significant student loan I needed to pay off and I needed a flexible job that allowed me to stay home with our daughter during the day but still gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I loved taking pictures of my daughter and I thought, why not take pictures of other families? I posted an advertisement for free pictures and slowing started building a portfolio and clientele. 5 years later I am entirely self taught and I have an incredible business. I am so blessed to have such loyal clients and to have formed real friendships in the process.
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?
The first and most important quality is hard work. I was never a “natural” when it came to music. In fact, it took me years just to get a sound out of it. I remember crying to my mom that I couldn’t get a sound out and she said to pack up the flute, she was returning it. Of course I cried and begged her not too. I worked hard at it and continue to work at it to this day. With photography, I am completely self taught. I got on YouTube, watched tutorials, took classes, and learned how to use the camera, editing software, and how to run a business. It is so important to not make excuses. If you want to do something, do it. You are the one controlling your life.
The second quality is kindness. My dad would always tell me you get more bees with honey than you do vinegar. Be kind to everyone. Be the person people want to work with and be around. Be kind to your “competitors.” They are actually the people who are going to recommend you and open the doors for future opportunities.
That brings me to the my third quality, networking. It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. Networking is key! Yes, be prepared and know what you need to know, but keep those contacts and connections.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
One huge obstacle I am currently facing is work life and home life balance. I think a lot of people struggle with this and it’s not talked about enough. When you own your own business, people expect you to work 24/7. As a mom of two, sometimes I don’t have time to respond to emails or texts same day. I feel a constant pull from my different identities, being a mom, wife, teacher, musician, photographer, business owner, and social media manager. It can be overwhelming and sometimes I feel like a failure or like I am letting people down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildflowerphotographyfl.com
- Instagram: @wildflowerphotographyfl. & @marissamauroflute
- Facebook: @wildflowerphotographyfl
Image Credits
Wildflower Photography FL
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
