The Portrait System Podcast: Episode Summary Title: How Angelia Malbrew Quit Her Corporate Job To Become A Powerhouse Networker & Photographer
Host: Nikki Closser
Guest: Angelia Malbrew
Release Date: October 14, 2024

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser sits down with Angelia Malbrew, a dynamic photographer who made the bold decision to leave her corporate career behind to pursue her passion full-time. Angelia shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she overcame, and the strategies that have propelled her success in the competitive world of personal branding photography.

2. Angelia's Journey to Photography

a. Early Passion and Inspiration

Angelia's love for photography began at a young age, sparked by her first camera gifted by her late father. She recalls, "[...] having the art and the opportunity to be a photographer since I was 14 is something that I don't take lightly" (04:45).

b. The Pivotal Wedding Incident

A turning point in Angelia's career occurred during her wedding in 2017 when the photographer she hired failed to show up, sending unqualified associates instead. This disappointing experience led her to, "[...] I wanna go do brides and babies. And I just decide that my calling is definitely in the branding space, it's definitely women empowerment" (07:40).

3. Transitioning from Corporate to Photography

a. Leaving JPMorgan Chase

After nearly a decade at JPMorgan Chase, Angelia felt trapped despite the financial security her job provided. She shares her internal struggle: "I have to bet on me this time. I cannot continue to tell everybody else to go after their dreams and be great and then I'm over here [...]" (11:19).

b. Overcoming Fear and Prioritizing Mental Health

Angelia discusses the fear of losing insurance benefits and the uncertainty of client acquisition. However, she emphasizes the importance of mental health over financial security: "What if the cancer comes back? [...] I have to bet on me this time" (11:37).

4. Building a Successful Photography Business

a. Focusing on Personal Branding and Women Empowerment

Angelia transitioned from traditional bridal photography to personal branding, aligning her work with her passion for women empowerment. She highlights the significance of this niche: "Personal branding is where the rubber meets the road with me. I absolutely love it" (23:03).

b. Comprehensive Service Offerings

Her services extend beyond photography, including content strategies, brand identity consultations, and digital content creation. "I design content for them that is aesthetically pleasing and it also incorporates everything about them" (33:41).

c. Strategic Pricing for Sustainability

Angelia adopts a premium pricing model to ensure sustainability and exclusivity. Her session fees start at $890, with comprehensive packages ranging up to $30,000 for VIP experiences. "I price myself in industry standard [...] my session fee is $890, and it does not include images" (37:56).

5. Effective Marketing and Networking Strategies

a. Proactive Networking

Angelia emphasizes the importance of active networking over passive client acquisition. She attends large conferences like the International Leadership Summit to connect with high-caliber clients: "These people are really making money and they're not out there networking just for giggles" (44:08).

b. Importance of Follow-Up

Following up with potential clients is crucial. Angelia advises, "Don't go in there talking all about your business, but let them talk to you" (31:07).

c. Creating and Leveraging Communities

She launched the Elevated Brand Society, a network focused on female entrepreneurs supporting each other: "This women's network is going to be called the Elevated Brand Society [...] we have to build a business that we love" (29:17).

6. Current Projects and Future Plans

a. Personal Branding Tour

Angelia is embarking on a personal branding tour, visiting seven new cities to expand her reach and connect with diverse clients: "This year I decided to go to multiple cities [...] that's where we're going" (52:04).

b. Utilizing Multiple Platforms

She leverages various social media platforms, including Threads (referred to as "Twitter for Instagram"), to attract clients and collaborators: "I have over a hundred replies when I put something out there [...]" (53:40).

7. Advice and Recommendations

a. Invest in Personal Development

Angelia highly recommends Sue Brice’s Personal Brand Course, which transformed her business approach: "Personal Brand Course by Sue Brice [...] it will change your life because it is" (58:43).

b. Embrace Creativity and Efficiency

She encourages photographers to offer comprehensive services that add value, such as pre-designed content templates: "I design all of that stuff for them. [...] it's worth its weight in gold" (35:59).

8. Conclusion

Angelia Malbrew’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the importance of strategic planning in building a successful business. Her proactive approach to networking, commitment to quality, and dedication to empowering women set a remarkable example for aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Angelia Malbrew (04:45):

  "If there's something that you could do for the rest of your life and not get paid for it, photography would be the thing for it."

• Angelia Malbrew (07:40):

  "I wanna go do brides and babies. And I just decide that my calling is definitely in the branding space, it's definitely women empowerment."

• Angelia Malbrew (11:19):

  "I have to bet on me this time. I cannot continue to tell everybody else to go after their dreams and be great and then I'm over here."

• Angelia Malbrew (23:03):

  "Personal branding is where the rubber meets the road with me. I absolutely love it."

• Angelia Malbrew (31:07):

  "Don't go in there talking all about your business, but let them talk to you."

• Angelia Malbrew (44:08):

  "These people are really making money and they're not out there networking just for giggles."

• Angelia Malbrew (58:43):

  "Personal Brand Course by Sue Brice [...] it will change your life because it is."

Final Thoughts

Angelia Malbrew’s journey from corporate employee to a thriving personal branding photographer exemplifies dedication, resilience, and strategic innovation. Her insights into pricing, service offerings, and networking provide valuable lessons for photographers aiming to elevate their businesses. By prioritizing mental health and personal fulfillment, Angelia demonstrates that success is achievable without compromising one's well-being.

For more inspiring stories and actionable business strategies, subscribe to The Portrait System Podcast and join the thriving community of photographers dedicated to excellence and empowerment.