Meet Calliope | Brand & Content Coach, Owner of MUSE, Photographer

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

Hi Calliope, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by nature, especially wild, untamed landscapes that mirror emotional depth and transformation. The desert, in particular, has played a huge role in my own rebirth. There’s something about the stillness, the silence, the extremes of heat and light that forces clarity. It strips you down. There’s no distraction, no noise, just you, your longing, and whatever truth you’ve been avoiding.

But I’m also called to contrast. I love the lush chaos of the jungle, the softness of a foggy forest, the sensuality of the ocean. Every landscape has its own frequency, its own message. When I travel for photoshoots, I’m not just looking for a pretty backdrop. I’m tuning into the energy of the place and how it brings out different sides of the person I’m shooting. Some people come alive in the wind and waves. Others drop into their power when surrounded by towering trees or cliffs.

Nature is a collaborator in my work. Whether I’m at Red Rock, the Mexican jungle, a coastal cliff in Malibu, or a moss-covered forest, I’m always chasing that intersection of presence, beauty, and truth. That’s what inspires me most, when the environment becomes part of the story we’re telling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is how deep I go with people. I’m not just handing over a brand kit or telling you what to post. I’m helping you return to who you are at your core and then translating that into strategy, visuals, and content that land. I work with people who are ready to stop performing and start being fully seen. That takes trust, precision, and a lot of emotional safety, which I hold very intentionally throughout the process.

It hasn’t been easy getting here. I’ve rebuilt my life and business more than once. I’ve walked away from things that looked successful on the outside but didn’t feel right anymore.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that personal development is the key to internal freedom. If you don’t know who you are or what you actually want, it’s easy to get caught in cycles of proving, performing, or chasing things that don’t align. Doing the inner work—healing, reflecting, evolving—that’s what gave me clarity, confidence, and peace within myself.

From there, building a personal brand became the key to external freedom. It allowed me to express who I really am, attract aligned clients, and create opportunities on my own terms. I wasn’t waiting for permission anymore. I was choosing how I showed up and how I wanted to be known.

And content marketing is how I built it all. Sharing my story, my voice, my perspective online is what made me visible. It’s what allowed me to grow a community, book clients, and position myself as a leader. It’s not just about posting—it’s about being seen for who you are and letting your presence do the work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start the mornings slow with pastries and coffee in Little Italy—maybe at Morning Glory or Pappalecco—and take a walk through the farmers market on Saturday. From there, we’d head to La Jolla to watch the sea lions and maybe rent kayaks to explore the sea caves. One of those days would definitely be spent doing nothing but laying out at Windansea or Mission Beach with good music and a cooler full of snacks.

At night, we’d do rooftop cocktails at places like Cannonball in Mission Beach or Born & Raised if we’re feeling fancy. One evening we’d grab pizza at Nova and catch the sunset on the cliffs near Sunset Cliffs Boulevard—absolutely non-negotiable. I’d also take them to South Park or North Park for thrift shopping, vintage book stores, and chill wine bars with cute back patios.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my girl friends who stood by me when I was deep in the thick of my transformations. The ones who held space for me when I was unraveling, who didn’t flinch when I questioned everything, who reminded me of who I was when I couldn’t see it myself. They saw the raw, messy, in-between versions of me and never made me feel like I had to hurry up and be “healed.” Their presence, love, and patience gave me the safety I needed to keep evolving. I wouldn’t be who I am without that kind of sisterhood.

Website: https://musebycalliope.com

Instagram: muse.bycalliope

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563815511003

Image Credits
Danielle and Jill shot by Calliope