Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Woods.
Hi Mia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a photographer who works with cosplayers and families. I started as a cosplayer, sewing and making costumes with friends. I always was the one taking the photos of everyone. So I decided to get a camera and take classes on better pictures. Now I’m behind the camera and still enjoy dressing up when I can. Because of this, I dress up as Mimoo Universe as well. She changes as I do and goes through different phases in my life. When I go to events, I like to feel included in the fun, so that’s how I came up with the idea. I have always been an artist, but photography is something I can share with people and my community.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is not easy, but it’s one of the most positive things I’ve done. It has not been a smooth road because putting myself out there and showcasing my work is hard. I’ve slowly built up a group of people who genuinely love what I do. I’ve continued to push myself to connect with more creative people. The business side took a lot of work to set up. I am making decisions on what to charge and staying true to myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mimoo Universe Photography?
Mimoo Universe Photography started as a passion project and slowly became a business and persona myself. I aim to help others feel beautiful and see something new about themselves in my photos. I’ve had to work on self-love and body positivity to do this. It has been a journey but one that I’m very proud of. I specialize in cosplay and family photography. As I said, I started with cosplayers, but I’ve been doing more family photography in recent years. It’s been fulfilling for me to work with different families and especially kids. I have made a big connection with this niche. I am proud of how far I have come in the last six years of doing this. I am currently helping host photography events and connecting with other photographers in the St. Louis area. That is something that I wouldn’t have ever thought that I would do. Promoting the events and directing the way that they’ll go. It can be a lot, but when they happen, and to see how many people have enjoyed them so far. I want to keep doing it and keep making it even bigger.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
When I first started, I went through a program called Cole’s Classroom. It gave me many of the necessary tools to succeed as a photographer. And it was a great starting point for me. When I started a business, I wasn’t sure where to start. So I had a mentor named Gieselle Allen. What drew me to her was that she talked about how the world is designed to make us feel like we have to do everything. But we’re also not deserving of success as people of color. She also discussed rest and its importance when owning a business. I have a lot of people around me working themselves to exhaustion. Myself included at times. And it helped me have that drilled in me that it’s okay to rest and that rest is productive. I don’t feel bad when I want to take the day to do nothing and recharge.
Another thing that helped me before I started the business was having one person believe in me. One person sees the value in me and what I do. The first paying client I didn’t know was Elisa, and even to this day, no matter what my prices are. She believes I’m worth the investment. My friends and my family always supported what I wanted to do. Having that support, I continued believing I could push myself to do even more. I’m only at the start of my true goal with my business.
My sister, Kimmy, calls herself the Mimoo Universe Fan Club President. She always pushes me to be my best self and helps promote my business. She helps me a lot with organizing my ideas and listening when needed.
Lastly, one of my biggest fans and friends is Rafael. He is my model for many of my promotions and helps develop ideas for cosplays. He inspires me with all his amazing creations, and I want the world to see how amazing he is. He also helps me feel safe at events and helps direct. Mimoo Universe Photography wouldn’t be the same without all these great people who have helped me.
Contact Info:
- Website: mimoouniverse.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mimoouniverse
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mimoouniverse
Image Credits
Mimoo Universe Photography
