Meet the Team : Maritere

Hi everyone! We’re back today with another installment in our ‘Meet the Team’ series, and we’re so happy you’ve been enjoying these. It’s always nice to put a face to the name! Today’s interviewee you are likely already pretty acquainted with, as she’s been with Wear + Where + Well for almost two years now. Maritere Rice is the fabulous gal behind the lens, and oh so talented. Keep on reading to get to know more about our wonderful photographer…

Tell everyone a little bit about what you do here at Wear + Where + Well.

I am Carrie’s main photographer and work closely with her in creating images and image styling for her blog and social media. My work days are busy with photo shoots and editing, as we create content for WWW. Previous to our photo shoots there’s a creative process that involves finding the right locations for the outfits Carrie styles. Aside from our weekly shoots, we also work together on travel projects, for which I’ve traveled with Carrie to create images, travel guides, and mural guides for Wear + Where + Well. Occasionally, I also contribute with writing and research for articles, mostly the mural guides, and with photography and information for other guides, as needed.

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?

Tough question. I love to travel, and have been blessed to visit wonderful places that have made for memorable and cherished memories. Overseas, Paris continues to be my favorite city, followed by London. Paris left a mark on me when I studied there years ago as a high school and college student. In my native Mexico, I absolutely love San Miguel de Allende – such a magical and charming small town full of color, history and wonderful sights and food. Here in the USA, Monument Valley and White Sands have been two places which have really left a mark on me, and Washington, D.C. will always hold a very special place in my heart, as that is where I met my husband while we were both college students.

Favorite color?

Teal, and variations of teal in different shades of blue.

Favorite quote?

I am a quote lover and am constantly adding favorite quotes to my list; every time a quote impacts me in a special way I write it down and often come back to them for inspiration. Here are some of my favorites and most meaningful ones:

• “The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
• “Things have a price and can be for sale, but people have a dignity that is priceless, and worth far more than things.” – Pope Francis
• “Peace is not something you wish for; it is something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.” – John Lennon
• “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
• “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” – Ansel Adams

What’s in your purse right now?

I usually carry bigger bags to hold all my necessities. Read below to better understand why big purses are my thing.

• A journal
• Pack of dynamic duo double ended color pencils
• My little toiletry pouch that goes with me always, full with several lipsticks in shades of red and dark pink, Smith’s rosebud salve, Aveda roll on blue oil, Boots topic ibuprofen gel, Carmex lip balm, EmergenC immune vitamin C supplement, L’Occitane lavender hand lotion.
• Hand sanitizer
• Iphone 6S plus
• External power bank for my iphone
• A pen
• Daily vitamins
• Wallet
• A couple tangerines and a fiber one granola bar (for snacks, either for me or one of my sons)
• Some receipts
• Fujifilm point and shoot camera plus replacement batteries
• Business cards, mine and from other clients or businesses
• Two pairs of sunglasses (because one was not enough?)

All time holy grail beauty product?

Moroccan and jojoba oil for my curly hair, Bliss skincare products – previously “youth as we know it” line, which was replaced by “firm baby, firm” line of skincare. Have used them for years, as well as their triple oxygen mask!

Favorite item of clothing (or shoes or bag) and why?

I love boots and booties! I crave Fall and Winter when I can use them comfortably in Houston weather! My fave are a pair of Royal Blue knee high boots by Charles David. And I’ve got to say my capes/ponchos, which I love using and find so versatile!

Fun fact about you that not many people know?

I was born and raised in Mexico, and did not move to the USA permanently until I got married to my Texan husband close to 15 years ago. I am also a busy mom of 4 wonderful boys, whom you will often see photographed, and who keep us on our toes and rock our lives! Aside from that? I sing and dance like nobody’s watching, and have a blast while at it! I was in the drama department growing up, and music and dancing are imprinted on my soul!

Favorite hobby (or past time) when not working?

Photography, listening to music, traveling… I know photography is my job, but it is also a hobby when I’m not working; that just tells you how much I love doing what I do. To be able to capture the world around me through my lens is not just enjoyable and de-stressing, but an intricate part of who I am.
Favorite food?

Tacos! I’m Mexican born, and a good, authentic, soft corn tortilla taco, with lots of salsa and lime, always makes me very happy! Mangos and avocados have a special place in my heart, too! Aside from that, sushi, Italian and French food. Okay let’s be honest… I love food! I’m not a picky eater, and love trying foods from around the world.

Favorite TV show or movie?

I’m a movieholic… have several faves like The Notebook, Dead Poet’s Society, Pride and Prejudice (which is also a favorite book), The King’s Speech, the whole Harry Potter and Star Wars series. My current favorite TV series is “The Crown”, and I’m anxiously waiting for the second season to start!

What’s always in your bag, no matter what?

My iPhone. It was become an indispensable tool for communicating, sharing, working, keeping organized, and taking casual everyday pictures.
Ok, rapid fire round…

Beach or mountains?

Both. I miss my mountains in Mexico so very much, and experiences visiting mountain sites are always very fulfilling! But the ocean was a big part of my life growing up. It brings back wonderful lifelong memories, and it is always a great place to relax and connect with nature.
Morning or night?

Most of the time, night. I’m very productive at night; a bit of a night owl, as that is when I can edit uninterrupted (I am a mom of four and have busy days), but I prefer mornings for everything else, especially for photography!
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?

Fall is my favorite season of all, closely followed by Spring. I am more of the cool, breezy weather kind of girl. Love to see the change of seasons during fall, and new life blooming in Spring. I often think that I live in the wrong city for my favorite seasons, as Houston is known for its humid and hot weather… California or New York would probably be better suited weather for this girl.
Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, or Charlotte?

Carrie Bradshaw, all the way! Loved “Sex and the City”! Watched it throughout the many seasons, and still enjoy the reruns!
Book or Kindle/iPad?

Book. There’s nothing quite like holding a book and seeing the stories printed in paper. I’m old school about books. I much prefer printed than digital.

In Closing

If you have any questions you want to ask Maritere, feel free to leave them in the comments below. She will be happy to answer. Have a great rest of your day!

And if you’re not already, follow Maritere along on Instagram (@mariterecr).

Photo by Leslie Schneider