We recently had the chance to connect with Mariah Thompson and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Mariah, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! I graduated with my Master’s degree in June 2025, and just two months later, I stepped into a part-time role as a photographer, further developing my skills in the craft. As this article goes live, it also marks a meaningful milestone for me—my third officially published article—one that reflects both my growth and the excitement I feel about where my creative journey is headed.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mariah Thompson, and I’m a 24-year-old photographer and graphic designer from Lincolnton, North Carolina. Before college, I already knew I wanted to be part of the fine arts community, and my undergraduate experience at Elizabeth City State University gave me the creative foundation I was looking for. Working as a marketing assistant for the Recreation and Wellness Department allowed me to blend creativity with purpose, and as I became more involved on campus, my photography naturally began to grow.
Over time, I discovered that creativity became an outlet for expressing what I navigate mentally and emotionally—a belief that has only deepened as I’ve grown. That perspective continues to shape my work today. My brand, Mariahnotcarey Photography, is currently evolving to include graphic design services alongside photography. I’m in the process of rebranding, expanding my skill set, and adding new intention to my merchandise line, Mariahnotcarey Designs, as I continue building a brand rooted in expression and creative freedom.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and now needs to be released is the uncertainty surrounding my purpose. There were moments when I questioned whether my work was truly impactful or if my creative brand was consistent enough to carry meaning. That doubt grew so loud that I even considered walking away from my business altogether, believing my vision wasn’t strong or steady enough. But I’ve learned that uncertainty doesn’t mean absence of purpose—it often means I’m in the middle of growth. Releasing that mindset has allowed me to recommit to my vision with more grace, patience, and a greater belief in the impact my creativity continues to make.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I wouldn’t say I ever gave up, but there was a moment when I had to pause and truly reassess. Questioning the direction and consistency of my brand opened the door to a deeper realization that growth sometimes requires a bold shift. I’m currently in a season of expansion, rebranding my vision and allowing my work to evolve into something more intentional and reflective of who I am becoming. Rather than starting over, I chose to honor the foundation I’ve built and embrace change as the catalyst for creating something meaningful, impactful, and enduring.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real and inspiring, but it isn’t perfect or reflective of every personal loss I’ve endured. For a long time, I felt pressure to present myself as someone who always had it together—especially as a business owner. Recently, I’ve made a conscious decision to be more transparent, recognizing that the illusion of perfection can be both misleading and isolating.
I experience doubt and moments of uncertainty like anyone else, and acknowledging that has allowed me to connect more genuinely with my work and the people who engage with it. Embracing transparency has helped me show up more authentically, reminding me that growth doesn’t require perfection—only honesty and the courage to keep going.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, because my commitment to giving my best is rooted in purpose, not praise. Creativity, for me, has always been an act of expression, healing, and self-trust, and that doesn’t lose its value when recognition is absent. I’ve learned that if you wait for others to validate your work or your worth, you’ll be waiting forever—and in that waiting, you risk abandoning yourself.
Choosing to show up fully for myself, even when no one is watching, has taught me discipline, integrity, and resilience. The work matters because it reflects who I am and who I’m becoming, not because it’s applauded. Giving my best is how I stay aligned with my purpose, regardless of external approval.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariahnotcarey.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahnotcareyyyy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-thompson-mfa-b00b97248
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mariahnotcareyyyy
- Other: https://mariahnotcareydesigns.myshopify.com/?country=US
https://www.behance.net/mariahthompson
