RaChè Creque: Where Baltimore Roots Meet Miami Vision
With an unmistakable eye for capturing light in its most flattering dimensions, RaChè Creque has rapidly established herself among Miami's most distinctive visual storytellers. Born and raised in Baltimore, where she first developed her artistic perspective amid the city's vibrant cultural landscape, RaChè relocated to Miami with her mother, Rachel Veronica, several years ago—a transition that would prove transformative for her creative trajectory.
The Magic City's luminous quality and distinctive aesthetic sensibility provided the perfect canvas for RaChè's evolving visual language. Since establishing her presence in Miami's competitive creative scene, she has cultivated a signature style that marries editorial sophistication with social media optimization, positioning her at the intersection of traditional photography excellence and contemporary digital strategy.
Beyond her thriving photography practice, RaChè channels her holistic approach to beauty and energy through 17tHour, an exquisite retail concept that elevates spiritual tools to luxury status. This dual entrepreneurial focus reflects her integrated philosophy that visual communication and energetic intention operate as complementary forces.
Trained under the mentorship of renowned photographer Robin V, RaChè has refined her technical expertise while developing proprietary methodologies that deliver measurable results for her clients. Her role as Studio Manager at CNBelieveStudio has further honed her operational acumen, allowing her to balance creative excellence with entrepreneurial precision.
As both a visual creator and spiritual entrepreneur, RaChè represents a new generation of multidisciplinary talent transforming Miami's creative ecosystem—one luminous frame and carefully curated selection at a time.
Interview with RaChè Creque
Beyond the initial spark that inspired your business, what unexpected insight or market gap revealed itself as you developed your venture, and how did that shape your current direction?
Starting out capturing moments for friends and family, I quickly noticed something major missing in Miami's content scene—photographers who understood both aesthetic and algorithm. While building my portfolio, I realized clients didn't just want pretty pictures; they needed content that actually performed on social.
This totally shifted my approach. Instead of just delivering standard photoshoots, I developed what I call "platform-optimized visual packages" that consider exactly how content will perform on different social channels. I analyze what's trending while maintaining that luxury editorial feel my clients love.
The 17tHour came from a similar gap—Miami had plenty of spiritual shops but few that elevated the aesthetic to match the city's luxury vibe. I created 17tHour as a space where spirituality meets style, curating crystals and ritual items that feel special and Instagram-worthy. The unexpected connection between my photography and crystal businesses is the visual storytelling element—both centered around creating experiences that resonate on both physical and digital planes.
When navigating critical growth phases, what unconventional strategy proved most transformative for your business, and how did you know it was the right time to implement it?
My game-changing move was actually saying "no" to certain projects and creating signature experiences instead of trying to be everything to everyone. When I found myself constantly switching between different styles and burning out, I knew something had to change. The moment I specialized rather than generalized, my bookings actually increased while I was doing less scattered work.
For 17tHour, the transformative strategy was merging physical and digital experiences—hosting crystal selection sessions on Instagram Live where viewers could claim pieces in real-time. This hybrid approach happened naturally during a slow period, and the response was immediate. Now these virtual shopping experiences are a core part of my business model, connecting me with clients worldwide while maintaining the personalized touch that sets my brand apart.
How have you redefined traditional metrics of success in your industry, and what unique value propositions have you introduced that set new standards in your field?
I've completely flipped the script on how photography success is measured in Miami. Instead of just counting bookings or focusing solely on portfolio aesthetics, I track what I call "content performance metrics"—measuring exactly how my photos perform for clients once they're posted.
My unique approach combines visual styling with strategic timing and caption guidance, delivering a complete package that goes beyond just beautiful images. I don't just hand over photos; I provide a content strategy calendar that tells clients exactly when and how to post each image for maximum impact. This comprehensive approach has set a new standard where photographers are now expected to understand social media strategy, not just camera settings.
With 17tHour, I've introduced "crystal curation consultations" where I select pieces specifically aligned with clients' energy and aesthetic preferences. This personalized approach transforms crystal shopping from a transactional experience to a tailored spiritual journey. By blending authentic energetic properties with visual harmony, I've created a unique niche in luxury spiritual products that resonates particularly with creative professionals seeking both meaning and beauty in their spaces.
Looking at the evolution of your leadership style, what essential wisdom would you share with emerging entrepreneurs about building and nurturing high-performing teams?
Building my team at both the photography studio and 17tHour has taught me that energy alignment is everything. Technical skills matter, but finding people who naturally understand your vision creates magic without constant management.
For young entrepreneurs, I'd say start with clearly defining your non-negotiables—both in work quality and team culture. When I brought on my first assistant, I created a visual mood board showing exactly what my aesthetic standards looked like, which communicated more effectively than any written manual could.
I've learned to lead through inspiration rather than instruction. I perform best when I share the "why" behind creative decisions and invite customers perspectives rather than just selling what I like. This collaborative approach has unlocked innovations I couldn't have conceived alone, particularly in how we stage and style crystal displays that translate beautifully to social content.
In moments of significant challenge, what innovative problem-solving approach helped you pivot successfully, and how has that experience influenced your current decision-making process?
My biggest challenge came when Instagram significantly changed their algorithm right as I was building my photography business. Suddenly, content that had been performing amazingly for clients wasn't getting the same reach, and I needed to quickly understand why.
Rather than panicking, I developed what I now call my "platform adaptability test"—creating variations of similar content with subtle differences to identify exactly what the algorithm was favoring. This methodical approach revealed that carousel posts with a mix of video and still images were dramatically outperforming single images.
This experience completely transformed how I approach problem-solving. Now, I intentionally allocate time each month to experiment with new content formats and analyze performance patterns before the market shifts. This proactive testing has positioned me as a trend forecaster rather than a trend follower, allowing me to advise clients on upcoming changes before they impact their visibility.
I apply the same experimental approach to 17tHour, regularly testing new crystal collections, presentation styles, and ritual kits in limited quantities to gauge market response before full launches. This data-informed creativity creates resilience in both businesses, ensuring we can adapt quickly to changing preferences while maintaining our core aesthetic identity.
How do you balance maintaining your core business vision while adapting to rapidly shifting market dynamics, and what strategies help you stay both authentic and competitive?
Staying true to my vision while keeping up with Miami's constantly evolving aesthetic scene means having really clear brand pillars that don't change, even when everything else does. For me, those non-negotiables are luxurious visual quality, genuine spiritual connection, and tangible client results.
My most effective strategy is what I call "trend filtering"—evaluating every new opportunity through the lens of my brand essence. When vibrant neon aesthetics exploded in Miami, I incorporated subtle elements that complemented my signature soft, luminous style rather than abandoning my core look. This selective adaptation keeps my work recognizable while feeling consistently fresh.
I stay competitive by maintaining deep connections in multiple industries—photography, spiritual wellness, beauty, and hospitality. These overlapping networks provide unique insights into emerging trends before they become mainstream, allowing me to thoughtfully incorporate relevant elements rather than reactively following them.
Social listening has become essential to my process. I regularly analyze comments and direct messages across both businesses to identify what resonates most authentically with my audience. This direct feedback loop ensures I'm evolving in alignment with genuine client desires rather than making assumptions about what they want next.
What distinctive perspective or expertise do you bring to your industry that has challenged conventional thinking, and how has this influenced your sector's landscape?
My dual expertise in visual content creation and spiritual practices brings a unique perspective that challenges the traditional separation between commercial and spiritual work. I've introduced what I call "energetic intentionality" to commercial photography—considering not just how images look, but how they feel and what energy they transmit to viewers.
This approach has influenced Miami's content creation landscape by elevating the conversation beyond technical execution to include the emotional and energetic impact of visual work. Now, clients specifically request shoots timed with particular moon phases or incorporate crystal elements that amplify their brand energy.
With 17tHour, I've challenged the conventional presentation of spiritual products by bringing editorial aesthetics to crystal merchandising. Rather than the typical new age approach, I showcase crystals as luxury objects while honoring their spiritual properties, making mindfulness practices more accessible to audiences who might be drawn first to the aesthetic before exploring deeper meanings.
My integration of these seemingly separate worlds has created a distinctive niche that resonates particularly with conscious entrepreneurs and brands seeking authentic alignment between their visual presence and values. This bridge-building approach has opened conversations about intentionality in commercial content that simply weren't happening in Miami's competitive visual market before.
Could you share a pivotal moment when taking a calculated risk led to unexpected opportunities, and how did that experience shape your approach to innovation?
My biggest risk was investing nearly all my savings in high-end camera equipment and studio lighting before I had established consistent bookings. While friends suggested starting with entry-level gear, I recognized that capturing the luminous Miami aesthetic required professional-grade equipment from day one.
This seemingly premature investment created immediate differentiation in my work. The quality attracted attention from boutique hotels and beauty brands looking for content that matched their luxury positioning, opening doors I hadn't anticipated. One hotel feature led to connections with visiting influencers, which expanded my client base nationally much faster than I'd projected.
Similarly, with 17tHour, I took a calculated risk sourcing rare crystal specimens at higher price points than typical Miami spiritual shops offered. Rather than starting with accessible price points, I positioned the brand firmly in the luxury spiritual space. This distinctive positioning attracted an unexpected clientele of interior designers and stylists sourcing statement pieces for high-end properties.
These experiences taught me that sometimes the fastest path to growth isn't incremental steps but bold positioning from the beginning. I now approach innovation through what I call "elevated entry"—launching new offerings at the quality level I ultimately envision rather than gradually working up to it. This approach attracts aligned opportunities immediately rather than requiring multiple repositioning efforts as the brand evolves.
How have you leveraged your unique position as a woman entrepreneur to create meaningful impact beyond business metrics, particularly in mentoring and community building?
Being a young woman entrepreneur in both visual media and spiritual retail has positioned me to address specific challenges I experienced firsthand—particularly the limited access to both technical education and spiritual practices presented in contemporary, accessible ways.
I've created impact through my "Visual Storytelling Workshops" specifically designed for women entrepreneurs who need content for their businesses but lack photography budgets. These accessible sessions teach fundamental visual principles and DIY content creation techniques, empowering women to control their visual narrative even with limited resources.
Through 17tHour, I've developed "Spiritual Entrepreneurship Circles"—monthly gatherings where women business owners explore how intuitive practices can inform business decisions. These sessions create space for conversations about feminine leadership approaches that honor intuition alongside strategy.
My most meaningful community contribution has been creating accessibility through flexible payment structures and skill-exchange opportunities. By accepting service trades and establishing payment plans, I've made both professional photography and premium crystal collections accessible to emerging entrepreneurs who might otherwise be priced out of these resources.
These initiatives reflect my belief that true success extends beyond personal achievement to creating sustainable ecosystems where more diverse voices can thrive. By lowering barriers to entry in both fields, I'm working to ensure the next generation of creative entrepreneurs reflects Miami's rich cultural diversity.
Looking ahead, what emerging trends or opportunities in your field excite you most, and how are you positioning your business to pioneer new developments in the industry?
I'm incredibly excited about the intersection of virtual reality and photography—particularly how immersive technology will transform how brands connect with audiences. I'm currently experimenting with 360° product visualization that allows clients to experience crystal selections virtually before purchase, bridging digital discovery with physical ownership.
For my photography business, I'm positioning at the forefront of what I call "responsive content"—imagery that adapts to viewer interaction rather than remaining static. I've started developing mini-content systems rather than standalone images, where a single photoshoot yields interconnected pieces that guide viewers through a brand experience across platforms.
The growing integration of wellness practices into mainstream lifestyle brands presents massive opportunities for 17tHour. I'm developing exclusive crystal collections specifically designed to complement beauty rituals and workplace environments—spaces not traditionally associated with spiritual tools but increasingly embracing energetic awareness.
To pioneer these developments, I've created an experimental content lab where I can test emerging visual formats and crystal applications before integrating them into client offerings. By allocating dedicated resources to innovation rather than treating it as an afterthought, I'm ensuring both businesses remain at the cutting edge of their respective industries while maintaining the authentic foundation that resonates with our core audience.
The future of both visual content and spiritual tools lies in personalization and interaction, and I'm thrilled to be developing products and services that embrace this evolution while honoring the timeless principles of beauty and intention that form the foundation of my work.
