Becoming the Face of Madd House

I finally stepped in front of the camera — not just as a founder, but as the face of my brand, for the very first time. While I’ve spent years helping others shape how their brands show up in the world, this was a moment where I had to practice what I preach. It was vulnerable, exciting, slightly nerve-wracking, and ultimately, so worth it.

The purpose of this shoot was to fully embody the brand I've been building, to take up space, and capture a significant milestone in my career. Some shots will live on my website and across social media, while others are more personal, capturing the beautiful, confident moments that remind me how far I’ve come. And as with most firsts, the experience taught me a lot. Here are some of the biggest takeaways I’ll carry with me into every future shoot:

1. Set a Clear Intention

Before we even started planning the logistics, I sat down and asked myself: What do I want these photos to communicate? For me, the words that came to mind were confident, feminine, and polished. I held onto those words like anchors throughout the shoot. When I felt awkward or unsure of what to do with my body (because yep, that definitely happened), I returned to the intention. It gave me direction and reminded me that this wasn’t just about how I looked, it was about how I felt.

2. Vulnerability Is Part of the Process

There were definitely moments I felt silly striking a pose or unsure if I was doing it right. As the one being photographed, I felt this pressure to be a model. I’ve dabbled in modeling over the years but never felt I had the confidence or talent to stick it out professionally. In this moment, I kept reminding myself: This is part of building the brand I believe in. Every time I pushed through that discomfort, I grew a little more into the version of myself I’m becoming. The more I leaned into the process, imperfect and all, the more fun (and freeing) it became.

3. Prepare Like You’re Running a Production (Because You Are)

The best thing I could’ve done to make this shoot a success was prepare, and thank God I did. My stylist, Skukura and I got together ahead of time to map out each look: outfit, accessories, poses, and location. I kept my iPad with me throughout the day, full of reference images and notes so I always had something to lean on. I also made a playlist ahead of time, filled with music that made me feel calm, confident, and magnetic. It might sound like a small detail, but the right music made a big difference in helping me both get and stay in the zone.

4. Build the Right Team

I had two photographers and a stylist on set with me, and I can’t overstate how valuable that was. Each of them brought a unique eye and perspective to the shoot, which made the final result feel dynamic and well-rounded. The two-camera setup also meant we captured every angle. Some shots felt bold and editorial, while others were more natural and candid. Having a supportive, creative team allowed me to fully show up and trust the process.

5. Use What You Captured Then Let It Speak for You

The images we captured will show up across my brand in all kinds of ways from my website and pitch decks to Instagram and campaign materials. But they also gave me something less tangible: proof. Proof that I can do something new. That I can take up space. That I can be both the guide and the face. And in a world where visual branding will make or break a brand, this experience reminded me just how powerful it is to put yourself into the work, literally.

Final Thoughts

This shoot wasn’t just about photos. It was about fully stepping into my role as a founder and creative; owning the narrative, the look, and the energy of the brand I’m building.

If you find yourself considering your own shoot, here’s what I’ll say: the aim is not model perfection. Authenticity, intention, preparation, and the courage to take up space will get you exactly where you need to go.

I’ve shared some of the final images below, so you can see how it all came together.