Today we’d like to introduce you to Malanee’ Grant.
Malanee’, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been creatively passionate from a young age. At one point I wanted to be a photographer and took photos with whatever device I had, of things that others may not see the beauty in. My attention to detail coupled with my love for nostalgia and keepsakes, makes what I do now a perfect role for me. As iPhone cameras became more crisp and content creation became more of an outlet and art form, I began creating content revolving around beauty, travel, and my general life and likes. I found joy in the creative process of editing the videos. Honestly, I love making a moment feel like I’m living in a movie haha. In 2023 I saw a huge spike in my desire to create content and this led me to create videos for other people around me, just on a whim without being asked. Because it continuously fed my creative eye, I found a muse in everything and everyone. So when I went on a friend’s bachelorette trip, I captured lots of photos and videos on my phone as well as edited a selection of them. Obviously the bride-to-be is more focused on enjoying herself and creating memories, so it’s a given that her first mind isn’t to be taking as many clips, and a part of me enjoys filling that gap–so I did. She enjoyed the content to the point where she asked to hire me in this capacity for her wedding. With her and her fiance being good friends and my husband and I already intending to attend the wedding, it was an easy yes. Because I wanted to help but also saw it as a great opportunity to branch into something new! So that was my first gig, a destination wedding in Jamaica, working for my friends. There couldn’t have been a better starting point for my portfolio. The scenery was gorgeous (they got married at a castle), the colors they chose, what they wore, everything was stunning. From there, I let things continue to pan ouut and see where this new venture would take me! 5 months later I had my next couple and it’s only been up from there. Now I take pride in allowing couples & event hosts be fully immersed in their golden moments while I capture them. I’ve now expanded from just weddings and capture content for social events, business owners and more. It’s truly been an enjoyable learning journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can’t say it’s been the hardest, because I transitioned from doing something that I already knew how to do and loved, just now outsourcing my skills to others. But the challenges come with making it just a hobby into a functioning business. And all of the behind the scenes admin work, which I handle completely on my own. From making my website to figuring out accounting, emails, forms and marketing, it’s all me. That can be an overwhelming feat at times, but I also feel that I need to know how to do everything that I would ever ask someone else to do, just in case! Because at the end of the day, I am the business and the business is me– so if all else fails I should be able to handle my own operations. Experiencing creative burnout is also very real. And I also still struggle with knowing my value in this new space and learning how to be a wedding vendor. That’s so new for me! Going into most weddings I am working alongside longtime industry professionals and it can be intimidating navigating this space as such a newbie in the field. But also wedding content creation is such a new genre of event media, in addition to professional photography and videography. So constantly having to hear of the battle between if this role is accepted by other vendor types can definitely chip away at some of the confidence that we have to be in the same room. But I think at the end of the day, if the couple or event host wants us there, we can all make it work!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Wedding, Event & Business Content Creator! I use high quality iPhone imagery to tell the authentic story of an event or to assist businesses in creating marketing materials for online use. For weddings, I accompany the couple all day– from glam time to riding in the getaway car, and I capture both candid and key moments that make the day uniquely theirs. This is a service that provides them with a gallery of hundred of images and video clips within just 24 hours of saying “I Do!” and allows them to not have to worry about capturing memories with their phone or collecting them from friends who are celebrating with them. I become their BTS (behind-the-scenes) bridesmaid for the day and dedicate myself to making sure I get footage of moments that often go missed, all of the emotions & big laughs, fun dances or transition reels, etc., everything that fills the gaps between the polished longform video they may get from their professional videographer. For events, the idea is similar, they get all of the raw content to continue to repurpose and view for years to come, while also received ready-made edited videos that are formatted for social media sharing, but that is of course up to the discretion of the client! This service isn’t just for influencers or heavy social media users, its for memory keepers and those who value timeless keepsakes from their biggest moments in life. And lastly, for my business clients– who only have two hands! Utilizing my services allows me to capture them in their element, showcasing their awesome skills– whether they are an event vendor, cafe, performer or lawyer. My goal is to help them create ample content to market their business, show their customers what they offer and give them more fun, creative and visually engaging footage for their online audience.
I’m most proud of how I have built this business from the ground up and am one of the foundational members of a newer but growing industry with event content creation! While I’m not the first, knowing that this sector of content creation is here to stay and its something I could dip my toes into in its early stages of development has been a fun experience. Being a content creator is so fulfilling because it gives people their day back. In an age of technology where everyone is engulfed in screens, it’s nice knowing that on the most momentous occasions in someone’s life, my role alleviates the need for them to be on their phone and they can fully soak up what’s happening around them, while still getting an opportunity to replay the best parts in nearly real-time.
What sets me apart is my personality and my creative eye. People may say that anyone can pick up a phone and press the record button which is very true, but there is only one me! I am not just a vendor to my clients, I am a friend and service provider on their important day. There to fluff the dresses, grab them water, boost their confidence and make them feel amazing in whatever ways I can. I take lots of pride in knowing that I am not only professional but personable, and the impact I leave goes beyond just the videos I produce. I can laugh with them, I can cry with them. We spend a lot of time together at their event and it’s important to me that we are comfortable with one another and create an environment that allows everyone to be themselves and work well together. From the moment my clients meet with me on Zoom I am there for their creative needs and dedicate myself to capturing their day with passion and precision. They get my best!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy in general is spending time with people that make me feel good. I love laughing! It’s one of the best free things in this life. I also enjoy traveling. There’s so much beautiful scenery in this world, and lots to experience, there is just no way that I’m meant to stay in the same state all year. So I am very open to traveling for my clients for destinations weddings and events as well. 🙂
Fragrance also makes me happy! Scent is tied to memory so much which taps back into my nostalgia loving heart. It can really control and persuade your mood too, and wearing a good fragrance creates a narrative for you, before you even have to speak. Crafting fragrances is also a hobby of mine that I enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ItsGoldenCaptured.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgoldencaptured
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsgoldencaptured
