Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Knox.
Hi Angela, 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 started as a photographer n 2004 making prints in my high school darkroom. I studied painting and photography at UW Madison and came home after four years of college with an internship at a photo studio. These photographers shot airplanes, cars, windows, and even meatballs, which on a photo set are not real- do not try them…. I will never make that mistake again, they were made out of putty.
I loved the experience but felt the commercial world was inauthentic. The studio I worked for barely photographed people, and when they did, there was hair, makeup, pinning of the clothing, nothing felt real. One day, I told my bosses that I felt like everything was staged and fake. They laughed and welcomed me to the world of advertising, but also suggested I try weddings and lifestyle sessions, so I found a mentor and dug right in.
After years as a brand photographer, I founded The Divine Group in 2020 when I saw a disconnect in how businesses present themselves online.
As a brand photographer, I was creating images to enhance business websites and social media accounts. But I noticed that many of my clients didn’t have a plan for how to use the photos, so they collected digital dust on their hard drives. This was understandable. Most of my clients just had too much on their plates. They needed someone to help with the strategy, messaging, and implementation of their digital assets.
The Divine Group has grown to a team of three, and we consistently use local contractors to help us with specialty projects. We just opened a content creation studio in St. Paul. It’s available for photographers, videographers, content creators, and brands to rent! https://thedivinegroup.co/minneapolis-photography-studio-rentals/
We serve purpose-driven brands that want to make the world a better place. We hold the values of sustainability, social justice, mental health, and authenticity not only in who we work with, but what we produce.
The last two years have been an incredible ride, and we can’t wait to see where our new rentable space takes us!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think business is ever a smooth road. The biggest struggle I’ve had in any of my businesses, especially The Divine Group, is saying YES when it doesn’t align with my services, values, or energy. I’m a people pleaser, I just want to make everyone happy. In business, that ends up biting you in the butt. Especially when you ignore red flags. In the past year, I’ve focused in on my services as well as vetting clients to make sure they are a good fit. When the synergy is there, the work is not only better, but it builds relationships that last a lifetime!
We’ve been impressed with The Divine Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Divine Group is a full-service brand agency. We help purpose-driven brands strengthen their online presence by creating captivating visuals and authentic messaging so their business thrives and makes the impact it deserves.
We specialize in brand photography, building brands with both messaging and graphic design, social media management, and website creation.
Our Purpose-Driven Method.
Each of our services weaves the following pieces together so your visuals and messaging are on the same page:
VALUE
We will establish the know, like and trust factor with your audience by showing your brand not only cares about them, but is also the expert to do so.
SERVICES
Your audience wants to know how you are going to help them, so instead of selling, we show them HOW what you offer will improve their lives.
PERSONALITY
Your brand has a personality, so let’s show your audience. We do this by showing behind the scenes, telling your powerful stories, sharing your brand’s beliefs, and why you do what you do. This is what we call the “secret sauce” and is also our favorite part!
One of our core values is racial equity. We offer discounted services to BIPOC business owners as well as complimentary brand photography and website audits to nonprofits for racial justice.
Since the brands we work with are making the world a better place, we must give back as well!
What were you like growing up?
I was always a go-getter and weird. I didn’t fit in with the “normal crew” and finally found my people when I stopped hiding what made me unique and embraced it.
From a young age, I was super into all things Nintendo (my husband and I have matching Zelda triforce/shield tattoos) and love anime (Sailor Moon, Cowboy Bebop, and Samuri Champloo were my go-to shows).
I loved art and spent a lot of my time painting, sketching, and embracing as many mediums I could. I was never a clean, craftmanship-style artist. More of a messy draw outside the lines kinda human.
When I graduated college, I got deep into yoga. I’ve been a yoga teacher for 12 years now and it has led me to some spiritual places. I did a 10-day silent meditation called Vipassana back in 2010 and I still meditate to this day.
In my older years, I became enthralled with camping and isolating myself in nature. My husband was a boy scout and took me to the wilderness and embrace the solitude. I fell in love with it and now we spend every weekend we can camping and embracing mother nature.
Pricing:
- Our brand building collections start at $3500
- Brand photography starts at $700
- Social media management varies per project, but starts at $500/month retainer
- Custom websites start at $1500/page, but we have a template shop where you can purchase a website template for $600
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.thedivinegroup.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivinegroupmn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedivinegroupagenc
Image Credits
Chelsie Lopez Productions
UG productions
Jenna Dailey Photography
