Meet Ali Hanley | Co Founder and Lead Photographer of Found In Euphoria

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Hanley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always aspired to create and pursue a creative agency. I graduated from Cal Poly with my BS in Business Administration, with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a minor in photography. Incorporating photography into my daily life was a necessity, as I realized that I thrived in a work environment that allowed me to also be creative and technical. After college, I worked on the photography team for a major corporation. The experience was amazing at first, but I soon realized that my skill set was more valuable than what was being utilized. I was working an average of 15 hour days; I was exhausted and only 23. Something had to change. I should not be feeling this way at the age that I was. I had a major realization when I was on a work trip on my 24th birthday. My hard work was not being fully appreciated by my team and bosses. At that moment, I knew I needed to branch out and follow my aspirations- it was now or never. Looking inside myself, I knew I would rather work my ass off for myself, than for a corporation who had little appreciation for the works and efforts I had put in. As a result, I left my position at the corporation and Found In Euphoria, a creative agency, was established.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I wanted my art to be timeless- a photo that can be seen 10 years from now and still be iconic. I wanted to step away from the ‘trends’ of photography and all the ‘viral’ photographers, as I do not feel any connection to those types of art/ and content. I am drawn to art that creates a feeling of nostalgia and timelessness. I want my photo(s) to have a lasting impact for a lifetime, not just a month, or when the trend ends.

Establishing Found In Euphoria was the perfect opportunity to help pivot my style. It became the perfect guide for me- helping me to understand the types of clients that I wanted to work with.

I had a re-awakening. I know it sounds cliche, but when I first stepped foot in my corporate job, I did anything and everything to gain the approval of my bosses. This included, doing work that was not my job at all, staying late and coming in early, and completing tasks that put me in physically dangerous situations. After a while I did not recognize myself, my goals, or my aspirations. I was just going through the motions. I stayed unhappy at my job for a while. I was brought to tears at least once a week due to my miserable work environment. I was worried about not having a stable income, and how people would perceive me if I quit, therefore I couldn’t bring myself to leave. However, one day a situation arose that I was uncomfortable with, and I realized that my morals were being put to the test. I realized that my morals and what I stand for were more important than the shady business practices occurring at my previous workplace. I left and decided that now was the time to create ‘Found In Euphoria’, where I knew none of my morals would be compromised.

I have poured my heart and soul into this new business and could not have done it without my business partners, my family, and my loved ones and friends. Found In Euphoria is a creative agency that is currently specializing in photoshoot production and content creation. We have two locations, one in Southern California and one in Oahu, Hawaii. We are a fully women founded, owned, and operated company! We work with our clients through every step of each project to ensure the utmost satisfaction. I want the world and community to know that we as a company will never compromise our morals to ‘climb the ladder’. Our company cherishes all the connections that we make and have within this community. Our team is committed to giving our clients the best experience and content imaginable!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in San Clemente, a small beach town in Southern California. It is a very refreshing place to live. I hate traffic with a burning passion so I know I would never be able to live in a big city. I love the beach town vibes and the relaxed lifestyle within my town. I don’t ever feel pressured to be doing something constantly and I think that is healthy for the mind and soul. Even though it is a more relaxed town, there are always great places here to visit. There are many cute boutique coffee shops where anyone can be sure to find something they like. If you are a surfer, then San Onofre is a must. It is the perfect beach that brings you back to the 70s. There is a small town charm that I love about San Clemente and it will always be home to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are definitely a handful of people that deserve credit for helping me be able to get to where I am today. First off, my family and loved ones have always supported me and I am so thankful for that. I would not be where I am today without the help from my family.

As for my business and creative agency, I would like to recognize my two amazing business partners, Callan Jensen and Amanda Lougee. Without these two ladies Found In Euphoria would not be alive. I am so thankful for these two, as they have helped me bring a business dream/vision to reality. I had always tossed around the idea of starting a creative agency but never had felt like I had the right people to do it with. When I met Callan and Amanda I just knew they were the girls! They are hardworking and true to themselves, which is unfortunately hard to find within this industry nowadays. I am forever grateful to have them by my side.

Found In Euphoria is open for business and we are currently taking new clients! We specialize in content creation and photoshoot production for brands that need a little extra help. Our goal as an agency is to be able to help brands with their visual storytelling to appeal and resonate to more customers, so in return creating more sales for that brand.

Website: www.foundineuphoria.com

Instagram: @foundineuphoria @alihanleyy

Linkedin: @foundineuphoria @AliHanley