Lisa White

Tell us about you!

I’m Lisa White…a creative woman, a photographer, a wife and mom of two boys living in Maplewood for the past 10 years.

I’m turning 50 this year and trying to get back to my OG self…being inspired and doing the same for others.

In a paragraph, tell us about your business.

I’m a lifestyle photographer based in Northern NJ (Maplewood, South Orange and surrounding areas).

I photograph people in all stages of life: welcoming a newborn, growing a family, sending a child off to college, navigating a major life shift like divorce and starting something new professionally.

Where did you grow up?

I’m a New England girl and grew up in a big town outside of Boston.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up I wanted to be an interior decorator, the youngest female film director and a fashion photographer. I was obsessed with Hollywood and even had my Bat Mitzvah theme based around it "Lisa Goes To Hollywood".

What inspired you to start your own business?

I’ve been taking photos for as long as I can remember. My dad had a darkroom in our basement when I was little so I was always fascinated by this medium. I would spend all my money getting photos developed at CVS and then eventually went to NYU for film and photography because I loved it so much. My oldest son was a huge inspiration for starting my business along with my very supportive and creative husband. I wanted a way to stay home with my kids while doing something that sparked joy in myself and brought me back to what I went to school for.

How did you find yourself doing this work?

Coming out of college I was a trend forecaster, meeting trendsetters around the US and taking their photos. Then I ran the projector at Two Boots movie theater, produced photoshoots in Paris for an ad agency and found myself with a stable HR Management job at Sanctuary Records before handling Logistics for Rick Owens denim line and the French shoe brand Repetto. I have always loved creative environments but the stability of office work took over until I took the risk on myself with photography once I had kids. Our wedding and newborn photographer actually helped me kickstart my business.

What's a proud moment in your business journey?

I had the opportunity to photograph Gloria Steinem during a NYC play about her. It was her final night.

What have you learned about yourself since becoming an entrepreneur?

I've learned that I'm capable, creative and very personable. I'm a virgo so I'm pretty organized and great on the business paperwork end but I like tapping into my networking side as well.

What are 5 words that describe what you do?

Outgoing, truthful, positive, engaged, and open-minded

What's the weirdest thing on your desk right now?

I don’t know if it’s weird but on my desk is a cloche with my dried bouquet from my wedding. A friend caught it but I didn’t know the one you throw is usually a different bouquet so a year later, my friend gave it back and I put it in a cloche to remember the day.

Who's your all time hero?

My mom is probably one of my biggest heroes. She's selfless, an amazing listener, silly and all about love.

What's your go-to celebration meal when you hit a milestone?

I love all food, especially Korean and Vietnamese.

What's your most prized possession?

Well my kids aren't really possessions so I can't name them, right? Photos are definitely my top choice. I love this BMX I bought from a friend in 1999 for $100 before he moved to San Francisco. And I have all my old stuff from the 80s: passed notes, sticker albums, porcelain converse sneakers, band pins, charm necklaces, my Swatch watches and Swatch phone, etc.

What’s your favorite ’90s jam?

Today by The Smashing Pumpkins

A quote you live by

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to have a good memory.”