When Ileana was a young girl in elementary school she received her first camera. Though not remembering if the impact of that gift was big, she certainly remembers taking many photos with it. Mostly wildlife and stills as she was "a little shy" and couldn't ask people to take their photos.
Photography took a back seat for many years as life went on. After attaining two Bachelors degrees from Chico - Political Science and Communication - Ileana was scooped up by the Leon Panetta public policy program and was sent to Washington DC. Working as an intern capitol staffer Grycel was offered a full time job in DC. It didn't take long for Grycel to figure out that her "talents were better used as a grassroots" effort.
Returning to California, she found love and relocated to Oakdale. After a few years working in marketing for Sonora Regional she and her husband began a family. At this time Grycel chose to be a stay-at-home-mom. With the addition of a second child, a small vineyard, and organizing a mother's group (Copper Moms) Grycel once again picked up her camera. She enrolled in photography courses at Columbia College and hit the ground running.
Using her photography skills and other tricks of the trade she had learned as she moved through life Grycel was able to help friends build websites, create marketing items for their businesses and of course do all the photography for them.
Her art adorns the walls of Griff's BBQ with many pieces for sale. Her talents were also used at the newly opened Barrel of Monkeez in Angels Camp where she created all their marketing brochures, signs, cards, etc. Self taught at graphic design "I worked a lot of late nights" helping my friends. But the rewards are endless.
Expecting baby number three in May Grycel will be slowing down a bit but will continue her photography and helping friends on a smaller scale.
If you would like to know more about Ileana Grycel please visit her website at
updated; 2-24-14
contact info and photo removed at request of Ms. Grycel
updated; 2-24-14
contact info and photo removed at request of Ms. Grycel