Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Soderlund.
Hi Michaela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I graduated in 2007 right as the recession was unfolding and companies were not hiring college graduates. I had only thought about being a photographer at a magazine or in advertising, nothing else. So when I couldn’t get hired anywhere that I wanted to work, I took a steady corporate job still in the photography industry and started my own photography business. Through the years I have had to pivot and evolve to truly become the creative I always wanted to be. Five years ago I set aside my camera and developed the role of Creative Director for small businesses. It was a role that I knew I would never get tired of, helping startups, micro businesses, and nonprofits navigate their creative side, channeling their passion into social marketing and creating content through impactful images and storytelling. My career has come a long way and has changed paths many times but at its core, the purpose of my creativity is connection.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The birth of my daughter and the death of my best friend were eye-opening experiences that college or training could have never prepared me for. I worked so many random jobs the first two years of my daughter’s life so I could stay home with her. It was challenging but it’s what felt right for us. I was able to get involved with my local community, meet new parents like me and start building a supportive network for her and I. It wasn’t until my best friend’s unexpected death that I took this ‘gig life’ a little more serious, life was too short and too unexpected to stand still and wait for my moment. I approached women entrepreneurs in the beginning stages of their businesses, said yes to everything and figured it all out later, learned and grew through milestones and grief and used that grief to channel even more connection to the women around me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the past two years, I have focused my attention on clients adding value and connection to local communities in big ways. I am currently doing marketing and fundraising for Canine Inspired Change, a nonprofit that partners with schools and organizations to facilitate therapy dog sessions with vulnerable youth and adults to overcome trauma, social struggles and isolation by sparking meaningful connections with dogs, volunteers and each other. Despite the 2020 challenges, I was given the opportunity to work with Explore Minnesota through the tourism bureau in Sauk Centre, MN. I was able to create content, manage social media and build their website. The goals and plans I have for Visit Sauk Centre tourism keep their strong art community at the forefront. My career goal is to be an engaging advocate for young adults and support their growth and mental well being through creative expression and empathic connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is just another four-letter word. The creative world is hard, it’s fast and sometimes you can’t keep up. It’s all about who you know and what are you willing to sacrifice to get what you want. Anything that has brought good or bad luck vibes to my life has always been a learning opportunity. I am never settled, I am always looking to break down creative projects, ask more questions and grow from every experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michaelaraephoto.com
- Instagram: @michaelaraephoto
Image Credits
Matt Mead
Kimi Coopet
Alexander Butterfield
