Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christina Gressianu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Christina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
“Finding your purpose” feels like an awfully heavy pursuit. When I talk with people about where they’re headed, they mention finding their purpose with a bit of sadness. We often feel so lost about finding purpose and it feels really important.
Life became more fun for me when I stopped trying to find my purpose and instead just followed by curiosity, or my anger. If something makes me wonder, then I explore. If something makes me mad, then I can look into changing it. Those two pulls have led me into all sorts of interesting and unexpected places!
For example, soon after graduating college I came across a newspaper ad for job at a toy company. The job was highly technical, and I wasn’t qualified in the slightest. But I was curious – how cool would it be to work at a toy company? So I reached out with my resume and a cover letter that basically said “I’d love to work for you. I know I’m not qualified for the job you posted, but is there anywhere I might be able to contribute?” They called me for an interview and I worked in the design department of Alex Toys for 4 years.
Another example is how I’ve become involved with my community here in Loveland, Colorado. It started with opening my portrait photography studio, and the obstacles of building permits and inspectors. The process made me (and my husband) angry, and so we started reaching out to city counselors and department directors. Yes, we got the studio done! And now I’m on the board of our Downtown Development Association. I have a seat at the table, and I can help other small business owners get through the process.
Purpose for me is found in action – not waiting for a magical moment that will make everything make sense!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My portrait studio exists to help people – mainly women – find something they’re missing. Whether it’s confidence and self-esteem, or feeling seen, loved and appreciated, I create an experience for them to find it. It’s a process where clients are guided to find creativity, beauty and joy within themselves.
I started photographing portraits 25 years ago, and I’ve learned different art and lighting styles to suit differing tastes and needs. Some people want a fashion magazine look, and others want a classical painting feel – sometimes it’s both in one shoot!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Empathy, humility and curiosity are my three biggest assets. Empathy is how I connect with my clients and bring out their personality in a photo, even though they’re nervous. Humility means that I never stop learning and I’m never entitled to anything. Every kindness, every dollar someone spends with me and every bit of vulnerability and trust is a gift. Curiosity is what keeps me going. The deep introvert that I am would love to stay home and work alone all the time. Fortunately, I’m curious about people – how they think, how they feel, what makes them go. It’s enough to get me talking with people!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Looking back at my childhood, I’m astounded by how supportive my mom was. When I was a kid, I thought nothing of going to the art store with my mom and throwing whatever I wanted in a cart. Now I think about the cost of cameras, film, development – along with painting and drawing supplies. So much paper!! She would buy them and let me go to my room! No questions, no guilt. That unwavering support enabled me to become the artist I’ve become.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.photocg.co
- Instagram: @photocg