Meet Mariah Ehlert | Photographer, Visionary, Brain Science Nerd

I have always wanted to run my own business. Being a creative visionary, entrepreneurship seemed like the most natural fit. I’ve had a few other business outside of my photography as well, and loved all of it. My thought process on starting a business was definitely focused one a couple main questions: 1. do I love it and 2. does the business model work. When I finally landed on “yes” for both questions, I dove in.

My business was an evolution of an idea. Once I realized I could make the business plan work, I started the journey. It is definitely NOT a straight line. What I thought I’d be doing back when I started my business is barely even related to what I’m doing now. And that is the brilliant part of it: we get to create, innovate, pivot when we see it fits. My unique spin comes in a few areas: I work almost exclusively in my old renovated church studio. It’s not just a space to create, but a private, safe, peaceful place. This often contributes to putting my clients at ease. I also am a brain science nerd. This nerdiness comes out in a few ways: using body language and micro expressions to convey intention (aka attract that ideal client!). It also shows up as empathy. I can both see and sense when a client is not breathing, and starts to slip into feeling anxious. And, I know how to help manage that with them, giving them a wonderful experience (rather than dreading having to get new photos) and intention-packed image storytelling for their brand (business or online dating!).

Red Rocks, hiking trails (small to tall, to acclimate), Denver Botanic Gardens, Vine Street Pub, Sweet Action, any of our mountain passes.

There are so many that have helped me along this journey, and I’ll continue to seek out more to keep me moving forward! Travis Rumsey for his continuous mentor-friendship and being a sounding board for my (often wacky) ideas. Joanna Ziemlewski with Soulscaping was one of my first photography and business mentors. Rachel Lubchansky an ever brilliant business coach and source of ideas, resources, and beautiful friend. Kami Guildner a soulful business coach, podcaster, and lovely human. Lisa Wimberger for teaching me about the brilliancy of our brain (and all her books!). Thank you and so many more.