Meet Lianna Smeltzer | Certified Drone Pilot & Atlanta Photographer

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

Hi Lianna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
A little backstory – I grew up in an artistic household. My parents are musicians by nature and created a beautiful life together from their careers as Music Teachers. I grew up playing instruments but it never stuck – I mean I play once in awhile to reminisce and keep up the muscle memory but playing musical instruments isn’t a passion like it is for my parents.

I always exceled in school and the older I got, the more the traditional path consumed me of pursuing higher education and then getting a 9-5 job. Looking back, I couldn’t recognize the last time I did something creative, something passionately artistic. At the start of the year, I was working as a Project Manager and wasn’t feeling too hot about the role – long story short, as I debating quitting, I started to think of what would come next?

Another job? More education? The reminder that “creative” wasn’t a word to describe myself, came to mind and I thought – this is my opportunity to prove to myself that I can be creative. And so with that thought and a bit of luck, I decided to try drones for a month and see where that took me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So I started my business this year but before that I was building a career down the corporate path. I feel no matter if you have your own business, a career, or are in the process of finding that fit for you – it’s important to remind yourself that failure is inevitable and necessary.

One of the main reasons I started a Drone Photography/Videography business is because I felt that I had failed in my Project Management career and to some degree – I did. In some ways, I feel like I am failing at this business but just like success, failure can be subjective.

Looking back over the past year, it’s been riddled with failure but then I remind myself that I started a business, learned new skills, became a Certified Drone Pilot, moved across the ocean, worked on myself as an individual, and this is just the beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to Atlanta nearly 2 months ago and haven’t had much time to explore the city. But I have discovered a few little nooks & crannies that I like to visit in my spare time.

Gaja Bar – The best glass noodles and Brussel sprouts I’ve ever had. This restaurant is nestled right near Little 5 and has such a cool ambiance and phenomenal menu

The Merchant – In my opinion, gift shops usually get a bad rep or you just assume they have the standard postcards, keychains and boring shot glasses for sale. This gift shop, blows those out of the water. I just purchased a unique version of a Swear Jar the other week and am getting good use of it.

Starlight Drive In – I haven’t been here yet but I’ve been wanting to go to a Drive-In Theater and Starlight seems to be the spot to go.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Having adopted me from China, my parents gave me the biggest opportunity to living a good life. Over the years, their constant love and support has helped shape me into the woman I am today.

Website: www.liannasmeltzer.com

Instagram: liannasmeltzer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liannasmeltzer/