Meet Reo Gloria | Photographer & Designer

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

Hi Reo, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The heart of my success, and by extension, the success of my brand, really boils down to one core idea: My life is my brand. It’s all interwoven. The brand that people come to know and love isn’t just a business to me; it’s a reflection of who I am, my journey, my passions. And this personal touch is what makes it unique.

Also, my brand goes by my nickname or stage name, which adds a personal flair to it. It’s not just a label; it’s a part of my identity, a signature that represents my creativity and style. It’s like having a piece of me in every project and every interaction I have.

I can’t talk about success without mentioning the incredible community that backs my photography and creative style. Their support is like a backbone to my endeavors. They’re not just consumers; they’re collaborators, critics, and the best hype men / women, all rolled into one. Their engagement and feedback have been crucial in shaping my brand and driving it forward. It’s a beautiful synergy – my creative expression resonates with them, and their enthusiasm fuels my passion even more.

In essence, my success story is woven from personal authenticity and community support. It’s about staying true to myself and embracing the love and feedback from those who appreciate my work. That’s the magic formula behind the scenes!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In diving into my art, I’d say there’s no big secret to what I do. It’s more about the approach, especially in photography. What I believe makes a difference is how you interact with your subject before you even take the shot. That connection, that moment, is what I try to capture and it speaks volumes in the final image.

My photo editing style leans towards a blend of celebrity-style candid shots and a larger-than-life aspect. It’s about bringing out the extraordinary in seemingly ordinary moments, making each photo feel special and impactful.

Getting to where I am professionally wasn’t a straightforward path. I took a lot of jobs and gigs that didn’t pay well at the beginning. But I saw each of these opportunities as a stepping stone, a chance to network and build the connections I needed. Now, these connections are what get me booked consistently. It’s about laying the groundwork and growing from there.

The journey hasn’t been easy. In this industry, I’ve learned that 90% is about showing up and the rest is skill. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might come your way, and that’s a principle that applies to life in general. Being present, ready to embrace whatever comes, has been key.

One thing I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I didn’t initially set out to be good at photography. It started more as an excuse to get back into being a DJ and a music artist. But during that time, something personal happened that changed my perspective. My aunt was passing away, and it hit me hard. It made me realize the importance of creating and preserving memories.

That realization was a turning point. I reflected on the past five years of my life, which seemed like a blur with barely any photos to show for it. It dawned on me how quickly time passes and how crucial it is to capture those fleeting moments. So, photography became more than just a hobby or a stepping stone; it became a way to hold onto the moments that define us, the experiences that shape our journey.
This shift in perspective transformed how I approached photography. It wasn’t just about getting back into music; it became a mission to capture life, to create something enduring. And that’s what has driven me ever since – the desire to freeze time in my images, to give people something tangible to remember their own blurs of life by.

It’s been an amazing journey of self-discovery, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Get ready for a culinary rollercoaster because I’m all about the food! So, if my best friend was visiting Sacramento, here’s the plan:

We’d kick things off at 18 Grams Coffee in Arden for an energetic start to our day. Their ube lattes are a must-try, and the chicken karaage sando is unbelievably good – it’s a brunch game-changer.

After, make our way to Apple Hill in Placerville. Specifically Delfino Farms. Why? Cider & WALKING HAND PIES. The best. They’re like these mini apple pies with vanilla ice cream on top. A MUST TRY.

Usually Apple Hill is a long drive, so after we would get a cannabis delivery from Humble Root to the house. It’s the perfect way to mellow out and enjoy some great music. Rest a bit, blaze it up, and soak in the vibes.

Later, when hunger strikes again, it’s all about Journey to the Dumpling. Their XLB (Xiao Long Bao) is a culinary experience you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re into dumplings.

As night falls, we’d dive into Sacramento’s nightlife. Lowbrau is great for its music scene and lively atmosphere. Or, if we’re feeling something different, Flamingo House for their silent discos (and sushi) – it’s a uniquely fun experience.

And we can’t wrap up without visiting the Golden 1 Center to see “the beam.” Even if you’re not a Kings fan, it’s a cool part of Sacramento to check out. LIGHT THE BEAM! HAHA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, I love this question because it really puts into perspective how we’re all part of a bigger picture. First off, it’s important to acknowledge that there are so many people who’ve played a massive role in getting me to where I am today. Success is never a solo journey, and I’ve been fortunate to have a network of support around me.

Firstly, a massive shoutout to Diana Huynh. She was key in taking my photography from zero to a hundred. Diana not only believed in my skillset and craft but also connected me with opportunities that were crucial in my growth. She’s one of those rare individuals who recognized my potential and helped me to capitalize on it.

Then there’s Christopher Shalchi, a best friend and a mentor rolled into one. Our relationship has been an enriching journey of mutual learning and support. Whether it be working on music projects in the studio, to working with his E-Commerce agency Mavecca. Chris has been a rock, providing mental support, guidance, and encouragement when I’ve needed it the most.

I also must mention MJ Andres, who has been my partner in both life and growth. Marijo was there for me during some incredibly tough times, including when I was homeless. Her support and belief in me during those challenging moments have been transformative. I owe a huge part of my journey to MJ’s unwavering presence in my life.

And, of course, I can’t leave out Humble Root, the place where I currently work. It has been an absolute catalyst in honing my skills as a brand director, graphic designer, photographer, and leader. The opportunities and experiences I’ve gained at Humble Root have been instrumental in expanding my skillset and shaping my professional path. It’s a place that’s not just a job; it’s been a significant part of my growth and development in the creative & cannabis field.

Website: www.thebrownchild.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebrownchild

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thebrownchild

Twitter: the_brownchild

Image Credits
Daniel Xaysongkham Mary Huynh