Mel Usry Photography
Melissa Usry
After becoming a mom, Mel started asking herself why she didn't believe in the same endless possibilities she wanted for her son. She launched her documentary-style family photography business last year to capture the beautiful, unposed moments that make up a life. Through her work, she shows families their everyday lives are extremely beautiful exactly as they are.
Read more below.
Melissa Usry of Mel Usry Photography
What inspired you to start your business?
My son, and becoming a mom, inspired me to start my business. For years, I dreamed about working for myself but kept telling myself I didn’t know enough about business to make it happen. I played it safe, staying in familiar jobs. But when I became pregnant, I started thinking about what I wanted to model for my son: courage, confidence, and the belief that anything is possible.
After he was born, I realized I couldn’t teach him those things unless I lived them myself. I decided it was time to take the leap and build a business that aligned with my values — one that celebrated the real, meaningful connections between people.
What were your biggest fears or doubts before taking the leap — and what gave you the courage to go for it?
My biggest fear was failure — that I’d invest time, money, and energy and no one would want to work with me. But through therapy and community, I began reframing those thoughts from “What if it doesn’t work?” to “What if it does?” That mindset shift gave me the courage to move forward and turn my passion into a purpose.
What’s been your biggest win and biggest challenge in your first year?
My biggest win has been connecting with other women and small business owners who inspire me daily. They’ve opened my eyes to what’s possible when you follow your purpose. My biggest challenge has been the mental work — unlearning self-doubt and learning to truly believe that success and joy are available to me, too.
What does success look like to you, and what type of impact are you hoping to make?
Success, to me, is helping families see the beauty in their everyday lives — not the posed, picture-perfect moments, but the real, unfiltered ones that make up their story. I want to give people the gift of presence: to simply be with their loved ones while I capture the magic that unfolds naturally.
When you look back, you won’t remember being five minutes late to an appointment — you’ll remember the laughter at breakfast that made you late. Those are the moments that matter. I want my photography to help people honor and hold onto them.
Why do you believe people should bet on themselves and take the leap to start a business doing what they love?
Because life is too short to live by “shoulds.” For so long, I did what felt safe — but something was always missing. Starting my business has filled that space with joy, meaning, and purpose. When you bet on yourself, you open the door to a life that truly feels like your own.
If chosen for this grant, how would it help you continue building your business?
This grant would allow me to strengthen my systems, invest in education and coaching, and upgrade my equipment — giving me more time to focus on what matters most: being behind the camera, connecting with families, and creating art that celebrates their love and legacy.
About Mel Usry Photography
Mel Usry Photography captures the beauty of everyday family life through a documentary-style lens — preserving authentic, unposed moments that tell the real story of connection, love, and belonging.
Stay connected
Website: https://melusry.com
Instagram: @melusryphoto