We had the good fortune of connecting with Lanay Renstrom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lanay, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
First of all, in my experience being a parent is the best investment of my time and energy. It is the most difficult, daunting at times, dully highest fulfilling, and most life-changing than any other pursuit I’ve engaged in. I mused the other day with my husband that parenthood is really the catalyst for fully developing as a human being.

To answer the question of what is the most impact I’ve done as a parent for my children. It’s an all-encompassing question but boils down to time. I give them my time. Though I’m not perfect, having the mindset that my emotional, physical, and mental availability needs to be a priority grounds my behavior. If I don’t teach my children, love them, spend time with them, guild, console, discipline, set boundaries, teach values, and provide for temporal and spiritual needs, who will?

It is my responsibility to prepare my children to become good people, developing them to become functioning positive contributors to society. Anyone can plainly see the breakdown of society is far-reaching; why is that? If you do any small investigation, it’s the breakdown of the family.

I have one small story to relate: Some dear friends of mine became foster parents looking to adopt. They already had two little girls and wanted to add to their family. One night two little boys were brought to their home. They were 2 and 3 malnourished and clearly neglected. They had massive hearing issues, behavioral issues, and severe developmental delays. I watched as these loving people embraced these precious boys into their family providing all they were lacking. I watched as over the next 6 months, they transformed into thriving, happy, full-of-life boys! Love and care did that.

I’m passionate about being the best parent I can be for my boys. They are everything to me!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Holy cow! Well, one thing that blew me away happened this past weekend. I was shooting a conference for Master Networks called CONNECT. I have been shooting this conference for the past 4 or 5 years and know the staff and owner well (see shout-out page). During one of Chas Wilson’s presentations, he spoke of what makes CONNECT so special. He covered specific speakers who have come over the years and the impact they had. He talked about the MC Devon Brown who transformed the energy and flow of the conference. Following that, out of nowhere, he started talking about Me and my contributions not only in “stunning visual storytelling” but my energy and injection of life into the whole conference because of who I am. He said I had as much influence on the room as the MC. I was blown away at the kudos, and to put the cherry on top, the entire audience of dear friends and new friends applauded for what seemed forever!

My superhero power is in my soul. I am able from the light I have within, to help make people feel at ease and happy when they are with me. I see people for who they really are, and I’m able to use my light to capture theirs. You see photography is much more than looking at a camera and smiling. There is a way to connect with others on a deeper level so they are free to be them. Even those who detest having photos taken of them walk away loving their experience with me and being floored by the result.

It has been a massive challenge for me to step into running my business. For years, I focused on my family and did photography as a side hustle, not running it as an actual business. To this day I am striving to put the frameworks in to make things run efficiently. I’ve also had many years struggling not to see my worth. I have come a significant way though.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I can’t say this is my wheelhouse, and depending on budget and if they have kids it would vary. I tend to like to enjoy nature above anything else. I love going to Little Elm Beach on Lake Lewisville. Great place for kids, and free of charge during the week. Bonham State Park is a wonderful fishing camping spot. In Denison, they have a place called Waterloo Reservoir. good hiking trail there, fishing etc.

There are many parks I frequent with my kids in the Van Alstyne and Sherman areas.

I love Indian food, so Taste of India in Mckinney, and Mount Everest in Shermas are great authentic places to get a bite.

Of course going downtown Dallas, Perot Musem, Six Flags, Fort Worth Stock Yards, are the major places I would suggest going.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I need to give a massive shout-out to Master Networks which is a networking company dedicated to learning-based, service-oriented entrepreneurs and business leaders. Because of Master Networks in the last year, I have grown exponentially!

The specific person within Master Networks I want to thank is the founder Chas Wilson. His guidance, mentorship, training, and opportunities provided have aided me in my professional and personal life!

Nancy and Tyler Adkins. True friends, and incredible business owners. They have mentored and been such an amazing support to me personally and my business!

Thank you to Ryan Roodenburge for all the amazing traction he started through referrals!

Of course my dearest husband Tyler Renstrom. He is my champion!

Website: www.illuminatedbylanay.com

Instagram: illuminated_by_lanay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanay-renstrom-40a88524b/

Facebook: @Illuminatedbylanay

Image Credits
I took all these images and give my permission to use them

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