Meet Staci Oswald

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

Staci, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

I have been fortunate throughout my life to have met other women who have mentored and supported me, and it is my mission to pay that forward wherever I can.

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?

I’m a photographer, graphic designer, and a mom to two boys; I began my career working for magazines and advertising agencies, and now I run my own business, Staci Oswald Creative. I serve businesses and families alike, offering branding photography, headshots, event coverage, and family photoshoots.

Truly, owning a business was never part of my plan. I lost my job a few years ago due to budget cuts, and I knew I had a choice to make. I had already been doing photography for both families and agencies throughout my career, and it made sense to pivot and run my own business full time. It was a terrifying jump to make; I had two children to care for, and I knew I had to give it my all.

Thankfully, through word of mouth and the kindness of people I’d worked with in the past, my business grew organically, and more referrals kept flowing in. Though there are slower months, I have been fully booked ever since, and I am so thankful!

What I love most about this work is getting to capture the stories of people through photographs. Getting to connect with each individual in front of my camera, whether they’re a toddler or a CEO, is truly the highest honor.

This year, I’m working on growing the brand and corporate side of the business, offering corporate retreat coverage, headshots, styled photoshoots, and product photography. I’m so thrilled to be growing!

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?

My experience working for magazines and advertising agencies in a client-facing capacity truly helped me when it came time to run my own business. It enabled me to become comfortable discussing pricing, building consensus, and nurturing client relationships.

My graphic design experience helped me to be able to tackle some business-focused tasks internally, which has been helpful; most importantly, it has helped me to develop a thick skin over the years, and absorb constructive criticism in a meaningful way without taking it personally. (It took years, and truly, I’m still working on it.)

Lastly, when I lost my job, I discovered I had tenacity that I didn’t know was there. Losing that safety net forced me to leap when I wasn’t quite ready, but gave me the courage to take a risk.

If you’re just starting out, don’t panic. You already have inside of you many of the qualities you’ll need. Remember the connections that you’ve made through all of the years (both personal and professional.) Don’t be afraid to reach out to these people, and be honest about what you’re trying to achieve. Being authentic and transparent means vulnerability, which resonates with people. If you are rejected, or something doesn’t go as planned, keep your head up. That client or project may not be for you, and the next one that you reach out to could be a great fit. You’ve got this!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’d love to collaborate with art directors and marketing directors with magazines and advertising agencies to offer photography and graphic design services.

I immerse with teams in a gentle way, respecting the dynamic in place and listening to the needs and how I can best serve clients.

If you’re looking for photography or graphic design services, you can reach me through www.stacioswald.com or [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stacioswald.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacioswaldcreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacioswaldcreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacioswald/

Image Credits

Staci Oswald Creative