

HI, I AM JIAWEN
What brought me here and why.. :)
Back in 2019, when I was applying for business school, in the personal statement, I wrote:"Genuine connections make me feel alive, all the time". After two years of "fun-time" at b-school and landing at a "good job" (Product Manager at a big tech), I decided to learn photography during that post-MBA summer. And all the adventures start from there.
Fast forward, after experiencing two lay-offs, in late 2024, I decided to take a break from traditional corporate world. During that break, there is a voice that constantly nudging me:"you should consider pursuing photography as a full time". Thankfully, I always tend to trust my gut. So after more prayers and confirmation from God, I decided to give myself a chance. The reason is so simple and clear: because I simply love how I was able to connect with people and blessed by this experience serving them. The joy and fulfillment is so real. I am not sure how "big" this business will eventually grow into, but I want to hold on to that conviction, that "photography is not a business essentially to me, it's a vessel where I can see how God works through the beautiful relationships He blesses people with."
fun facts about me:
- I was born and raised in a small town in southern China (called Guilin), and San Francisco Chinatown is my favorite place in the Bay Area!
- I married my husband on the first day of 2021, and we met during a church mission trip in Nepal.
- I was expecting our first child when I decided to pursue photography as my full time adventure (back in Dec 2024).
- I love desserts, art museums and playing tennis with my husband.
- I used to work in Nairobi, Kenya for three years as a banker (at Barclays), before I pursued my MBA at UC-Berkeley and working at Amazon.
- Besides photography, I am also a life coach :)

