Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Parker.
Claudia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion was birthed from pain. The baritone voice of my, then, 18-year-old little brother brought life as I knew it to a crashing halt with three words, “Mom passed away.”
I never anticipated buying my 52-year-old mom a white casket with gold trim that Christmas. Nor did I envision returning to Chicago December 26th, after having been in my hometown, Terre Haute, Indiana, for a week planning her funeral, to find my newly constructed home uninhabitable.
My husband, Don, stood paralyzed in shock as water with fire hydrant force spewed about our possessions from three burst pipes. “Babe! Shut the water OFF,” I yelled while gripping our eight-month-old daughter to my chest.
I would have been completely justified to fall apart having lost my mother, my home and nearly all my possessions on the same day, which happened to be the day after Christmas. But instead, I chose to cling to the only thing that remained constant in my life. My faith!
With prayer and meditation, I was led to write a memoir, Becoming a Mother While Losing My Own. After its publication, a reporter from The Reporter newspaper featured my story on the front page. After reading the piece I became enthralled with the idea of being a reporter myself. I contacted their editor, Jeff Vorva, thanked him for the exposure and said, “I want to write for you. I observed your reporter closely, I can do what she did.” That may have been a bit forward, but it was enough to intrigue him. He gave me a shot at submitting an op-ed. It seems I had more courage than competence. After his near 50% revision, it was published. The edits became few and far between over the five years I worked for The Reporter following that story. Journalism remains my greatest asset, now, I’m just sharing those stories through the lens of my Nikon.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur has allowed me the freedom and flexibility to explore my creativity. However, when I first began, there was a level of vulnerability that came with the creation process. Not everyone can appreciate your vision. Serving to the preferences of every individual will render you exhausted. It’s important to stay true to yourself. Create according to your own taste and you will draw in the clients that like your flavor.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Claudia Parker Portraits story. Tell us more about the business.
Claudia Parker Portraits was established just shy of two years ago. I’m a journalist sharing stories through a Nikon lens. I shoot portraits, events, and video in an array of settings. I enjoy highlighting live events such as church and corporate conferences most. The energy that flows through like-minded individuals coming together to celebrate, network and collaborate is especially exciting to capture. I’m known for exploring details one may have overlooked.
As a company, I’m most proud of my new show, Five Minutes of Faith.
Claudia Parker Portraits has created and produced a documentary style short film series where I allow individuals to share their personal stories of faith. It’s designed to bring hope and inspiration to the viewer all within the span of five minutes. It airs the first Sunday of each month.
As of now, it’s being broadcast on social media. However, I have a couple large companies interested in helping me gain more exposure.
Five Minutes of Faith is the most exhilarating thing I’ve ever created. I will continue to produce it regardless of the platform. It feels like something I was born to do. Here’s the most recent episodes https://www.claudiaparkerportraits.com/five-minutes-of-faith-series/
I would be remiss not to mention my work outside my business. I believe it’s important to serve. I serve my husband, Dr. Don Parker, of whom I’m happily married for 16 years. My children, Donae, 11 and Rhonda-Rene will be 8 in October. I serve on the media and communications team at my church, Christian Life Center – Tinley Park, taking pictures and video during events. And I also serve my community. On 8/27, I was appointed as the newest member of the School Board for the Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124. An appointment I do not take lightly as there were 10 other candidates vying to fill the vacant seat.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Aside from the good book, also known as the Bible. I draw inspiration from my own published works, my memoir, Becoming a Mother While Losing My Own and my children’s book, Children’s Church with a Preschool Pastor.
Had it not been for the courage to write such a raw, transparent truth, I would not have found the fulfillment in life that I was seeking.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ClaudiaParkerPortraits.com
- Email: BookMe@ClaudiaParkerPortraits.com
- Instagram: https://www.claudiaparkerportraits.com/five-minutes-of-faith-series/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaParkerPortraits/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdzSQa9OsfyPH-qRFdDcNZuUFX1PkptKyXBJryAChI5kxQ%3AAdzux2kb14robeyrOY7BWPYjL5MDnHh94Z7pEpnralFqMQ
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCParker
- Other: www.ClaudiaParker.net
Image Credit:
Claudia Parker Portraits
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