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

Hi Vanessa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Man, what a loaded question. I’m not even sure I had a thought process behind it. It kind of just started on it’s own and I ran with it!

I originally bought a camera to document my own kids and the seasons in their lives when living out of state. When we moved back to Texas (Houston to be exact) I didn’t stop documenting. I was that crazy mom at the baseball fields with a massive lens. People started asking me how much I’d charge, and honestly, I didn’t hesitate haha. I think every parent deserves to sit and watch their kids doing what they love without trying to document it themselves and try to get that perfect shot. That’s what I’m here for!

Sports it what started this business, and while I absolutely LOVE doing action sports my business seems to be shifting towards lifestyle and family portraits. I spend endless hours on baseball fields with my own kids, so it’s okay, but I do miss doing it for others, too!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Is it ever really easy starting a business? Honestly though, there have been tears along the way. There’s been guilt from a mom standpoint. There’s been neglect on the house front. While it wasn’t necessarily hard to get to where I am today, it has certainly had its challenges.

I’m constantly trying to implement schedules to help make me a better wife, mom and business owner. Like most things, they start out great and fizzle away. It’s a work in progress, but I have no doubt I’ll get there. Our youngest starts school next year, so all four crazies will be gone. I think that will help me be able to focus better during the day, and be more present when I’m present… if you get what I’m saying!

What do I want the world to know? Well, I’m a busy mom and wife, but I absolutely LOVE how I get to serve our community! I love the style I am able to produce. A style, I believe, that is able to set me apart from those around me. Want life, color, boldness? I’m your gal!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is actually hard! We have lived in Arizona and Utah the last 3 years, and Houston has grown exponentially in that time! I feel like it’s a whole new world and like I’m often a visitor in my own city.

But, if I had to decide on what to do: Postinos would be first on the list for suuuuure. I recently went there with some girlfriends and I will be taking everyone there.

My family is HUGE. We often get together and that doesn’t change when the best friend is in town. A get together for dinner and late night of drinks at our house is a must. My best friend, Carly, is more like family. My family definitely loves her and her family like family, too!

Aside from that, our friends know our lives revolve around baseball, so we will mostly be spending time at the fields watching 1, or 3, of my boys playing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family! Hands down, my family! My husband has supported this adventure from the very beginning. He often has to leave work early to make sure he’s home with the kids, so I can head out. My parents are the same! I try really hard to not ask for their help all the time with the kids, but they don’t ever hesitate. They will rearrange their entire schedule just to help out, and I honestly couldn’t thank them enough for that.

My babies. This transition hasn’t exactly been the easiest for them. I’ve been a stay at home mom for 9.5 years. They have always had my undivided attention. When I decided I wanted to take my photography full-time, that meant I also had to miss their own games, concerts, dinners, etc. It’s hard on them, and especially hard on me. But, this Spring Break we were able to do whatever we wanted, without restriction, and they thought it was really cool that my photography paid for it all.

Lastly, my friends and extended family! The support they have given has been astronomical. From simply liking posts, to sharing stories, posts, etc. They definitely help spread the good word!

Website: www.fencepostsphotography.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fenceposts_photography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fencepostsphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.