Featured Member Series: FAE (From Angela's Eyes)

We’re excited to kick off our 2025 Featured Member Series by showcasing Angela Jackson, the owner of FAE (From Angela's Eyes), a photography business based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Angela’s passion for photography shines through in every project, capturing moments that help people feel seen, valued, and supported in their vision. What started as a personal love for taking photos has grown into a creative business that serves the Hampton Roads community with unique and meaningful photography. In this month’s feature, we’re diving into Angela’s journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how she’s using her talent to make an impact

FAE (From Angela's Eyes)

Business Owner: Angela Jackson

Type of Business: Photography

Location: Hampton Roads - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website: https://www.abftb.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faesfocus

What inspired you to start your nonprofit? Share your unique vision or motivation.

I’ve always had a passion for photography. I love everything about it. I’ve spent a lot of time taking photos of things and people and I felt that it was time to take myself seriously. So, I started FAE and it felt like I was finally doing something that I’m supposed to do.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a diverse business owner and how did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges I’ve faced is people not respecting my craft by expecting or requesting discounted rates based on our relationship. Once I started to take myself seriously, I was able to overcome this by reiterating that this is my business, and if I don’t take it seriously, no one will.

Describe your products or services in a way that showcases your unique perspective or offering.

FAE offers photography services such as individual, group & event photos across the Hampton Roads area, adding creativity & a complex perspective to every project.

How do you aim to make a positive impact on your community or industry?

I just want to provide a space for people to feel comfortable, seen, and heard. I’ve noticed that people often have a vision, and I want to adhere to that vision and help tell a story through photos.

What strategies have you found successful in reaching and engaging your target audience?

I’ve found success in simply telling people what I do, and what I’d like to do and not being afraid to be confident in my work.

What resources or support do you think would be most valuable for diverse nonprofits like yours?

Diverse Hampton Roads is an incredible company that I believe will give businesses like mine many forms of assistance and opportunities for growth and visibility. I am honored to be connected.

What are your goals and aspirations for your business in the coming years?

My goal is to develop my skills in photography and gain more experience in shooting different types of shoots. I plan on trying new things and exploring scenes that are outside of the box.

What advice would you give to aspiring diverse entrepreneurs or nonprofit founders just starting out?

I’d say to any aspiring diverse entrepreneurs that you won’t know until you try. It’s so easy to make assumptions about things not working out but ultimately, you have to make the effort in order to find out what works and what doesn’t.

What message do you want to share with the audience about the significance of diverse micro and small businesses and nonprofits?

Diverse micro and small businesses and nonprofits bring unique perspectives, cultures, and ideas to the table and create spaces for people to feel seen, heard and valued. By supporting and celebrating diverse micro and small businesses and nonprofits, we can create a more inclusive atmosphere within our community. We all deserve a chance. We all deserve to take a chance on ourselves and do something that speaks to us, no matter who we are.

Angela Jackson’s creation of FAE is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our passion meets purpose. Her photography goes beyond capturing images. It tells stories, helps people feel seen, and brings their visions to life. Angela’s willingness to overcome challenges and her commitment to serving others in the Hampton Roads community through a photographic perspective makes her work stand out. As she continues to expand her craft and push creative boundaries, Angela reminds us of the need to support diverse businesses trying to make an impact in our communities with their talent, dedication, and individuality.

Make sure to check back in February (Black History Month) for our next feature! We're spotlighting another amazing diverse business owner, serving the Hampton Roads community. You won’t want to miss it!

Have you missed any of our previous spotlights from 2024? Don't worry, you can catch up by clicking the link below: https://diversehamptonroads.com/blog