Twenty-nine-year-old Samantha Boesse-Dupuis has built a photography business built on heart, purpose and faith. She is the sole owner of Grace and Co Photos (a name inspired by her daughter Grace) and she also the hospitality coordinator at Chick-fil-A Mount Dora. In every role, her goal is to make people feel valued and seen.

Her path to photography began long before she ever picked up a camera.

“I grew up in a low-income household where professional photos were a luxury,” she says. “When both of my parents passed away within a short time of each other, I realized how few photos she had to look back on and I wish I had those frozen moments to cherish.”

That loss shaped her entire approach as a photographer. She is driven to capture candid moments that families can treasure for a lifetime.

Samantha moved to Florida knowing only her husband’s family and quickly discovered she was entering a market filled with talented photographers. Instead of backing down, she looked for connections, was offered monthly photo opportunities and dove right in.

She began to network and doors began to open which led to repeat clients, friendships and a steady, growing business.

“If opportunity presents itself, I’ll do what it takes to make connections,” she says.

Years from now, Samantha hopes people remember more than the photographs.

“I want people to remember that it was never just about pictures,” she says. “It was about creating memories, building relationships and making them feel cared for and comfortable.”

Her motivation stems from her faith and passion.

“God gave me a gift I get to use to bless others,” she says. “Capturing memories that remind people how deeply loved they are is what drives me every day because tomorrow isn’t promised.”