Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Geltch.
Hi Laura, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in marketing for a publishing company in Princeton, NJ. Eleven years quickly flew by, bringing the challenges of raising a family and managing a home-life balance. Once our second daughter was born, I needed to be home more and decided to grow with my kids, seeking an early childhood certification, teaching preschool and pre-K. Nearly a decade passed, and I found myself missing the marketing field. Soon I combined my passion for education and marketing becoming a School Communications professional for twelve years. This work combined my passion for storytelling, student enrichment, and marketing one of the largest school districts in NJ. I am currently the Associate Director of Marketing for NJ School Boards Association (NJSBA).
As my daughters grew, their theater careers required headshots, which led to modeling. The lack of credibility within the modeling and photography industry prompted me to create Model Me Photography (MMP). This group of talented models, photographers, fashion designers, videographers, etc. are a laid back group of professionals who meet throughout NJ, NY and Philadelphia to create images and video showcasing talent of all skill levels, published in fashion magazines worldwide. MMP provides a safe space for artists to work, network, and grow focussing on their craft with MMP selecting locations, coordinating logistics, and onsite event management.
www.modelmephotography.net
@ModelMePhotography
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My career path has remained constant in the focus of education, communications, and marketing. Networking and providing yourself with a strong support system have been key throughout my journey. The NJ School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) are comprised of school communicators throughout the state providing 24/7 membership support. This organization is unparalleled in their professionalism, training, and networking. I sincerely believe my role as an officer, advisory board member, presenter, and member since 2014 have been instrumental in my work.
Aligning yourself with like-minded, hard-working team members has always played an integral role in my success. I believe in being all-in, working with a high level of commitment and passion. I am fully focused on supporting education, communication, branding, and marketing in my role as the Associate Marketing Director at NJSBA and Director of my company, Model Me Photography.
I would describe my greatest challenges and obstacles have been work-life balance. When you are growing in your career and raising a family, there aren’t enough hours in a day or days in the week. Everyone needs you … finding time to hear your own thoughts, decompress, and self care are a continual struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an award-winning marketer in New Jersey with 13 years of experience working full-time school communications. I am proud to have created a district summer camp program for my previous school providing opportunities for teachers to work in the summer, students to avoid the summer slide through curriculum-based summer camps, hiring high school students to work as junior camp counselors, and connecting with the community through field trips. This program continues to grow each year, is fully sustainable, and strengthens their community, while creating an educational pipeline during a teacher shortage.
Model Me Photography brings me tremendous pride as we have provided a platform for so many aspiring artists to grow, hone their skills, and work safely. Many artists have attended our events moving on to agency representation and paid talent in their desired field of work. We have been told by many parents that their children stand taller, are more confident, and take pride in themselves through our modeling and photography events … MMP is a family. Everyone is welcome and no matter your skill level, together, everyone rises.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happiest when I am challenged and feel creative. I take tremendous pride in creating an event, program, and/or service benefitting the community. I have served as the marketing director for a local food pantry for many years as well as the public relations director for my daughter’s high school theater parents association. Giving back is the key to building a successful community. I attribute my work in the community to learning how to serve school districts and educators throughout New Jersey.
I believe in failing forward and stepping outside our comfort zones. Sure it would be easy to stay in the same position for your entire career, never trying anything new with a familiar routine … but, where’s the fun in that? I very much enjoy meeting new people, interviewing students and spotlighting our unsung heroes who are working in small and large ways every day within their communities making a difference.
Storytelling fills my cup … whether it’s through a camera lens or a local newspaper article.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://modelmephotography.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modelmephotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModelMePhilanthropy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-geltch-38446163/
