We’re looking forward to introducing you to Serena Strelow. Check out our conversation below.
Serena, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing time freedom & slower living for my family. If I stopped, I know I wouldn’t be meeting my fullest potential, and I’d be doing my babies a disservice.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Serena Strelow – to start off, I’m going to be EXTREMELY cliché and say… “I was born & raised in a small town in central Minnesota.” Because…. well, I was! I have a crazy black lab puppy named DJ, & a sweet little kitty named Oakley. On October, 20th 2022, I was promoted to Mommy. God truly blessed me with my sweet little boy. Not only was I blessed once, but I got blessed AGAIN on February 15th, 2025 with another little boy. I absolutely ADORE being a Mama – it’s the biggest blessing this life has to offer – NO DOUBT.
Basically, to put me in a nutshell… Faith, family, & creativity are the pillars of my existence!
So, I don’t know about you… but since I was a little girl I’ve been a dreamer. I would dream about the big world in front of me & how I was going to leave my “mark”. I really thought I would have to make some sort of scientific discovery, or become a famous actress to leave some sort of legacy…
But, what I found out down the road was so much more beautiful…
The beauty in the every day, is what keeps us feeling
J O Y F U L .
The uncontrollable butterflies when you’re in the presence of someone you love… the bubbling giggles of a child… the excitement of your furry friend when you return home… Seriously, the little miracles are E N D L E S S !
What better way to capture the joy in the “every day”, then snapping a photo?
That’s where Serena Marie Photography steps in –
I love the feeling that I am not just snapping a photo, but capturing a memory & freezing it in time. A photo could potentially be passed down from generation to generation. What a beautiful feeling it is that one of my images could be seen by great grandchildren someday?! Or that one of my images could change the whole trajectory of how someone feels about themselves— for the better.
To me, it’s not “just a photo”… it’s a brief glimpse of someone’s heart & soul, that can truly be cherished forever.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think it’s so easy to say that the world is an evil and scary place… But honestly, you will never convince me that there isn’t more kind people than bad. I fully believe we all genuinely care for one another and want each other to be happy. Us as humans want to feel connected — we can’t help but to long for it.
What shaped this feeling in me was my faith. God has always shown me the goodness in people. Someone cut you off in traffic? Maybe they are riding to the hospital to see a loved one… Someone didn’t acknowledge you in the store? Maybe they are having the hardest day of their life. You just never know what someone is going through. God placed us here to take care of each other, and that’s what I believe most people try to do.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I am a chronic people pleaser… Don’t get me wrong, this trait has helped me in some ways! But, having the fear of letting someone down or making them feel bad has always ran my life! I didn’t join groups, have or make certain friends, or speak my truth because of my people pleasing. It’s been an exhausting trait that I have carried my entire life! I am working on it, day by day to become more worthy of respect. I’ve been saying “I am allowed to take up space.” This phrase has helped me tremendously in many areas of my life, and I really encourage other people pleasers to do so too.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Not ideas, but a belief. God’s goodness & truth. He is my lighthouse in all that I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
My boudoir photoshoots. As a Christian, it’s hard to explain why I do these photoshoots. I feel like I am misunderstood as to why I offer something like this, while also praising God. The truth is, I started combining the two together. I started doing Christian Boudoir in my business, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done! I’ve had clients shed a tear as we pray over their session, and pull me in for a hug that neither of us wanted to let go of. It’s been such a moving experience!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serenamariephotographymn.com
- Instagram: @serenamariephoto
- Facebook: Serena Marie Photography: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D9SXgUZEx/
Image Credits
Serena Marie Photography
