We had the good fortune of connecting with Dena Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dena, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My dream has always been to make a living off my art. Finding the confidence to feel my product deserved it’s cost was a process for sure. I love the challenges owning my own business brings and I love that no two shoots feel the same. I have found being my own boss and controlling my own schedule has really been the right path to my ultimate happiness.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a mother of three incredible children. Becoming a mother has been the most fulfilling and life altering experience. I have found so much joy in seeing the wonder in my children’s eyes as they experience everything for the first time. Capturing the personalities and joyous energy emanating from children has been one of the greatest joys in my life! A planned smiling photo is great but what really makes my heart sing is watching a kiddo giggle as a mother nuzzles their cheek with her nose, or a dad tosses their toddler in the air. I want to uncover what is underneath the mask a lot of us carry with us. I try my best to make my clients feel comfortable and help them let loose. Whether it is a graduating senior session, a family reunion, or a teeny newborn, my goal is to capture real emotion and connection.
The path to where I am now was not easy. Really more than anything finding myself and my value has really been the greatest contributor to my success. No matter how badly I wanted to arrive at my goal I have learned it just takes time and I have to let life’s challenges wash over me like a wave. I have to be in it for a while and then it will pass and I will surface stronger. I will forever be in the process to a better healthier self as long as I live. But I find the process fascinating and feel so unbelievable lucky that I get to share my joy with my family and my clients.
So many clients come back year after year and I get to know their story and see their family grow. The fact that these people trust me to capture these moments that they will treasure forever brings tears to my eyes.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite spots to visit in Houston is the beach of course. We especially enjoy El Jardin Beach in Seabrook.
The Children’s Museum in Galveston is also a favorite of ours as well as the Houston Museum of Natural Science. My son especially enjoys the dinosaurs there. Our favorite eateries are Go Shabu Shabu, Rempton, and Noon Mirch. Post Houston is a cool spot for city views and great food. I also love going to the Houston Zoo with friends. It is a great place to spend an entire day! Then every year we visit the Texas Renaissance Festival. It is always a blast!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most encouraging words and lessons learned have been from the two amazing podcasts Bewildered with Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan and We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle. These really helped me through some hard times.
My husband Robbie has always been my biggest cheerleader.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/denachristinephotography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denachristinephotography