Meet Shala Wilson | Brand and Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shala Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shala, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Over my 20 years of entrepreneurship, risk and I have become close friends. I remember maybe 15 years ago being at a friend’s house for dinner. She was making spaghetti and she said the trick to knowing if the noodles were done was throwing a noodle against the wall and seeing if it sticks. If it stuck, the noodles were ready. I don’t throw literal noodles against my kitchen wall, but it has become a business mantra for me. Throw it against the wall and see if it sticks.

Over my career, I’ve registered over 8 businesses across multiple industries, from creative professions to real estate to nonprofit ministries. Part of this is because my formal training is as a graphic designer, so my ramp-up to launching something new was relatively free and fast most of the time. But with my mantra as a firm conviction and a prayer for a business plan, “Dear Lord, please bless the work of my hands,” I just do the thing. If it sticks, great, if it doesn’t, move on. A few of those businesses hit the 10-year mark, or will (Lord willing) hit the 10-year mark, and some of them were opened and closed in a year, whether it was from me making mistakes or the math just not mathing. And that’s OK for me. I’d rather fail faster on an idea so that I can reallocate that energy to what is working or what I feel called to. So this approach to risk-taking sends me on grand adventures where I ususally learn new things about myself and I stretch my imagination for what is possible.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a brand and portrait photographer based in Houston, serving women entrepreneurs and professionals who are ready to elevate how they show up in the world. What sets my business apart is the high-touch, luxury experience I offer—from the initial planning and personalized style consultation to professional hair and makeup and guided posing that helps every client feel confident and at ease.

But this is more than just photography. It’s a transformative experience. My clients often walk in feeling unsure or even anxious about being photographed—but they walk out feeling empowered, seen, and celebrated. That shift is the heartbeat of my work.

I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur for 20 years across multiple ventures. I launched a branding and design firm in 2005, owned a coworking space from 2014–2024, and began my photography business in 2016. I’ve also served as a college professor and a pastor—roles that deepened my passion for guiding and uplifting others. It hasn’t always been easy. Life has brought its share of transitions, from the death of family members and leaving literally everything behind to go where God leads me. But every chapter has shaped how I serve people with empathy, excellence, and authenticity.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. When someone tells me they finally feel confident being seen, I know I’m doing what I was created to do. I believe my photography business is part of my ministry. I want women to see their imago Dei (image of God). My goal is to help them see themselves the way I think God sees them: worthy, strong, and beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, since I am working on my Doctor of Ministry, I don’t get out very much. But here are some highlights that I love:

– I love the pool at my apartment. It is a 4-tiered pool with a gorgeous view of downtown.
– B. Elevated Candle Bar is owned by one of my closest friends in Houston, Tierra Barber. It’s located in River Oaks and is a spectacular experience, making your own, high-quality candle!
– Sushi by the Heights is probably my favorite restaurant here in Houston. I love their happy hour menu, where I can order all of the foods my heart desires and share them with friends.
– We would, of course, visit my church, Eternal Rock Church, in East Downtown. They are my family, and everyone is so welcoming with hearts for Jesus.
– Harry’s in Midtown is the spot for breakfast/brunch!
– If the Rodeo is in town, we definitely have to go. The shopping was my favorite, especially custom decorating my first cowgirl hat!
– Amorino Gelato in the River Oaks District is absolutely delicious!
– Toca Madera on Allen Parkway is beautiful and a whole experience by itself!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout always belongs to the Lord, because every path I’ve walked down and door I’ve walked through has been by His grace. In this current season, a big shoutout belongs to Megan DiPiero and my fellow business coaches on her team. I bought my first course from Megan in 2021, threw up a prayer, and committed to action, and my photography business revenue doubled in 2022. Her courses on building a thriving photography business were life-changing. They gave me financial freedom that I could have never imagined as a creative entrepreneur, allowing me to accomplish really challenging things, such as navigating a season of divorce and being able to pay all my bills on my own. And then moving to Houston a year ago and rebuilding my business in a city where I had no network. She hired me to be on her coaching team to help other photographers thrive, and it was a literal answered prayer. My fellow coaches are a gift that supports me and pushes me higher. So cheers to the entire team at Megan DiPiero Coaching!

Website: https://www.shalaphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalaphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalawilson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shalawilsonphotography

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shala-wilson-photography-houston

Image Credits
Photo of me taken by Megan DiPiero. All other photos by me, Shala Wilson.