Roxanne Engstrom shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Roxanne, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of investing in relationships with people & building family relationships and friendships in the entrepreneur community. I love helping others feel celebrated and confident and I get to do that both as a mama of four and in my work as a brand storyteller.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Roxanne Engstrom- the founder and photographer behind Hawa Images. I am a visual storyteller and photographer that helps individuals, brands, business owners tell their unique authentic story in an ethical and intentional way so they can build confidence in themselves and trust with their ideal clients- if you need more than headshots let’s talk! I use my creative gifts to amplify your unique brand and voice so you have strategic images to move your brand forward. I am also a Mama of four and wife of almost 25 years to my opposite and best friend Jason and I am learning to thrive living with Multiple Sclerosis as part of my journey. I truly love meaningful community and embrace gritty growth as a woman and entrepreneur.
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 breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks bonds is competition and scarcity or when people feel unnecessarily that they have to live for the approval of others or prove themselves to people. I am all for grit and growth and putting in the work and in my experience there is no substitute for just putting in the work. I think having grit and working hard can be done without putting your entire meaning of your life in your work- we must separate and know we may love what we do AND there is more to us that what we do. I think what restores is true relationship, and being seen and seeing others and allowing space for us all to thrive. Celebrating what you bring to the table and staying in your own lane gives us acquired confidence that allows us to also celebrate and cheer others on.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely- I can definitely think of a few times. Post being diagnosed with a life-changing, chronic illness and more recently moving across the country and having to rebuild my business after 10 years in one location. If I’m going to be honest, and I always strive to be- I felt entitled to the business I had built for over 10 years but what I needed to remember is that every single client that trusts us with their brand and business is a gift and I had to rebuild trust in a new area and show up and serve with value! I’m so grateful I did not give up and put in the work and focused on building in aligned ways- my clients in Raleigh are truly THE BEST and I am so glad I pushed through being butt heart about being new and unknown.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I hope they would say that encouraging others, being FOR others, and truly being for them matters so much to me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m focusing on my gifts and where I can add value and serve and not worrying about other people‘s opinions. And also traveling with my love of almost 25 years of marriage and my family and I love partnering with baddie and bold brands building a brand and business they love and with organizations doing good and hard things in the world to partner with them to tell their stories in ethical ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hawaimages.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaimages?igsh=MXd5dm1pbGlkbHZxbw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-engstrom?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Hawa Images, Malwina Aviles, Lindsay M. Tiwald
