Today we’d like to introduce you to Heba Salama.
Hi Heba, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After a stint on reality TV (NBC’s Biggest Loser, 2008), I came home and was finished working in corporate America. I sat down with my dad, and told him I wanted to be a photographer- he invested in my first equipment and I dove head first into learning the newest technology- as I was familiar with film, but not digital. When I found myself needing a client base, I ran a Groupon, which sold over 400…this was a make or break situation. Luckily, I was able to handle the client load, and turned a lot of the Groupon clients, to full paying clients, 15 years later! After shooting weddings for so long, I wanted to add something to my offerings- and ran across a profile on Instagram of my now friend Olivia, who preserves flowers and is a resin expert. I traveled to Canada in January of 2024, learned all I could from her, and came home building my own resin studio. I truly love this art form, and have really enjoyed expanding beyond florals!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing is ever smooth- being an entrepreneur is NEVER smooth all the time- but I feel like I have always put myself in the client’s shoes, and that has kept me in business for over 15 years. I think that I treat others how I want to be treated, never focus solely on the money, serve with love & gratitude, and at the end of the day, if I am unsure of how they might perceive my services, I ask, and make sure to keep communication at the forefront of everything. If you talk about it, you can work through it, fix it or repeat it if it works!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been photographing weddings & families for 15 years. I am successful because of my ability to find a common thread with people. I put them at ease, and lead with laughter. I want everyone to be comfortable and have fun in front of my camera- including the dad’s and toddlers!
Recently, I became a resin artist, and I adore preserving florals for my clients, as also creating bespoke heirlooms for families that they will pass down for year’s to come.
I believe in constantly reinventing myself creatively, to stay fresh & Happy!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Reinvention- it’s a huge component. No one can do the same thing over and over again, and not feel creatively drained- so I constantly challenge myself, and reinvent the way I do things. I have done this a few times in my life, and really leaned in when I feel the need to shed a layer and do something new creatively- this keeps me happy, and therefore my clients happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hebasalama.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebasalama/#
- Other: https://www.hebasalama.com/resin-store
