Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriane Nicole Bugawan
Hi Adriane Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Crazy enough, my story is all about failing, pivoting, and doing it all over again! It’s been a mix of following my passions, figuring things out, and trying something new. Growing up in places like Japan, Hawaii, and California gave me a unique perspective on life and a deep love for storytelling. As a Filipino-American, I’ve always been drawn to creativity—whether it’s photography, calligraphy, or connecting with people.
I started out thinking photography was the dream job, but I quickly realized it’s just like any other job—though one I genuinely enjoy! I love connecting with the people in front of my camera, showing them how beautiful they are inside and out, and helping them feel comfortable. The whole process of working through the awkward poses and seeing how they translate on camera is so rewarding. Now, I focus on women-centered events—think LinkedIn headshots, retreats, business events, and weddings. It’s about empowering women and helping them shine in their own way.
Along the way, I discovered calligraphy, and it became this whole new creative outlet for me. What started as a hobby away from photography turned into teaching Sip & Script classes, designing custom cards and posters, and creating art that people actually love to use or gift. It’s been amazing to combine photography and calligraphy to create a brand that feels authentic to me. Now, I’m even partnering with venues and brands to offer engraving services for brand activations and events.
Community-building has been a huge part of what I do. My website, byadrianenicole.com, has become a hub for everything I do—calligraphy, photography, blogging about travel, food, and business, and sharing my journey. I also host events like vendor fairs and networking meetups because I truly love connecting with others and building a supportive community around my work. This year, I’m also doing masterminds with THIS YEAR IS MY B*TCH, where I get to help others level up their game and own their power.
At the end of the day, I’m just trying to balance it all—working toward big dreams like writing a cookbook and traveling the world, while also building something meaningful. My story is still unfolding, but I’m really proud of where I am now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—life has a way of throwing you for a loop! I started my photography business in 2014 while living in Hawaii, but with all the moving I’ve done over the years, it felt like starting over every single time. Each new location meant rebuilding my client base, networking from scratch, and figuring out how to connect with a completely different community. It was exhausting, and just when I felt like I was gaining momentum, I’d have to pack up and start all over again.
In 2016, I decided to add calligraphy to my work, and that felt like another fresh start. I had to learn the craft, put my work out there, and figure out how to make it unique in a space full of incredibly talented artists. Combining calligraphy with photography created something special, but it wasn’t an easy transition. The constant moving has always been the biggest challenge, making it hard to build the steady momentum every business owner dreams of.
Beyond that, the hardest part has been believing in myself, especially during the tough times. There were plenty of moments when I questioned if I should stick to a safer path. But no matter how tough it got, I just remind myself, that everything will workout the way it’s supposed to. Every struggle taught me something new, whether it was resilience, the value of creativity, or the power of community. Those lessons have shaped who I am today and continue to push me forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to think of my work as a mix of creativity, connection, and community. I specialize in photography and calligraphy, but they’re more than just services to me—they’re ways to tell stories and create meaningful experiences.
In photography, I focus on women-centered events and portraits, whether it’s LinkedIn headshots, women’s retreats, or business and networking events. I’m also known for wedding photography, capturing those intimate, candid moments couples cherish forever.
With calligraphy, I design custom pieces like cards, posters, and tracing guides for my Sip & Script classes. I also specialize in calligraphy engraving, adding a personal touch to items like glassware, jewelry, and other keepsakes. It’s an incredibly intimate and timeless form of art. Teaching these workshops is also such a joy—seeing people discover their creative side is incredibly rewarding.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to merge these into a cohesive brand that feels like me. My website, byadrianenicole.com, reflects that blend and helps me connect authentically with my clients. Hosting events like vendor fairs, networking meetups, and other community-building activities adds another layer of connection to my work. I’m passionate about creating a space where people can come together, build relationships, and support one another, making my work not just a service but a shared experience.
What sets me apart is my personal touch. As a 3/5 Generator in Human Design, I thrive on experimenting and learning through experience. My environment, “kitchens,” inspires how I approach everything—whether it’s creating art, planning events, or even dreaming of hosting dinner parties someday. Every piece of my work feels like it’s leading toward that vision: bringing people together over shared creativity, connection, and eventually, great food and unforgettable moments.
On top of all this, I’m also leading the THIS YEAR IS MY B*TCH mastermind group, which has been amazing. It’s all about empowering others to take control of their lives and businesses, and I absolutely love watching people step into their power and make big things happen.
At the heart of it all, I want my work to inspire people and make them feel connected. Whether it’s through a photo shoot, a calligraphy class, engraving a special gift, or one day, a seat at my dinner table, I want to create something meaningful that leaves a lasting impression.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself and trust the process. It’s easy to feel like you’re not moving fast enough, or that you’re behind, but building a business—especially a creative one—takes time, like literally, so much time! One thing I wish I knew when I was starting out is that things don’t always happen as quickly as we want them to. There were moments I felt like I should be further along, and it was tough to understand that timing and redirection are part of the journey. Now, I see that everyone’s journey is different, and that’s the magic of redirection. What feels like a setback might be guiding you toward something better.
Also, don’t be afraid to try new things and fail. I’ve learned so much from my mistakes, and every setback has been an opportunity to improve and grow. Embrace the learning process—whether it’s photography, calligraphy, or anything else you’re passionate about. The struggles are what make the victories even sweeter.
And finally, build relationships with people who support and inspire you. Networking isn’t just about selling yourself; it’s about creating genuine connections with others in your industry and community. Those relationships can lead to collaborations, new opportunities, and valuable lessons. Building a community around your work is essential—it’s not just about what you do, but who you do it with. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and make space for others to thrive too. Together, we rise!
So, take it one step at a time, keep pushing forward, and remember that it’s okay to not have it all figured out right away. The journey is worth every moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://byadrianenicole.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byadrianenicole
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriane.nicole.54/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ByAdrianeNicole
