Rising Stars: Meet Mayra Rodriguez of Grand Rapids

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayra Rodriguez

Hi Mayra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My photography dream started 16 years ago when I was 30 years old. I like to call this ” when photography saved my life” for the simple reason that at age 27 I survived a car accident that gave me head trauma. I lost everything! I couldn’t even learn, so I thought. After depression and therapy, fast forward, age 30, I found an inspiration in photography and photoshop editing. This totaly triggered new brain activities in me and literally I started healing, I was able to learn again and even find purpose in life. I was a single mom of three kids, work full time , and tought myself photography. It was very difficult. I have done photography as a side business only. In 2020 I lost my older sister to covid. That completely broke me and set me back! I lost my drive to do anything, even photography. I took some time away to heal, and just when I thought I would try this again , now in 2024, both my parents past away , just two weeks apart. My world has been ripped apart from this. Again, I was having a hard time to even pick up the camara. After six months of my parents passing, I realized I can not let time pass by and take my dreams away. I have learned grief will always hunt us and we just have to learn how to navigate this world even after our loved ones have left. I decided to take back my life and go all in again with my business. So I turned my apartment into a full photography studio,
whete I service, business headshots, Glamour portraiture, and Boudoir Photography. The name of my business is Mayra’s Glamour Photography. I am passionate in bringing an empowering and self love environment for woman who have overcome life’s challenges, in my studio, especially for Boudoir sessions, I specialize in capturing the true essence and beauty of a woman , an opportunity for them to show the healed version of themselves, and opportunity to experience true Boudoir, UNAPOLOGETICALLY & beutifuly captured. Owning thier feminine energy .

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?
Many struggles, brain ingery at age 27, loss my grandson in 2018, loss my sister in 2020 to covid, loss my parents in 2024, my mom actually passed away in my arms. Lost a piece of myself. Had knee surgery two weeks after my mom past. I have also faced homelessness, and so many more traumas.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am very creative, and what sets me apart is, my smile, my positive energy, the wisdom I bring and pour to others. My continuously evolve into a better version of myself despite life’s challenges.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find a person that you connect with in your soul. A person that is doing successfully what you dream of too, a person that teaches in a way that you can understand. A person that knows how to lead and is authentic.

Pricing:

• $299. Boudoir package starter
• $99. Mini Photoshoot
• $150. Business Headshots

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayrasglamour.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayra_glamour_photography?igsh=MXdnb3lhNnZyb29t
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayrasGlamourPhotography?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayra-rodriguez-25457b300?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app