Melissa Hill

Every photograph tells a story, and for Melissa Hill, that story is about perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of capturing human dignity. What began as a childhood fascination has blossomed into a meaningful photography business that celebrates individual beauty and worth.

Melissa’s love for photography started early, inspired by her aunt who always had a camera in hand. “Every time we have a family event, I take pictures of my nieces and nephews,” she shares. Unlike her own childhood, where few family photos existed, Melissa wanted to ensure her family’s memories would be preserved.

“One year, my cousin gave my aunt a film camera, and I saw the camera and said, ‘Can I use that camera?’ And she let me use it,” Melissa recalls. “I always contribute my photography career to my aunt, because she gave me that camera — she didn’t know she was giving it to me and never got it back, and the rest is history.”

Melissa’s photography journey wasn’t straightforward. Initially taking pictures as a hobby, she spent years learning and perfecting her craft. “I started studying,” she explains, “Now I can tell you about exposure composition, when something’s blurred, or when the shutter speed is off.” This dedication transformed her from an amateur enthusiast to a professional photographer over the past 15 years.

The CIC Entrepreneur Workshop became a pivotal moment in Melissa’s professional development. Initially reluctant to participate, she was encouraged by a fellow cosmetologist, Shalice Brown, who had previously completed the program. “I’m the type of person who just wants to go in, get a lecture, write notes, and be done,” Melissa admits. “When I got to the class, we ended up having to speak and engage, and that is the part that I did not like because I am an introvert.”

Despite her initial reservations, the workshop proved to be a transformative experience. Melissa found value in the interactive learning environment, noting, “The biggest thing was that I got the knowledge by listening to the speakers and seeing the information.” She met wonderful people and appreciated the opportunity to learn and grow.

The workshop challenged Melissa’s comfort zone, particularly in areas of self-promotion and marketing. As someone who has always been “the person in the background, cheering on my peers,” she struggled with the idea of showcasing her own work. “Marketing has been a challenge for me,” she explains. “Back in the day, everything was word of mouth, but now with the digital landscape, I have to be online and on social media.”

Interestingly, Melissa’s journey with CIC was years in the making. She had been accepted to the program in 2021 but declined due to the pandemic, feeling it would be inconsistent with her decision to attend church services online. “It was a time for me to take it when I did,” she reflects, “to meet the people that I met, and to have the experience that I have.”

Today, Melissa M Hill Photography specializes in headshots, weddings, senior portraits, and baby showers, with a particular passion for portrait photography. But her work is about more than just technical skill. “I want to touch lives,” she explains. “I want people to know they are beautiful, special, and that they matter.”

Looking forward, Melissa’s goals are beautifully simple: to make money doing what she loves while helping people see their own worth. “I just want to capture that moment where years from now, you can sit back and reminisce,” she says.

Melissa Hill’s journey reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about business—it’s about personal growth, passion, and the ability to see beauty in everyone. Through the CIC Entrepreneur Workshop, she has found not just business skills, but a newfound confidence in sharing her unique vision with the world.

Keep up with Melissa on Facebook or email her to book your sessions!