Feature Friday: Ginelle Lago of GMN Artistic.

Ginelle Lago is the entrepreneur behind GMN Artistic located in Florida. When she's not being a wife and a mother to adorable daughter, Riley, you can find her being the creative genius at her boutique agency. Last year, she opened up a photo studio (as a storefront) in a commercial plaza in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Ginelle says, "I took this great leap of faith after a lot of prayers and time spent talking with God about my life and its purpose". 

In this interview, Ginelle discusses what inspires her, her goals for 2014 and she also gives some advice to those thinking about entrepreneurship!

• Brea: You worked in the Sales and Marketing department at NBC 6 South Florida. What was the most important thing you learned in that position?

Ginelle: The most important thing I learned about working in the Sales and Marketing department at NBC 6 South Florida was to develop strong and positive relationships with your colleagues, clients, vendors and to sell creatively! I was surrounded by a diverse group of professionals and truly great business-minded talent.

• B: With an undergraduate degree in TV Management and Business Administration, when did you realize your passion was in photography and film?

(Magazine cover shot by Lago)

G: I've always had a passion for business AND the arts. I decided to start with the business side until I polished my creative arts.  In every position I've held, I've been able to utilize my business and creative skills. I think it's an asset to obtain both. My undergraduate degree from Florida International University was primarily on the business side while my Master of Fine Arts (Film) from Ai Miami International University of Art & Design was obviously creative training. Both of my degrees, along with hands-on work experience, have served me well as the owner and lead artist at GMN Artistic. I really enjoy developing and producing creative projects for my clients, but I would never get to that point without sales (business).

• B: What was the process like starting your own boutique creative agency, GMN Artistic, Inc.?

G: I started my boutique creative agency, GMN Artistic, in 2002 right before graduating with my undergraduate degree. My mother encouraged me to open my own business and she and my aunt helped me through the process of incorporating. My mother told me to pray about what I wanted the business to become and it would develop in His time. It took quite some time to get it going but, she was right.

•  B: What does a typical day look like for you?

G: A typical day for me starts by cuddling with my two-year-old daughter, Riley, followed by breakfast and a car ride to work/school. The rest of my day is a whirlwind and 12 hour work days are very typical for me. I spend my day developing client projects, prepping the studio, selling new projects, e-mails, phone calls, meetings, location scouting, editing and shopping for props and wardrobe. There's a Starbucks stop somewhere in the day -  Doppio Espresso Macchiato, dry with extra non-fat foam! The West Broward baristas already know it!

•  B: What has been the biggest challenge you've faced since starting your own agency?

G: The biggest challenge I've faced since starting my creative agency is making the time to feed my personal, creative cravings while running the business and a home!

•    B: Career wise, what are your goals for 2014?

G: My goals for the rest of 2014 is to have at least 2 FULL days off to rest up before the modeling and holiday season take off! I'd also like to work with more teenagers. I love their bubbly and/or moody personalities.

•  B: You photograph/film a variety of clients from weddings to maternity shoots. What is your favorite project to take on and why?

G: My favorite projects to take on are individual portrait shoots. I like to dedicate 100% of my attention to creating and capturing for a single person. I absolutely love private and intimate shoots. I enjoy making real connections.

• B: What inspires/motivates you in your work and professionally?

G: I'm motivated by my daughter, Riley. I want to be the best person I can be so she can one day feel proud of her Mama.  I'm inspired by God, Mommies, Kids, Teens, faces, eyes and colors.

•  B: Because All She Wrote is a blog that loves music, what song best describes your life right now and why?

G: The song that absolutely describes my life right now is "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United. I'm now just living my life following His direction.

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

I could have never developed this life for myself. I owe all of my blessings to Him.
 

• B: What advice would you give those who are thinking about entrepreneurship?

G: Entrepreneurship is exciting, rewarding, but extremely high risk. If you are ready to invest most of your time, energy and money into your vision - go for it! Seeing years of dedication, development, training and investment grow is absolutely mind blowing! I will admit my biggest growth spurt happened when I re-dedicated my life to God. I placed my life and business in His hands. His timing and abundant gifts are truly gracious. When you do it for Him, it's a game changer.

Connect with Ginelle:  Website | Instagram | Facebook | GMN Artistic |

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