How Marisa Colón Built a Photography Business Around the Moments That Matter Most

Meet Marisa Colón, owner and lead photographer of FBM Studios, a wedding and event photography business based in South Florida specializing in timeless, emotional storytelling. Before going all in on her business, Marisa worked in graduate medical education while quietly building her photography skills and client base on the side. She didn't wait for the perfect moment to leap. She bet on the one thing that never felt like work.

Through a mix of editorial and documentary-style photography, FBM Studios captures weddings, Sweet 16s, newborn sessions, and everything in between for clients across South Florida, New York, and beyond. Marisa built this business through passion, persistence, and a whole lot of showing up consistently before it felt certain, and that authenticity is exactly what keeps clients coming back.

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I’m Marisa, the owner of FBM Studios, a wedding and event photography business based in South Florida. I specialize in capturing timeless, emotional moments through a mix of editorial and documentary-style photography. My focus is on creating images that feel real, elegant, and meaningful, whether it’s a wedding, Sweet 16, or a newborn session. I’ve been in photography for years, but FBM Studios is where I truly stepped into my purpose and built something that reflects my passion for storytelling.

Are you a mamaprenista?

Yes, and my biggest advice is to give yourself grace. You’re not going to get everything perfect every day. Prioritize what matters most and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first started, it was very organic. I relied on word of mouth, social media, and just showing up consistently. I didn’t have a perfect strategy, I was learning as I went. Some things worked, some didn’t, but the biggest thing was staying visible and building real relationships. It definitely didn’t go exactly as planned, but it grew in a way that felt authentic.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve always had that entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve owned a Kidz Disco, started a T-shirt line, and even took an entrepreneurship course early on. Creating something of my own has always come naturally to me, I just didn’t realize at the time how much it would shape my future.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of building a brand that people trust and connect with. Being able to capture such important moments in people’s lives and knowing they chose me to do that, that means everything. Also, the fact that I’ve built this business through passion and persistence is something I’m really proud of.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

That consistency matters more than perfection. I used to overthink everything, but showing up consistently, even when it’s not perfect, is what actually builds your business.

What did you do before starting your own business?

Before going all in on my business, I worked in graduate medical education. I’ve always had a strong administrative and organizational background, which actually helped me a lot when it came to running my own business. At the same time, I was doing photography on the side and building my skills and client base.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

Honestly, it was a mix of passion and knowing I wanted more freedom. Photography was the one thing that never felt like work to me. I took the leap because I believed I could turn something I loved into something sustainable, and I wanted to create a life where I wasn’t limited by a traditional job.

Do you have any recent wins?

This past year, I expanded my services, refined my brand, and really focused on growing my presence in South Florida. I’ve also been working on building multiple income streams within my business, including digital products and new client experiences.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

Instagram. It’s where most of my clients find me, connect with my work, and book me. It’s been one of my biggest tools for growing my business.

Who are your customers?

My clients are women planning meaningful life events, brides, moms, and families who value beautiful, high-quality imagery and want someone they can trust to capture their most important moments. Most of my clients are in South Florida, but I also work with clients in New York and for destination events.

What's your top productivity tip?

Time blocking has been a game changer for me. I dedicate specific days or hours to certain parts of my business like editing, marketing, and client communication. It keeps me focused and stops me from jumping between tasks all day.

What's your favorite business tool?

Pixieset has been huge for me. It keeps everything organized, from galleries to client delivery and even booking. It helps me stay professional and efficient.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I focus more on integration than balance. Some days are heavy on work, others are more personal. I just make sure I’m present in whatever I’m doing, whether that’s a shoot, editing, or spending time with family.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I listen to myself when I need a break. In this industry, it’s easy to keep going nonstop, especially during busy seasons. I’ve learned to step away, reset, and come back with a clear mind instead of forcing it.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Start before you feel ready. You’re going to learn as you go, and that’s part of the process. Stay consistent, believe in what you’re building, and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.

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Marisa is proof that when you turn something you love into something sustainable, the work speaks for itself. We are so glad to have her in the Entreprenista community and cannot wait to see what she builds next.

Want to connect with founders like Marisa? Visit Entreprenista League to explore our community and discover more stories of women building businesses that truly matter.