Daily Inspiration: Meet Elisa Valdes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Valdes.

Hi Elisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s been a long ride, and this is only the beginning. For the longest time, my heart and soul was devoted to healthcare and becoming a nurse. I have always done from photography. From 11 years old developing my own film while my father taught high school film photography. All the way through college. I had always continued to pick up and put down my camera from time to time. Till there got to be a breaking point in my healthcare career that I couldn’t get into a nursing program for the life of me. At this turning point in my life, I realized my photography side “hustle” was starting to really thrive. If it wasn’t for my healthcare mentor Madinah Simpson who is the owner of Madinah’s Living Farmacy- who sat me down and reassured me that I was still a healer even without being a nurse. That I was changing women’s lives by the power of image therapy and photography. Guiding women back to themselves has been the most blissful experience I could have ever hoped for.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all has it been smooth. Although, struggle brings strength and we will rise again. Money can be an issue for most of us. But especially small business owners. Learning about taxes, investment on softwares, equipment, building the actual foundation of a brand and business. It takes financial investment. I also decided to jump ship and leave corporate American during a global pandemic. That in itself is a self-explanatory explanations.

When I decided to pursue photography as my career. I took a vow to myself not also for my business. For better or for worst. I dedicated and promised myself to do photography full time for one full year. No matter what obstacles were to come about, to give it your all. Most importantly allow myself the time to master my craft. A lot of times in life we are fearful of chasing our dreams or surrendering to the unknown. Here is the thing, you will never fully know till you try. The best advice I have been given on my path of entrepreneurship is ” You will never know what opportunities will arise unless you allow yourself the space and time to rise.”

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a female boudoir photographer. Who specializes on helping women tap into their inner goddess and feminine energy. My business, my brand, my anthem and my movement is GoddUS – Us women rise together. Us goddesses rise together. The “US” stands for unity, community, and us women. We are a tribe, together we are here to help each other rise. My photography is about guiding women to embrace their femininity free of shamefulness and judgment. To celebrate the body, they have been given.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice in finding a mentor is to try all of them. The spiritual mentors, business mentors, old souls who have wisdom. I’ve learned in life that learning and learning from others comes in all formations. Everyone who crosses your path has a lesson to give, that is if we are aware and listening. I see mentors and relationships as soul contracts and some contracts have their own lease. Season to be present and active. Others are just meant to get us to point A to point B. Then that contract expires. I’ve had many mentors from bosses, to my crystal healers. It’s just about being open and receptive to the lessons that surrender to you.

Contact Info:

• Email: goddusrising@gmail.com
• Website: goddusrising.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goddusrising/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goddusrising

Image Credits
Photographer: Janelle Etzel Models: Melissa Denego Bella Zaccard Alicia Rose Jeri Motta