Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Hayes
Hi Desiree, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t something I planned, it was something I grew into out of necessity, passion, and a deep desire for something more. After years in the corporate world, I found myself at a crossroads when I became a mother through adoption after struggling with infertility and loss. I knew I wanted to be present for my son, but I also had a deep passion for creativity and storytelling. Photography became my outlet, my way of capturing moments and emotions, and eventually, it became my business.
At first, I started with families and weddings but as I started to work with more women entrepreneurs, I saw firsthand the power of visual storytelling—how the right imagery could not only elevate a brand but also build confidence in the person behind it. That’s when I knew I wanted to do more than just take photos, I wanted to help women show up fully in their brands, telling their stories in an authentic, impactful way.
Today, my business is built on that mission. I specialize in brand photography and videography, creating intentional, storytelling-driven visuals for personal brands and creative entrepreneurs. I’ve also expanded into product photography, helping brands showcase their offerings in a way that is visually compelling, professional, and aligned with their brand identity. Whether I’m capturing the essence of a personal brand, creating engaging video content, or styling and shooting products for e-commerce and marketing, my goal remains the same, to help businesses elevate their presence and connect with their audience through powerful imagery.
But beyond photography, mentorship is also a core part of my business. I guide women creatives in building their brand identity, finding their voice, and learning how to market themselves with intention. I know firsthand how overwhelming entrepreneurship can feel, and I’m passionate about equipping women with the tools, confidence, and strategy to show up boldly.
And this year, I’m taking my passion for community a step further with the launch of Kingdomhearted, a space dedicated to supporting and uplifting women not just in business, but in life. This is a space for faith-driven, like-minded women to connect, encourage, and walk this journey together. It’s something I’ve felt called to build, and I’m so excited to see it come to life.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped the way I show up today. I don’t just take photos, I help women take ownership of their stories. I don’t just mentor, I walk alongside women as they build their brands with intention and purpose. And now, through Kingdomhearted, I’m creating a space where women can not only grow in business but also in faith, confidence, and community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. My journey has been filled with transitions, challenges, and a lot of learning along the way. Leaving the corporate world to become a stay-at-home mom was a major shift, I had to rediscover who I was outside of my career while navigating motherhood. I craved a creative outlet, and photography became that space for me. But turning it into a business was an entirely different challenge.
As a creative, I had no background in running a business. I had to figure out pricing, marketing, and systems while also balancing motherhood and homeschooling. In the beginning, I took on weddings, thinking it was the best path, but over time, I realized it was pulling me away from my family, the very thing I was trying to prioritize. It was exhausting, and I had to make some difficult decisions to realign my work with the life I wanted.
There were financial struggles, moments of doubt, and seasons where I felt completely overwhelmed. I wasn’t just learning how to run a business, I was also learning how to create structure in my personal life so I could be a present mom while still growing something sustainable. The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped the way I approach my work and life today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a brand photographer and videographer specializing in personal brand photography, videography, and product photography for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. My work goes beyond just taking photos, I help women build a powerful visual presence that reflects who they are and what they stand for. I create intentional, storytelling-driven content that allows brands to connect with their audience in a real, authentic way.
What sets me apart is my ability to capture more than just polished, curated images, I create visuals that make people feel something. I don’t believe in forcing perfection; instead, I focus on highlighting personality, authenticity, and the raw, real moments that make a brand stand out. My clients don’t just get a gallery of pretty images, they get content that helps them show up confidently, attract their ideal audience, and elevate their brand in a way that feels true to them.
Beyond photography and videography, I also offer mentorship for women entrepreneurs who want to build their brands with intention. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate branding, marketing, and visibility, so I guide women through the process of showing up with clarity and confidence. This year, I’m expanding my impact even further with the launch of Kingdomhearted, a community space for faith-driven, like-minded women who want to grow in business and life. This is something deeply personal to me, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work empowers women to truly see themselves, not just as business owners, but as the face of their brand. So many women struggle with showing up because they feel like they’re not “ready” or “perfect” enough, and I help them break through that mindset. Seeing my clients step into their confidence, embrace their story, and use their visuals to grow their brand is what fuels me.
At the heart of everything I do, whether it’s photography, videography, or mentorship, is the belief that every woman deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated. That’s what drives me, and that’s what makes my work so much more than just a job.
How do you define success?
For me, success is so much more than money in the bank or how well my business is doing. It’s about the life I’m building and the people I get to share it with.
Success looks like watching my son grow and being present for the moments that truly matter; the milestones, the everyday joys, and the small moments that I’ll never get back. It’s growing stronger in my marriage, deepening my connection with my husband, and making sure that amidst all the busyness, we never lose sight of each other. It’s knowing that I’m giving my best, not just to my business, but to my family, my faith, and myself.
Success is also about the people I surround myself with. Having a community of people who love me, support me, and encourage me means more than any level of financial success ever could. If I didn’t have that, no amount of money would bring me peace or happiness.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what I achieve, it’s about the life I’m able to live, the relationships I nurture, and the impact I leave behind. That’s what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.desireehayes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desireehayesphoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-hayes-6b569127b/
Image Credits
Photos by Shadell C Brand Photo and Desiree Hayes Photography
Hair & Makeup by APG Beauty
Styling by Sophia Rodriguez “The Style Studio”
Florals by The Wildflowers FL
