Today we’d like to introduce you to Mena Darré.
Hi Mena, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up with a love of sports and art. I was a smart kid but when someone asked me what was my favorite subject in school instead of saying something smart like “Math or Science” my answer was always PE and Art. So reflecting on who I am today and where I started it all makes sense.
Graduating out of high school, I wanted to attend an Art School in LA. I was obsessed with America’s Next Top Model. I used to sketch gowns because I just knew I was going to be a gown designer for the red carper. However, when I started learning how to sew I quickly learned that sewing and designing wasn’t for me. I soon learned that I was actually obsessed with photography and not so much the fashion piece. So at the end of every Top Model Episode, I was amped to see how the photos turned out. My favorite models at that time were Eva Marcille, Yaya, and Bre Scullark.
Out of high school, I didn’t think I would make it as an artist simply because I allowed society to dictate my future. Starving artist was constantly being thrown in my face and at that time I didn’t see anyone who looked liked me who was doing what I wanted to do. So I decided to pick something safe and I enrolled at Lindenwood University. I earned my bachelor’s in Exercise Science and was planning to become a pediatric physical therapist but halfway through my Master’s program, I quickly realized that God had something else planned for me. I knew I was supposed to be doing something else but I wasn’t quite sure on what it was so I continued doing what I was doing, going to school, working, and taking pictures.
After I graduated with my Masters, I started a teaching job at an all girl school. Again, I knew I was supposed to be doing something else but I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I always trusted that God would guide my path even when I didn’t understand it. I continued to grow my business while working a full-time job but November 2016, my entire way of thinking changed after losing one of my closest friends to a hit and run followed by my cousin passing away from Stage 4 cancer. My friend and my cousin were my age, we were under 30 and I quickly learned that life was way too short. I knew I was not supposed to be at the school but I knew I was there for a reason. In June 2017, I quit my job to pursue photography full-time and Creatives Of Tomorrow, which is an organization that exposes black and brown kids to entrepreneurship and photography. It’s been four years and I haven’t looked back since. I knew that I had to pursue my goals. I owed that to people like JB and Ty who didn’t get their opportunity.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth ride but I didn’t expect it to be. I’m a realist! I dream but I also keep my feet on solid ground. Growing a successful and profitable business takes persistence, strategy, a ton of work, money, and wise counsel. If you think you’re going to grow a business without those five pillars, you’re living in a fantasy land. Yea, it’s easy to make a quick dollar but when you want to go from earning a $100 to $10,000 that takes a different level of thinking and power moves.
Half the struggle of growing your business is your mindset. When you beat yourself up internally you already lost! There goes your chance at being successful. Before I quit my job, I went to 4 therapy sessions and they changed my life. My therapist taught me how to be more self-aware, how to pinpoint my triggers that flared up my anxiety, and how to change the narrative of these false stories I was telling myself. “You can’t to do that! No one is going to pay you that much! You’re going to end up back where you started!”
Wheewwww!!!! Therapy saved my life!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After quitting my job, I became a Brand Photographer and Strategist! I help entrepreneurs and creatives package their ideas and generate consistent sales by building their online presence, platform, and profit plan. I’ve worked with so many cool brands; CBD brand owners, boutiques, politicians, event spaces, influencers, authors, real estate agents, makeup artists, stylists, non-profits, and so many more. Last year I officially earned the title as being “The Branding Lady” I don’t know if I like the term Lady but hey, I get it. I’m known for helping people look like million dollar brands.
I am most proud of winning the Facebook Small Business Grant because it allowed me to purchase gently used cameras so I can start teaching photography camps and workshops. My purpose in the current season is to inspire, educate, and expose the youth to different opportunities and winning this grant is helping me on my journey.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
To learn more about what I do visit my website at www.brandwithmena.com. I have a ton of free content on my website; workbooks to help you grow your business; a free class on YouTube, and a ton of blogs on how to help you grow your business. Then if someone wants to work with me, they can submit an inquiry directly on the website.
Pricing:
- Photography Camp For Kids & Teens $250
- Content Creation Master Class $297
- Branding Photos Start At $500
- 8 Week BOSS Academy Coaching Program $3497
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@brandwithmena.com
- Website: www.brandwithmena.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mena.darre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandWithMena
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOVNo6Xz6bVv5tL9WjZcmTQ
Image Credits
Mena Darré www.brandwithmena.com Photos with the kids provided by Demond Meek
