Welcome to the MKE Black Business Spotlight! This week we feature Glenda Mitchell, who captures life’s moment through photography. Read on to learn more about Glenda and her business.
Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you enjoy.
I am Chicago born and Midwest bred and in my 30+ years of life I’ve learned you cannot wait for what you want, you have to create it. So I eat dessert often, value cheese like gold and I wear red lipstick as war paint. When I’m not in sessions, I enjoy restaurant nights with friends (family I’ve chosen), True crime documentaries, exploring museums baking with my daughter (family I’ve been blessed with). Milwaukee has been my home since 2006 and there’s really nothing better than summer street festivals, Aaron Rodgers, Purple Door Ice Cream or an Old Fashioned on the patio.
Why did you start your business? What makes you passionate about it?
As a child of adoption I don’t have images of myself under the age of 2. That coupled with growing up in an environment where I was the only black girl in school until college, it gave me an awareness and respect for being different than everyone else. So when I started a family it was important for me to capture memories and highlight the differences that make people shine. Photography has given me an outlet to recognize the beauty is every “other” person and now 6 years in, I would rather be doing nothing else.
What do you want people to know about your business?
I (pronouns she/her/hers) serve the Greater Milwaukee area and the state as a whole, specializing in portrait and lifestyle photography. My clients feel comfortable in front of the camera because were not “shooting,” were having a conversation about their unique story and I just happen to be taking photos along the way. We all know it’s not just about the pictures, it’s about celebrating that every day living your authentic life is a victory.
Please explain why your business is important to the community.
It’s important to me coming from a non-traditional family to depict families and individuals in all their uniqueness. Photography documents our lives. It’s a tangible way to show that we are here and who we matter to. It’s an honor to help in that process.
*Some content is edited for clarity.
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