Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Lopez.
Hi Valerie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is all about grit, perseverance, and love. It started at 18 years old with the first camera I bought and a dream of becoming a professional photographer.
Fast forward to 2017 and I’ve earned my BS in Journalism and Photography from the University of Miami and become a professional photographer with a substantial client base. I’m also exploring the world, making a pivotal observation: when you’re on vacation, selfies and pictures taken by strangers just don’t give you the photographic memories you want to cherish forever. That’s when I learned from my mother that my father, who died before my birth, always hired local, pro photographers to take pictures of them when they were on vacation. And that’s when a new dream was born: creating the first online marketplace for photographers around the world.
Together with my husband and childhood friend, we launched Angle. We built a photographer community of thousands in over 500 locations. We are backed by Jason Calacanis and have appeared on CNN, BBC and The New _____. Most importantly, to date, we’ve completed over 10,000 photoshoots of people who, like me, simply wanted to capture their memories in stunning photographs.
Today I can say the dreams have been realized, though the story isn’t over. I’m CEO of Angle which continues to evolve and grow with our client’s needs. I lead an international team, help customers capture personal and professional moments, and enable photographers around the world to make their own dreams come true. Along the way, I’ve had the honor of being named one of the first women entrepreneur ambassadors for my home country of Colombia, partnering with respected brands, and becoming a mother.
And the story continues…
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Anyone who has pursued a dream, like becoming self-employed or starting a business, knows there are few smooth roads to be found on the way to achieving that dream. But the journey is more precious and the results more beautiful because of the struggles and challenges.
The challenges along my road have included securing initial funding and building a cohesive team. But these were not unexpected or unusual challenges. They’re faced by all entrepreneurs.
The rough road we did not expect was a worldwide pandemic. Navigating this historic event, especially in the travel industry, has been the greatest test of my determination and grit thus far. It has brought some of the toughest days and biggest bumps. However, it has also brought opportunity and inspiration.
Rather than being paralyzed by the fear and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, I used those emotions to further fuel my love and passion for my business. My team and I at Angle listened harder to what clients need. We launched cutting-edge virtual photoshoots to keep capturing their memories while at home. We used the time in lockdown to prepare the launch of our rebrand. And we grew even closer as a team and stronger as a photography community.
Rough roads are to be expected. What comes on them may be unexpected. Regardless, I always remember that hard times pass. In Spanish we say, “todo pasa”…everything passes. What’s important is how you come out on the other side.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Angle is a worldwide photography marketplace that connects people around the world with professional photographers and provides them with a hassle-free photoshoot experience that captures both personal and professional moments in high-res photographs.
So wherever you live or travel and whatever your photography needs, we have a vetted, local photographer and photoshoot options to meet it. In fact, we have over a dozen photoshoot categories: from Elopement to Maternity, Family to Fashion, Personal Branding & Headshots to Product Photography, just to name a few.
How it works: use our online platform to choose a photographer based on portfolio, location, or photoshoot category. Prices are clear cut and package details clearly explained. Within minutes you can check your photographer’s availability, book your photoshoot, and start chatting & planning with your photographer. After your photoshoot, you receive access to your private online photo gallery in your personal dashboard within 24 – 48 hours.
There’s so much that I’m proud of. First and foremost, while the world was on pause with the pandemic, we used the time as an opportunity to better align our services with our clients’ needs. I’m also proud that Angle’s mission embodies and exemplifies inclusion and diversity, at every level, from our clients to our photographers to our team.
What sets us apart: what we’ve become known for ⎼ a perfect blend of style and reliability, savvy technology and desirable options. We also support our photographers, helping them secure quality paying jobs while taking care of all the tedious administrative tasks that can dampen the creative spirit. They’re able to focus on clients and their craft while relying on our online platform to host their portfolio and our Customer Service Team to assist with issues.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
This Week in Startups Podcast On Purpose Podcast with Jay Shetty
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh (book)
Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups – Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $100,000,000 by Jason Calacanis (book)
Pricing:
- Starting $195 USD
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@angleplatform.com
- Website: www.angleplatform.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/angleplatform
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shootmytravel
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/angleplatform
Image Credits
Photos by Angle Photographers
