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

Hi Roxanne, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk IS life. If we do not risk we live small. Living in alignment and taking shaky and messy action towards your goals will mean risk but that is the ONLY way you will grow in skills and confidence to evolve and realize a meaningful, healed, connected, and purposeful life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a visual storyteller that focuses on human emotion & connection. I help families, individuals, & couples to share their beautiful messy story.

I also partner with humanitarian, non-for-profit organizations, and individuals building their brand share their stories with intention, dignity, & excellence, so they can have a greater impact on their communities. I am proud of the work I have doe and continue to do in learning more about storytelling ethics.

It has been 10 years since I formally founded Hawa Images and I am reflecting a lot these days. It was not easy and I am now in a season of change and I am needing bravery to shift and adjust yet again.

I took the shakiest steps towards starting my business journey. A camera in one hand and a baby on my hip chasing two littles with no real clue what it meant to be an entrepreneur and too afraid to call myself that anyway I launched my first website, made my first post, and booked my first paying client. I was not confident or sure at all. But I did it. I took messy action. I am here to normalize doing it afraid because that is how I have seen success in my life. I think too often women wait for permission, timing or a specific season, more skills or knowledge, or the perfect plan. None of that will make you successful. You showing up, serving others joyfully, and being committed to your vision and growth will. Be brave enough to be a beginner.

We want to be a “professional” but often in that pursuit we erase the messy beginning and gritty growth parts of our story. I am committed to vulnerability as I become more of who God intends me to be as an entrepreneur. For me it is not as much about me but about wanting to encourage other entrepreneurs to take messy steps towards living in alignment and building a life they love. It has been and will continue to be messy but that journey is so worth it and I hope encourages you in your journey as well.

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 lived in Chicago for years and LOVE the city- (but only come to Chicago in the Spring or Summer 🙂 I would take you for a Mexican latte at Kopi Cafe and then head for Thai food at Cozy Noodle & Thai in Evanston and then Gracias for Mexican! We would chill at Foster beach and grab some paletas (coconut is my favorite!) I also LOVE wondering around Roger’s Park and photographing and creating content with the amazing murals in the city. I am soon headed to Raleigh, North Carolina so I need alllll the recommendations!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many shout outs!!! Annalea Hart has encouraged me in business and life- she lives as an example to not giving up when things are hard. Kathy Chester serves the MS warrior community by inviting and creating safe spaces for others to tell their stories and be heard. Joi McGowan is a gifted therapist who is gifted in creating safe spaces for women to process and heal. Her podcast and calming presence is an absolute gift!

Website: www.hawaimages.com

Instagram: @hawaimages and @roxengstrom

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-engstrom-a3a775165/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawaimages/ and https://www.facebook.com/roxanne.engstrom

Yelp: n/a

Youtube: @roxanneengstrom8437

Image Credits
the images of my photographing with the white paper roll are @arise images other images are mine @hawaimages

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.