Meet GABRIELLE CLAY

We had the good fortune of connecting with GABRIELLE CLAY and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi GABRIELLE, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Through the Women in Focus project, I serve women who have a story to tell. We empower women across their spectrum of backgrounds, fostering a strong network of entrepreneurs, artists, moms, and surivors. Through photography events, retreats, and cooperative community workshops, we encourage personal growth. Ladies share their private, intimate stories, fears, and dreams with each other, and help each other see the beauties that they are inside and out–which they, themselves, can sometimes not see. Strengthening women through these positive, self-affirming interactions, Women in Focus promotes empowerment, mentorship, and community leadership. We believe our influence extends globally as participants are eager to share insights from their experiences through their networks, contributing to a collective push toward a more inclusive, innovative, and supportive world for women.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love to take portraits of women. Specifically, to develop their stories through my lens. In 2016, I began a new venture with my first photography business, Gabrielle in Denver, which has since grown into what is now Studio 14. As a visual storyteller and lifelong learner, I pride myself on personal interaction with each and every client, for each and every shoot. It is those interactions that reveal the secrets to capturing the best portraits in the best locations, with a complete understanding of clients’ needs, expectations, and fears. My PASSION, however, is my philanthropic mission, Women In Focus. Through the Women in Focus experience, we go beyond the lens to celebrate the essence of inspiring women and foster a sense of community through the art of photography. Welcome to a space where every lady I photograph possesses a distinctive and inspiring narrative, transforming this experience into something deeply personal. Our commitment extends beyond merely capturing moments; we are dedicated to building connections and forming encouraging bonds that resonate far beyond the events themselves. In this empowering community, we collectively affirm the powerful statement: WE ARE ENOUGH! This mantra serves as just one facet of the incredible, liberating, and undeniably true story we tell ourselves and share with others. Join us as we amplify the voices and stories of extraordinary women, creating a supportive network that transcends the boundaries of photography.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Montrose is amazing! Of course, I’d take a visitor to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park at sunrise. Then coffee at Bluecorn: it’s a cafe, music venue, and they make hand-dipped bees wax candles. Later, we’d lunch at Remington’s: a golf course restaurant with the best panoramic view of the San Juan Mountains. After a rest, maybe at Riverbotton Park adjacent to the Uncompahgre River, we’d go for a hike along the Lower Spring Creek. We’d check out the yurt village at Secret Creek. Shopping at Wilde Merrion, of course. Or She She or Luxe, or any of the other cure boutiques. Maybe a movie at our historic, vintage Fox Theater. Dinner at Camp Robber. Drinks at Phelanie’s (a speak easy) and finally, a deserved restful sleep at the newly renovated Rathbone Hotel Downtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have inspired and encouraged me through tough times and good. My photographic mentor is a gentleman in the Alaska Region of the National Park Service named Bill Heubner. My best girl friend, muse, and Supergirl inspiration for Women in Focus is Missy. But I would dedicate this shout out to my best friend and husband, Kevin. He pushes me to do things that are out of my comfort zone but are exactly what I want and need. He supports me in everything. Promotes me everywhere. Praises me all the time and inspires me to keep going, do better, be my best, and alway keep learning.

Website: www.studio14.gallery

Instagram: @studio14bygabrielle

Facebook: studio14bygabrielle

Image Credits
Studio 14 by Gabrielle