Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Marie DiSalvo.
Hi Ann Marie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I picked up a camera when I was 13 and fell in love with it! I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in photojournalism with minors in film studies and business, and after graduating, I moved to Nashville in 2017.
I worked for myself freelancing in the wedding industry, events, and portraiture work. I got burnt out on that work, so I moved into my next love and passion in environmental works through horticulture and agriculture. Even though I was in a completely different field, I was still creating and taking photos for the businesses I worked for. I realized they needed photography for their social media, online shops, websites, etc.
Then it all clicked, and I realized that I could do both social media marketing and photography for any business I wanted to work for, given that social media marketing was a huge need for almost every business, large or small.
That’s when I found my current full-time work as a Marketing Manager for Lightwave Solar, one of the leading solar companies in the Tennessee Valley area. This way, I can expand my skills in marketing, photography, and work in an industry that cares about the environment just as much as I do.
When I’m not working at Lightwave Solar, I freelance in photography and marketing for those in the Nashville area. I specifically enjoy working with small businesses. I believe smaller businesses are what help communities grow and thrive. Most of them don’t have the funds to hire out an entire marketing team, so I specialize in offering discounted rates or trade deals for those who are in need of content for their social media, websites, etc. This way, I can continue to expand my freelance work, creating more and helping provide for these businesses I support. Most of all, I love connecting with others and learning and telling their stories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What I struggled with most along the way was really finding my niche of what I wanted to do. I am passionate about so many different things, and had to narrow it down and even mix it all together a little. I really don’t know a lot of people working and doing the same thing that I like. Plus, freelancing full-time was a struggle for me, so I knew that I needed a different approach. At first, I felt like I was “failing” as a photographer because I didn’t want to freelance full-time. Plus, I felt like I was doing photography too much as a job and not enough for fun, and all the things I wanted to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about DiSalvo Media?
At DiSalvo Media, I specialize in marketing consulting and content creation for small businesses, organizations, and individuals/creators. I care a lot about helping others through what I love to do. Through my natural curiosity and people-loving personality, I love connecting with others in my community, hearing their stories, and supporting them through the work I do.
I think small businesses and other creators like musicians, performers, artists, etc., are what make a community grow and thrive. These kinds of people inspire me, so working closer with them only feeds that entire cycle of good energy, growth, inspiration, and it feeds my soul.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love best about Nashville is the growth! I feel like I’m always connecting with new people, places, and finding more fun ways to create. What I like least about our city is the lack of support for small businesses and organizations, especially those that have had to let employees go or close their doors due to high rent prices or lack of federal funding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://disalvomedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disalvomedia/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-disalvo-372431111/
