Napa Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Headshots are something most of us need, and we have them done from time to time.  However, I have found that it’s not always at the top of our list because, well, they don’t have that ring of  ”this is going to be so much fun” to them.  I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way at all.  More often now, many people are going for a more modern, approachable image of themselves to use professionally and personally.  Something less traditional, more real.  I’m always game when someone calls and has a vision in mind about their headshots/portraits.  What I really like about the type of headshot we’ve created here for Giselle Lampe, of  Coldwell Bankers, is that there’s so much more life to it than your usual studio shot (which I also do, but with flair I might add).  You get to catch a glimpse of the subject’s personality.   And, it’s always nice to meet new people in the business community and learn about their chosen career paths.  Not to mention, the huge benefit of networking within your community.  It’s all about supporting local businesses, as well as our wider surrounding communities.

So let’s meet Giselle.  Giselle is just as friendly and approachable as she looks.  This is a seriously talented woman and I wanted to share a brief interview of Giselle here with you.  When we met for our pre-session consultation to discuss what she was looking for with her session, I just couldn’t stop asking questions about her background and what she had planned for her new business venture.  Her background is pretty impressive.  Please read on and find out more about this exceptional local business woman.  You can also find Giselle on Facebook and Twitter.  And, don’t forget to call me when you’re ready to update your look.

You are not originally from California, how long have you been here, and what was the reason for your move?
Kathi I moved here just over 3 years ago from British Columbia Canada, where I worked as a Realtor. My move was based on a request from my brother to help him start up his winery. This was a new idea for me and sounded like an adventure and a challenge the idea was to take a leave from my business and come here for 2 years to start up operations.

Well now you’ve been here for 3 years and you’re a Realtor here. What changed in your plans?
Put it simply …I fell in love! I did move down with my two daughters and I started up the winery as well as enrolled full time at Solano College to continue my Marketing education.  During that time I met my husband who is a Manager and Partner of a restaurant. I left the winery in September of 2009 in trusted hands just as planned, just over 2  years after my move I married in March of 2009 which wasn’t in the original plans, but a much better turn of events.  After my marriage I gave up my Canadian Real Estate License and  started working as a Marketing Manager in October 2009.

So you’ve worked as a Winery Manager and Marketing Director for a well-known restaurant in Yountville why now back to Real Estate?
Real Estate is my passion actually anything to do with; construction, design and property is my passion. I love looking at buildings or even vacant land for that matter and seeing what “could be” or admiring the already existing structure. I have been designing houses and floor plans since I was 8 years old. My father who was schooled as an engineer trained me on the principals of function and form. I later developed my training in Interior Design and worked for several years as a designer in Canada prior to becoming a Realtor. It was actually the design industry that converted me into Real Estate. Dear client of mine was a surgeon who was being moving to another city,  he insisted that I help him market his home. I told him he should have a professional who understands the laws in real property do that for him. He agreed but stated that he needed a professional who understood the “real” construction and design aspects of property as well…so he said “get your license and sell my home”….I did and I did!  That sums it up really for me, I see beyond what is there and I love helping others see it as well.  Managing a winery and specializing in Marketing actually added to my background, they gave me additional organization skills, productive time management, consumer awareness, internet capabilities, productive and effective communication these are all skills that I use daily in Real Estate.  Coming back to it was only natural.

How do you describe what you do as different from other Realtors?
I don’t really compare myself…I just treat my clients as though they are family members and close friends, people that will be in my life for a long time and who trust and rely on me. I wouldn’t want to let a family member of friend down or steer them in the wrong direction, thus I would never do that to a client.  I took a Real Estate Marketing course in Canada and the speaker said “Treat your clients as though they feed and clothe your family.” When you think about it that way you realize that the people who hire you to work for them, they really are the ones who are providing for the needs of your loved ones…how thankful you are to them for that.  So for that I give them whole souled effort, I use all of my skills from design tips, to marketing skills being creative and using technology,  to managing and organizing timelines in helping them either to purchase or sell their home.

Had to sneak in a few that Giselle shares from time to time on her Facebook page.

Thanks so much Giselle!  It’s wonderful working with you.