The Couple Behind Freshminds Photography “MAKING MEMORIES LAST” Who is Connie and Rexelle Videña It started with one click of a shutter and one girl’s unwavering dedication. Connie started with opening a business center offering typing services, production of calling cards and invitations, as well as I.D. pictures. She eventually ventured into taking class photos in grade school and high school. Being a graphic arts and production design graduate, Connie was able to cope with the skills demand needed for the profession. Back then, she had a full-time job to help provide for her children because earning from photography was not enough. She told herself that if the business would not work out, she would quit. But it did, eventually, and it was because she found what she loved doing and she did not let go of it. “If the business is for you, you’re not after the money anymore as long as you get so much joy from it,” she says. She soon ventured into weddings and events photography with her husband Rexelle. Her business morphed into Fresh Minds Digital Photography, inspired by the young people in her team. Although she had very limited experience and connection back then, Connie relied on her willingness to learn the ins and outs, not only of photography and videography, but also of her business. She started focusing on marketing because she believes that being well skilled in your craft is not enough if you want your business to succeed. Connie attributes much of her success to her mother who has been her strongest support system. Without her, Connie would have given up so quickly on her dream and Fresh Minds would not have been born. freshmindsphotography but Fresh Minds remain. That, for her, is an indication that Fresh Minds has truly set its own position in the industry. She is now an officer of PEAK - Tagaytay Wedding Vendors Association which she considers a humbling experience because it only means that people in the industry trust her too. Wedding trends then and now Thirteen years of experience Connie and Rexelle recall their first wedding client, “Nahiya ako kasi hindi pa ako magaling noon (I’m shy because I wasn’t that good back then),” Connie humbly shares. It was Rexelle who improved the quality of their videos, and photos eventually followed. Now, Fresh Minds is one of the most distinguished studios for couples wanting to make their memories last through photos and videos. It was on their tenth year that Connie felt she was in it for the right reasons. She thought that she would not get past ten years because of several challenges she faced. There was a time when people close to her betrayed her trust but she persevered. Albeit hurt, Connie did not give up and remained standing tall for more years. For both of them, clients keep coming back to them because Fresh Minds show them not just professionalism, but also love. They see to it that their staff mirror Fresh Mind’s brand of commitment to service, respect for clients, and love for what they do. Connie also noticed that in her thirteen years in the business, her competitors come and go www.freshmindsphotography.com Weddings now are more elegant and luxurious, according to Connie. “More on themed weddings na din,” she admits. In terms of photography, high- ly-edited photos are no longer the norm because photos now use brighter, warmer, and more natural colors. Studios also invest more on videos now adays and started offering it alongside photography services. Technology, as in any industry, has also changed dramatically. What used to be film cameras evolved into digital cameras, making it easier for aspiring photographers. Aside from that, the existence of social media like Facebook has also helped suppliers reach their customers and offer their services. Tips to aspiring photographers and videographers With her over a decade of experience, Connie has three pieces of advice to aspiring photographers and videographers: focus on your goal, check your character, and invest well on your skills and equipment to be able to cope with the demands of the profession. When asked how Fresh Minds helps the wedding industry, Connie and Rexelle proudly said that professionalism is at the core of their dealings with clients and partners. “We’re doing our best and we’re taking care of our integrity to uplift wedding suppliers,” Connie says. (046)865-3036 [email protected] or [email protected]