Meet Marissa Neel in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Neel.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a storyteller, and luckily I have three sisters I was able to use as actresses. We would make short films, usually horror, with our parents’ video camera and strawberry extract as blood. (It’s amazing how scary an old wig tied to fishing line can be to an 8 year old.) From there I was accepted into the Directing program of BSU’s Theatre program. I’m still not sure what they saw in me, but I am forever grateful for the tools and friendships I acquired during this time.

I moved to Phoenix, AZ in 2013 to shoot a low-budget western film with my friends who were also graduates of Ball State University in Indiana. I had no intentions of staying, but the beauty and wildness of Arizona truly bewitched me!

After principal photography ended for the western film I was hired by an entrepreneur who inspired and mentored my desire to tell stories. It was this support that allowed my natural abilities to become valuable tools for other entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to share their stories with their customers. Now I combine my love for people’s stories with photography and videography to increase engagement for Arizona businesses.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe when you are working in your passion all the challenges and roadblocks become an entertaining part of the ride. Social media, video marketing, and all the strategies that come with them are so incredibly new that there is little that can prepare you. At times the road has been confusing, I’ve questioned how to best market myself, where to apply my focus, and how to stay on-track when the roadmap doesn’t exist.

To be honest, I love the challenge and even the chaos of videography & photography. When something goes wrong it’s an opportunity to be resourceful and creative. One small hiccup can be the collaborative force to transform the project into exactly what it was meant to be. As long as you retain your sense of humor, roadblocks can turn into launching platforms.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Marissa Neel – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is brand new, I’ve been a videographer for many years but only recently began accepting business clients. I have the tools to increase your business’s engagement through images, and with my help you have the tools to tell your own brand’s story. Yes, you can be comfortable and awesome on camera. Who knows your business better than you? So, who better to tell your story?

I offer promotional videos, tutorial videos, product photography, and portrait photography. I am most known for my work with RazorEmporium.com a wet shaving supplier of new and vintage goods and services. Over the last three years their engagement has sky rocketed therefore increasing sales and now YouTube is their number 1 customer referral source.

I have also worked with animal rescues, hardware manufacturers, and holistic service providers. It’s a pretty diverse line-up, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My favorite part of the process is getting to know a new industry, hearing the owner’s story, and I’m most proud that I am able to help them talk directly to their customers in their own authentic voice. It gives me goose bumps, no joke!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The future is looking bright! I just purchased a drone and I’ve been using every opportunity to learn how to fly it. I recently backpacked a section of the Appalachian Trail and can’t wait to edit the video of my trip. I have a few really exciting projects scheduled so you’ll definitely want to check my site as those become available.

In 2018 I plan on finalizing my business branding (I know.. do as I say not as I do…) but really I just want to make some cool t-shirts to give to all of my amazing clients. I am looking forward to meeting new business owners, learning more about this awesome state, and seeing where the journey takes me!

Contact Info:

• Address: 95 W San Remo Street
• Website: http://marissaneel.com/
• Phone: 6028289921
• Email: marissa.neel@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissaneelphoto/

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.