Meet Sharon Chi | Photographer & Business Analyst

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

Hi Sharon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I’ve never intentionally decide to start my own business. I have a background in digital media/computer graphics so I enjoyed designing and creating stories using different creative avenues including photography. As time went on, a couple supportive friends reached out to me for help on their projects and who am I to turn that down if they believed in my work? Eventually, one project lead to another and now here I am! I still have a full time job during the week that I enjoy very much but being able to find the time to work on these creative projects outside of that makes me feel even more fulfilled. I majoritively now focus on photography, more specifically combat sports because I think there’s just something special about being able to capture one’s authentic self in such a raw sport but I still try to dabble into lifestyle portraits and some graphic design work when I have the time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most excited about being able to capture authenticity and emotions through my photos. I think every creative is unique in their own way with their own story and style so it’s hard to say what sets me apart but I think what’s so special about my work is that I combine two of my passions, mixed martial arts and photography. I am a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu, I have been training for almost 10 years and I think there are a lot of similarities and lessons you can learn in martial arts that apply in real life. A very valuable lesson I learned was how to manifest doubt into progress, and how to thrive in positions you feel uncomfortable in. Not only did holding on to my values help me improve myself and my mindset within the sport, I also was able to use my creativity and artistic vision to support the community that has given me so much.

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?
I actually did plan a week long trip for one of my best friends that came into town. It was their first time in Houston so I had to take them to all the best spots. My job relocated me to Austin a year ago but if I had to think back and create a full itinerary, I would start out an early morning coffee at DUO, a coffee shop/pilates studio with amazing drips and pastries then maybe knock out a pilates class while you’re at it! Another great option for breakfast/brunch would be at Tiny’s No. 5 or Traveler’s Table, then explore anything outdoors such as Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, McGovern Centennial Gardens, and Buffalo Bayou just for the skyline view of Houston. As the sun sets, we can head to an indoor art museum, Seismique was one of the funnest art exhibit I’ve been to. Then we can do dinner anywhere in Chinatown. A couple of my top spots are Tamashi Ramen & Robata, Pepper Lunch, or Ohn Korean Eatery… etc. and then end the night with dessert or boba tea! I’m Taiwanese American but I enjoy any variety of Asian food, I feel like you really can’t go wrong with anywhere on Bellaire.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout Hosanna Rull for her support and mentorship. Hosanna is the owner of iRull Fotos and iRull Designs. She is an inspiration because she is not only a full-time entrepreneur but also a full-time mom. Her dedication never seize to amaze me as she stayed working on the way to the hospital while in labor to finish up editing for an event we were both working at. She helped me recognize my talents and believed in me from the very start and now we will always have each other to provide feedback and uplift one another. I think it’s so important to recognize those who supported you from the start.

Website: https://chishoots.mypixieset.com

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

Image Credits
First personal image: Brynlin Curry The rest are taken by me