Hello, I’m Shalista, and welcome to my professional portfolio.

I am a creative leader, known for my entrepreneurial spirit and a "jack of all trades" approach to challenges. With a rich career as an entreprenuer, I excel in creating compelling visual stories, and implementing innovative ideas that enhance brand engagement and customer loyalty.

Marketing and
Social Media Strategist

Versatile and enterprising leader showcasing illustrious career of driving brand resonance and elevating customer engagement by curating compelling visual stories, executing planned design initiatives, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

Stellar record of spearheading strategic initiatives encompassing marketing, brand development, media relations, internal and external communication, advertising, and awareness campaigns. Conceptually brave with extensive experience in crafting and launching diverse print and digital content with a focus on maintaining utmost clarity, precision, and brand consistency. Credible experience in social media management and content creation, including expertise in the latest trends and early adoption of new platforms. Proficient in digital marketing techniques, including SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media strategies, and email automation. Skilled at translating brand visions into impactful visual narratives. Unrivaled leadership qualities with capacity to lead cross-functional teams to deliver innovative design solutions across diverse mediums, from digital platforms to traditional print.

Demonstrated expertise spanning two decades in successfully orchestrating a successful business, facilitating a larger clientele, while consistently delivering premium customer experience.

  • Accomplished business owner with a successful history of crafting strategic sales and marketing plans for business growth and increased brand recognition.

  • Multi-talented professional, acknowledged for a versatile creative mindset that bridges artistic and methodical realms; adeptly juggling numerous projects and clients amidst tight deadlines. Credited with exceptional emotional intelligence, attention-to-detail and an artistic spark for developing immersive marketing stories.

|unique blend of creative, entrepreneurial, and marketing expertise

  • Studio Photography

  • Creative Concept Development 

  • Brand Guidelines & Standards

  • Trend Analysis & Market Insights

  • Marketing & Advertising Collateral

  • Business Development & Profitability

  • Marketing Strategy

  • Email Marketing

  • Visual Branding & Identity

  • Campaign Development & Execution 

  • Budgeting & Resource Allocation

  • Storytelling & Brand Building

  • Social Media Management

  • SEO Strategy

  • CRM

  • AI Software

  • Brand Stewardship

  • Digital Marketing

  • Graphic Design 

  • Project Management

  • Cross-functional Collaboration

  • Content Creation

  • Automation & Efficiency

KEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Established a modern photography and design studio, renowned for exceptional service to portrait and commercial clients. Diversified offerings include studio/on-location services, videography, brand building, and more. Navigated a $500K annual business in the right direction, even amidst COVID-19.

Featured in prominent media outlets including Lace and Light, Boudie Shorts, as well as featured on the Business Straight Up Podcast and WomanX Podcast, serving as a testament to influential insights and accomplishments in the industry.

Created and executed design projects including newsletters, press releases, tradeshow exhibits, and Annual Reports; monitored and optimized marketing department budget and media placements to meet financial obligation

work experience

Shalista Photography & Design, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
2003 – Present

Founder & President

Spearhead dynamic business operations, actively championing brand visibility, cultivating a robust client base, and sparking a steady stream of referrals. Guide end-to-end project management across all phases, orchestrating seamless lifecycles for optimal project outcomes. Lead a skilled team of employees and contractors, upholding the gold standard of customer service and support. Craft ingenious branding and marketing strategies for key clients, harnessing the power of print and social media to breathe life into campaigns and messaging. Steer and regulate business functions, including astute accounting, precise payroll management, and a responsive customer service experience.

  • Distinguished as a respected judge for a prestigious photography competition hosted by New Technology High School in Sioux Falls, actively contributing expertise and insights to foster emerging talent.

  • Demonstrated a philanthropic spirit by distributing photography vouchers to diverse community groups.

  • Garnered invitations to share knowledge and facilitate discussions at esteemed gatherings such as the Iowa Professional Photographers of America, the South Dakota Professional Photographers of America, and the Sioux Falls Photography Club, underscoring reputation as a sought-after authority.

  • Elected to the distinguished position of State President within the South Dakota Professional Photographers of America in 2016, leading with visionary acumen and contributing to development and growth of the photography profession statewide.

Additional Experience

Development Officer & Marketing Coordinator, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, Pierre, South Dakota

  • Revamped and maintained organization's website as well as other affiliate sites; revised marketing collateral and brand standards, which remain in use.

  • Directed the Annual Housing Conference, coordinating marketing campaigns, speaker schedules, and entertainment; designed print and web materials for presentations to the State Legislature and Investors.

  • Collaborated with the Governor's office for media events, overseeing media buys; spearheaded impactful "Paint—South Dakota" campaign coordination and promotion.

Graphic Designer, Nichols Media (currently Sterling eMarketing), Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Assistant Director of Marketing, Sturdevant’s Auto Parts, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

  • Launched corporate website while concurrently running weekly ad campaigns for 32 franchise locations.

  • Directed the development and production of consumer parts and sales catalogs, along with wholesale catalogs. Crafted quarterly sales inserts and meticulously managed distribution.

  • Designed engaging point-of-sale (POS) advertising, store posters, flyers, and the monthly corporate newsletter.

  • Collaborated seamlessly with Sturdevant’s I-90 Speedway to flawlessly execute corporate events, highlighting strong teamwork and event organization skills.

Education

Associate of Arts in Graphic Communications | Southeast Technical Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 

Awards & Recognitions

Voted “The Local Best” for Photography, 7 Years Running

The Portrait Masters—Bronze, 2019

The Knot Best of Weddings, 2007 – 2015

Fuji Film Wedding Award, 2005

WPJA Wedding Award, 2004 & 2005 & AIBP—Photographer of the Month

Technical Proficiencies

Design & Creativity: Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat

Marketing & Communication: Instagram, Facebook Ads Manager, MailChimp

Productivity & Tools Zapier, Hootsuite, Smarterqueue, G Suite, Wordpress, Showit, Squarespace

Other: ClickFunnels, Leadpages, Tave CRM, ConvertKit

Affiliated member of multiple organizations, including the Social Media Marketing Mastermind (The Social Clique), American Society of Travel Agents, Cruise Lines International Association, and Former South Dakota President, Professional Photographers of America