By: Caitlyn Fagan ’21
Daniela Medina, a senior agriculture communication and journalism and leadership double major, was expected to spend her summer in Belize on a study abroad but COVID-19 put an end to this plan. Instead of spending her days exploring local markets or writing papers by the ocean, she decided to launch, “Begins with a Smile Photography.”
“I was able to focus on starting my business and growing a strong online presence through using different social media platforms.” Medina explained.
Medina knew that starting a business while juggling school, let alone starting a business during a pandemic was going to be difficult. With the world being stuck at home scrolling through social media, Medina quickly built up her brand and client base. She soon booked many family sessions in the Dallas and senior sessions in College Station.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Medina balanced going to school, opening and operating a business, participating in school organizations and learning new ways to grow herself and her business. She hopes to grow her business by transitioning from taking family and senior pictures to capturing special moments with couples through wedding and engagement sessions.
“I love doing this so much because I love seeing a different side of people and how they interact, the stories they have, and being able to celebrate all of the moments” Medina said. To accomplish this, Medina hopes to gain knowledge and experience by working closely with wedding photographers at weddings and over time doing more weddings on her own. Medina’s work can be found on Instagram @beginswithasmilephotography and accepts bookings through her website at beginswithasmilephotography.myportfolio.com.
