We spent the afternoon with Phoebe Cheong, a published freelance photographer who helps fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands define their visual identity. (Fun fact: she’s the photographer behind Mixed!)
Having lived and worked in major cities around the world, from Malaysia to London to Beijing, Phoebe draws inspiration from her diverse cultural background. In addition to being a photographer, she is also a home and lifestyle content creator based in New York City who transformed her apartment into a lush oasis within the concrete jungle. Along with her feline sidekicks, she welcomes her community into a warm escape filled with colorful fashion, travel and home decor.
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What’s a day in the life like for a photographer and content creator? Have you always worked in both of these industries?
I always joke that photography is my 9-to-5, and content creation for Welcome To The Jungle Home takes over from 5 to 9! No two days are ever the same, I wear many different hats—and honestly, that’s why I love what I do.
I typically start my day around 8:30 AM, taking the first hour for myself before diving into focused work by 9:30. That might mean writing a content script, answering emails, moodboarding, or moving forward on a client project. After lunch, I’m usually on client calls, retouching photos, or editing videos. When golden hour hits, you’ll find me filming content around the Jungle Home.
Some days are all about shooting content, others are filled with meetings or administrative tasks. Sometimes I’m on set photographing; other times, I’m at home, gardening on my terrace or watering my plants while my three cats—Pixel, Achilles, and Terracotta—keep me company.
My evenings sometimes mean swapping workwear for a bold, colorful print (often something from Mixed!) and heading out to a brand event or networking gathering. That dynamic rhythm is what keeps my work both exciting and fulfilling! -
How do your international upbringing and Chinese-American background influence your creative eye?
As a Malaysian Chinese, my creative eye is shaped by my multicultural background and experiences living in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Brisbane, London, Beijing, Miami, and New York. This blend of cultures brings an East-meets-West fusion to my work, combining tradition with fresh perspectives.
My heritage and travels have helped me connect with people from all walks of life, fueling my curiosity and creativity. I’m naturally curious, love hearing people’s stories, and always look for the little details that make each project feel authentic and meaningful. -
Our Spring collection celebrates a season in bloom, but we know that growth often happens beneath the surface before it’s seen. What are some of the unseen efforts—the “seeds” you’ve planted—that are now starting to bloom?
Lately, I’ve been getting more experimental with my content, taking more risks, and doing things I’m really passionate about.
In photography, I’m trying new things like creative direction, video directing, and producing, while also planning ahead for what’s next for my business.
On the literal side, I’ve been planting seeds and bulbs in my outdoor garden this year, and watching them grow and bloom has rewarded me with lots of dopamine!
And on a personal note, my husband and I have been slowly decorating and doing DIY projects in our Brooklyn apartment aka ‘The Jungle Home’ since 2021—getting the place ready to host more game nights, hangouts, and potluck parties!
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If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out on their freelance journey, what would it be?
After freelancing for 12 years, I believe it takes way more than just being good at what you do. Of course, talent matters—but so do resilience, discipline, and a lot of patience. Just like nurturing a plant—it takes time, care, and consistency to see growth.
You end up wearing every hat: you're the creative, the marketer, the accountant, the project manager… sometimes all in one day. There’s no guidebook to freelance, you learn the ropes of the business and pick up new skills as you navigate it all.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how important it is to set boundaries and create some kind of structure for yourself. Freelancing gives you freedom, which is amazing—but without some discipline, that freedom can quickly turn into chaos. It’s not just about creativity—it’s also about knowing how to manage your time, communicate clearly, and protect your energy by saying no when needed.
There will be slow seasons, moments of doubt, and days when you question if you’re doing enough. But if you stay curious, open to adapting, and surround yourself with people who uplift you, freelancing can be incredibly rewarding—not just creatively, but personally too.
