Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Beaver
Hi Michaela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, my name is Michaela- but some call me M! I am a twenty-something girlie who is blessed to call the incredible city of St. Louis home. My favorite things include my loved ones, a stunning sunset, my amazing dog Daisy, Christmas lights, and cute babies. I have had a camera glued to my hands since 2016! Photography has been the invisible string throughout many seasons of life to see the beauty in others and in everything.
Growing up, I have always had a heart for the creative, and moved from hobby to hobby until I found my first camera my senior year of high school. Thus- a new passion was born! Photography has woven in and out of my life for over ten years, and what a gift it has been. I also had an entrepreneurial spirit as a child, selling many different “creations”, marching up and down every neighborhood to knock on every door to sell Girl Scout cookie boxes, and babysitting for anyone and everyone. Seeing the way both have combined into my adult years is such a blessing.
My previous background is in healthcare. I worked for several years in pediatric oncology as a CNA/MA and floated to every unit of the hospital when asked at one of the top pediatric hospitals in the midwest. Working in pediatric oncology taught me so many things that altered the lens in which I view the world forever. The ones that stick out are; the beauty of the large milestones and all the precious moments in between, the value of gratitude, and the joy from being where your feet are.
Maristella by M’s Name Story-
“Life is a gift, and the Giver is so good.” This became a mantra that was lived out in my personal story when I endured a near-fatal car accident in 2022. Blessed with multiple miraculous healings, and a new start on life- I had a reconversion of heart to my faith and to life itself. I prayed with “Mary-Star-of-the-Sea” (or in latin Maris Stella) for my faith to be my guiding light in the dark waters of the struggles ahead of my life- and the peace instilled in my heart was the biggest miracle of all.
After my car accident I wondered if I still “had it” as I had to relearn talking and walking and so many other skills, in the past year I had so many opportunities fall into my lap that reassured my confidence in my skills to the point that I decided to pursue my business full force. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and I knew I would regret it if I buried my talents.
I see Maristella by M as the beautiful culmination of my past, present, and future story. I look forward to walking with my clients in their journeys and telling the beauty of their stories through irreplaceable images to last a lifetime!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a sole business owner comes with a lot of responsibility and has resulted in a lot of late nights and worrying, wondering how I can continue to serve my clients the best ways I can but also create a sustainable business- and trusting that God will make a way if this path is His will for my life and that I just have to take it one step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I am blessed that I can continue to see my business grow and evolve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Maristella Photos by M?
I chose business but am a creative! I am a photographer who specializes in lifestyle portraits, I capture families, seniors, couples, and newborns using documentary style portraiture with the use of prompts and direction. I strive to capture the beauty of the stories of the individuals I am portraying and the palpable love between them, as well as the dignity and beauty of the life of every person in front of my lens. I grew up marveling wall art portraits of my mom and her siblings when they were little in my grandmothers house, and knew from then on the importance of photography in people’s lives. My favorite thing in my business is creating albums that my clients grandkids can look through on Christmas morning 50 years after the photoshoot, crafting the perfect wall art to adorn the walls of their home for generations, and becoming the perfect Christmas card- I love when images become art to become cherished forever. I offer full service portraiture where I am there for my clients every step of the way from inquiry to delivery of their gallery and artwork. Photography is a guaranteed investment in my client’s future because moments are fleeting and life is just so short, and capturing beautiful images to be treasured for a lifetime and beyond truly makes my heart sing! I am proud that I have created a brand that allows me to walk with my clients in the most special moments of their lives, hiring a photographer is scary and I am able to truly take care of my clients and let them know just how wonderful they are and meaningful their life and story is. I pray for each of my clients every day and truly am grateful for each one who has supported me in my journey as well.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Life is a gift- let’s tell your story together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maristellaphotos.com/links
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maristellaphotos/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/maristellaphotos
