Eliesa's Brands //

Our world has changed drastically in the past year and a half and my email is once again buzzing with freelancers asking questions. There is an industry shift after the pandemic and we could all use some guidance. There is a new generation of entrepreneurs and freelancers who are pursuing a life of freelance and also established small business owners who are looking towards what is next. Now is the time to lead and though I don’t have all of the answers, I do know that we must all rise together to create a new place that keeps the freelance dream alive.That means charging rates of value, getting our portfolios and businesses in order, hiring equitably and confidently walking forward to a better future. 

I am sixteen years into being a freelancer and I've gone from being a girl with a camera to owning five different brands and building a team of some of the best artists. Personally, I have also become a parent and had to navigate things like health insurance, maternity leave and growing a business alongside building my family! I've made many mistakes and had many successes, but my experience has brought about a wealth of knowledge (and some crazy stories) that I would love to share with you.

Whether you are a freelancer, small business owner or student, I want to guide, mentor and inspire you. We’ll begin with a simple conversation, and by working together, develop for you a refreshed perspective on being a freelancer. I will push you to dig deep and realize what phase is next. The best part for me is that I will undoubtedly end up being inspired by you. 

Eliesa Consults came to life from my desire to stand alongside artists and freelancers embarking on this same journey. It is always incredible to see my peers in this industry put their goals and ideas into motion, and take their businesses (and personal lives) to the next level. I have been empowered by sharing my stories and experiences, and look forward to working with my clients in helping them realize what success looks like to them. 

Private consulting and public speaking has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career and I would be honored to work with you.

A Story About Inspiration //

I discovered a photography darkroom at fourteen years old. I was instantly smitten with this art form and I couldn’t get enough of it. I also had the opportunity to share my images with a community of people while working as a photographer at my hometown newspaper and that is where my love affair with photography began. 

I met my greatest mentor at this young age. His name was Marsh and he was my high school photography teacher. There were no books and not much of a curriculum, but rather a more experiential approach to learning. Marsh sent me out into the world with rolls of film. He taught me how to develop film, make prints and most importantly how to tell a good story.  

You see, Marsh taught me through his stories. It was through our conversations that I learned about being a great photographer and also about what it took to get the shot, how to position myself, how to push myself, how to deliver work, and how to treat people with grace. Part of my education was in technical critique, but a larger part was discussing how the work felt. I learned to focus on moment and the emotional attachment created by the photograph. 

Once I had been through fine art school, I was eager and ready to take on the world as a photographer. The problem was that I had never learned how to actually make money being an artist. I barely knew how to make a business card, let alone how to network, promote myself or my work. I had no idea how to write estimates, create contracts or do my taxes. It was then I remembered some brief but important words from Marsh: 

“Do whatever the fuck you need to do to make good art.” 

So I started my own business. Now, I would be honored to share my experiences and become part of your story.