We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Hillis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My reason for starting Hannah Faye Studio was born out of deep loss. I lost my SIL to breast cancer just over a year ago now and it rocked my world. It was hard processing the grief while being so far away from my family. I also just needed to get back into what I loved. Capturing beautiful, meaningful moments with my camera. Losing my SIL was a big kick in the pants to not waste my time in this crazy life. I had a bit of inspiration from my SIL because she and I have a deep love for scented products and would often buy one another candles/lotions each year. Once I went through the process of walking alongside her during her fight…I started to realized the importance of clean scented ingredients and wanted to blend that somehow with my love of photography.
Once she passed…the fire was lit and i jumped feet first into a world I already naturally had a love for…clean scented product photography.
My brand is formed around the words: natural light, organic, clean scented and authentic. This is what I strive for!
I really wanted to build something that I could leave for my family (daughters if they wish to join me), challenge myself to seek for excellence in all I do and know that by doing this I am glorifying God which is my highest aim!
And through all of this…I also wish to honor my SIL’s (Dani’s) memory and support the simple joys of life that I know she always cherished. Like the lighting of a simply delicious scented candle.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a product and brand photographer who uses only the pure natural light of the outdoors. Many product photographers use an indoor studio light/set up but I use direct sunlight. I also love to use all natural elements to enhance and bring the products best qualities to life. My desire is to have someone look at a photo and be able to smell/experience the product through sight alone. This taps into someone’s memory through triggering their senses using sight as the main source. I also allow wind and clouds to bring a natural feel to each photo I take. I love the fact that sometimes the best photos you can capture comes with lots of patience. This method shows the product in its best raw organic form!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, first I would have to take them on a scenic hike because there are way to many absolutely gorgeous spots here in AZ! Something like Papago trails for a local spot or a day trip up north to the Grand Canyon or Sedona National Park. Then we would have to grab food of course! Depending on their diet/preferences/our location I would probably take them to Downtown New Scottsdale or an evening dinner in Gilbert or Chandler. So many wonderful spots to eat here! Then to finish off the evening we could either go stargazing out in the dessert like at the “Hole in the Rock,” or grab a late drink in Tempe. There are way too many endless opportunities of fun here! If we were hanging out with our kids…it would look a little different but the more the merrier! Most of these things are very kid friendly and my girls love a good adventure as long as we bring plenty of snacks! 😉

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Dani Merck, my sweet sister in law who’s short life inspires me regularly to enjoy life to the fullest and keep God at the center!

Website: http://www.hannahfayestudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahfayestudio?igsh=aXg4cDcwcGZrZHNl&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-hillis-30498259?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BebbecUsK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
These photos are all property of Hannah Faye Studio. Business Credits included: Meadow & Fern Co. (Cleaning supplies) Naked Fig Soap (prickly pear cactus bar) Neveah Bath Company (Lemon and Turmeric Bar) Southern Roots Organic Cabinet (Peaches and Cream Bar) The Modern Sonoran (Candle)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.