Where It Started
My stomach twisted with nervous excitement as I carefully packed my green briefcase with googly eyes, glitter, feathers, and markers. With a deep breath, I waved goodbye to my mom and began to march down the street. At ten years old, I was determined to make my business, “Maisy’s Art Cart”, a staple of the neighborhood.
Throughout the summer, I donned my yellow company t-shirt, booking appointments across the neighborhood. I became a traveling sales-woman, teaching crafts to kids on their driveways and porches. I amazed with lessons on homemade ice cream, rock pets, and colorful string necklaces, all for the price of only $5 an appointment.
Though the warm months eventually came to a close, developing Maisy's Art Cart had sparked a captivation with the intersection between art and business. As a college senior, I continue to channel the same passions that grounded me in fifth grade.
Fascination with Photography
In early high school, I craved to have a camera in my hands. I loved looking at photography and studying videography, longing to create my own projects. At 15, I bought my first camera.
Launching a Business
As a sophomore in high school, I casually created an Instagram to showcase some of my work. Unexpectedly and much to my excitement, I began receiving requests for shoots. I jumped at the opportunity and began drawing up plans for a new business. After countless hours of editing tutorial videos, practice shoots with my brother, and research, I launched Maisy Armstrong Photography. I was thrilled by early success in my my first summer, capturing portraits for thirteen high school seniors.
Since the launch of my business in 2018, I have shot multiple weddings and countless portrait sessions.
My Work at Wake Forest
Arriving at Wake Forest, I actively searched for ways to ingrain my passion for photography into my college experience. In the fall of my freshman year, I was hired as a freelance photographer to capture family photos for the WFU Law School’s alumni weekend festivities. The experience was everything that I love about photography: I cherished moments speaking with alumni and their families while capturing the excitement of Wake’s school spirit and community. The last four years, I have worked closely with on-campus entities like the WFU Business School to photograph promotional materials and other relevant projects.
My Favorite Form of Expression
Beyond capturing still images, I love the rush of recording and editing videos. I am fluent in Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere, frequently using the programs in my jobs as an Academic Technology Consultant and as President of "The Media".
"Hear Me" is a short film that I created in 2019 about the growing need for Gun Control in the United States. The project reflects my passion for experimental video art.
I currently work for The Media, a student-run department of the school that provides creative digital content, serves as an academic distribution channel, and increases the global branding value of Wake Forest University.
After learning as a member for three years, I now serve as President. I head a team of 20 photographers and videographers who are passionate about media, marketing, and digital projects.
NAR Sales Internship with General Mills
During summer 2022, I spent 10 weeks interning with General Mills in Cincinnati, Ohio. I worked on GMI's Morning Foods team, facilitating brands like Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, and Yoplait.
In my summer long project, I utilized IRI and Market 6 softwares to extract insights regarding market share at Kroger. I leveraged my discoveries into size and distribution recommendations for the kids’ cereal category to be incorporated into operating unit strategy. I also compiled period trends, FTYD trends, and merchandise event recaps, pitching the deck insights to Kroger's category manager during our monthly evaluation meeting.
I was frequently complimented on my ability to craft compelling stories backed by the data. My creativity, confidence, and analytical eye has kickstarted a strong start in sales.
Upon my graduation from Wake Forest University in May 2023, I will be moving to Cincinnati, Ohio to work in North American Retail Sales for General Mills. I look forward to channeling my creativity throughout my career.
Something catch your eye? Let's get in touch!
Phone: 651-354-4698 Email: armsmf19@wfu.edu
Creativity is experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.
-Mary Lou Cook