The CAN BE Innovation Center recently welcomed its newest client, Faith L. Photography, LLC.
A portrait photography business founded by Hazleton resident Faith Letcher, Faith L. Photography specializes in portraits, couples, families, engagements, and senior photography, with a focus on creating images that reflect each client’s personality and story.
Through her new studio space at the Innovation Center, Letcher will have the opportunity to expand her services, accommodate indoor sessions year-round, and continue growing her business within the Greater Hazleton Area.
Photography has been a longtime passion for Letcher. As a teenager, she was drawn to photography through books, personal projects, and capturing moments of loved ones. While attending Penn State Hazleton, where she earned a degree in Corporate Communication with a minor in Business, she began building her portfolio using her iPhone and sharing her work on social media.
“I’ve always had an interest in photography, even when I was younger,” Letcher said. “I started by taking pictures of my friends and family and posting them online. I never really expected it to go anywhere, but it continued to grow through word of mouth and social media.”
Following graduation, Letcher began taking photography more seriously, balancing client sessions on evenings and weekends while working full-time. In November 2024, she officially established Faith L. Photography, LLC, taking the next step toward turning her passion into a business. As a lifelong resident of the region, Letcher credits much of her growth to the support of local clients, friends, and family who helped spread the word about her work. Using skills she developed through her college coursework, she built her own website, grew her presence on social media, and steadily expanded her client base throughout the region.
“Everybody in the area has been so supportive,” Letcher said. “Even when I was just starting out, people were willing to take a chance on me, share my work, and help me grow. Being able to build a business in the community where I grew up makes this opportunity even more meaningful.”
As she worked to establish her business, Letcher received guidance from CAN DO Economic Development Manager Nico Makuta on forming her LLC and navigating the business side of entrepreneurship. Through CAN DO, she was connected with the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center for business development resources and introduced to the CAN BE Innovation Center.
As a client of CAN BE, Letcher has access to affordable workspace, mentorship, business development resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing support as she continues to grow her business.
“I honestly had no idea where to begin with setting up a business,” Letcher said. “Everyone was so responsive and helpful throughout the process. They connected me with the resources I needed, answered my questions, and helped me take steps I wouldn’t have known how to navigate on my own.”
The opportunity to move into a dedicated studio space is meaningful for Letcher, who said the lack of an indoor location had limited certain photography services, particularly during the colder months. Beyond providing a dedicated space for sessions, the studio will also serve as a professional environment for client consultations, photo editing, and day-to-day business operations. Previously, many of those tasks were completed from home, coffee shops, or wherever space was available.
“I’ve always wanted a studio, so this is a complete dream come true for me.” she said.
Balancing photography alongside a full-time position in another industry, Letcher spends evenings and weekends serving clients and growing her business. She hopes the support and resources available through the CAN BE Innovation Center will help her continue expanding her client base and eventually transition photography from a side business into a full-time career within the community she has always called home.
“We are excited to welcome Faith to the CAN BE Innovation Center and our growing community of entrepreneurs,” said CAN DO Program Coordinator Ana Perez. “It’s inspiring to see her take this next step in her entrepreneurial journey. Her passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and I’m confident she will continue to grow her business and make a positive impact in our community.”
For more information about Faith L. Photography, visit faithlphotography.mypixieset.com or follow @faithlphotography on Facebook and Instagram.
If you are interested in starting a business of your own or want to learn more about the CAN BE Innovation Center, contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com
About CAN BE
CAN BE is a business incubator and entrepreneurship support initiative located in Greater Hazleton and an affiliate of CAN DO, Inc., focused on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and strengthen sustainable businesses throughout the region. Through the CAN BE Innovation Center, Hazleton Kitchen Incubator, mentorship, partnerships, and access to business development resources, CAN BE supports new and emerging ventures while fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Hazleton Area.
For more information, visit canbe.biz.
