We recently connected with Brittney Cee and have shared our conversation below.

Brittney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I am, without a doubt, much happier as a business owner than I ever was working for someone else. But let me be clear: no career is perfect. Entrepreneurship often gets glamorized as ‘living the dream.’. The reality? It’s round-the-clock work. I respond to inquiries during late hours or while on a vacation, because I don’t want a lead to run cold. The highs are exhilarating, but the lows can be crushing, especially when bookings slow down or a stressful client situation occurs. And, of course, there’s no such thing as paid time off or guaranteed stability.

Despite all that, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Owning my businesses feels deeply personal. It’s my passion, my vision, my “baby,” and that drives me in ways no regular job ever could. I get to make my own schedule, decide which projects to take on, and carve out time for my health and wellness in ways that a traditional 9-to-5 never allowed. The freedom to take a vacation when I truly need one or to step back and recharge is invaluable, especially since I live with chronic illness.

Naturally, there are moments when I wonder if this is the right path for me. A few months ago, during a particularly stressful week, I found myself spiraling into self-doubt. Both of my businesses were navigating a very slow season, and the pressure to keep things moving was weighing on me. That night, I sat staring at my computer, contemplating if I should cave in and go back into the workforce for a regular, stable paycheck.

But then, I thought back to my days as a preschool teacher and a service manager. Those jobs shaped me and taught me invaluable lessons, but they also burned me out. The rigid schedules and the feeling of being trapped in someone else’s system—it wasn’t for me. I realized then and there that the grass isn’t greener; I’ve been on that side, and I know it’s not where I thrive.

Now, I own multiple businesses, and while it’s a constant juggling act, it’s also deeply fulfilling. Every challenge I face is an opportunity to grow, not just professionally, but personally. I get to play to my strengths every day, and I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself. When I take a step back and look at what I’ve built, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. It’s hard work, but it’s also an amazing privilege—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From a young age, I was captivated by the arts in all their forms—immersing myself in music, literature, dance, visual arts, cinema, and especially photography. My imagination was a constant companion. I experimented with various artistic mediums during my childhood, took a photography class in high school, and later delved into modeling during my college years. As a professional freelance model from 2008 to 2012, I collaborated with talented photographers who deepened my understanding of storytelling, posing, composition, and lighting. This period also ignited my passion for travel, as work assignments took me beyond my hometown.

After stepping away from modeling, I pursued a career in early childhood education. I absolutely loved it and enjoyed being a nurturing, positive force in young children’s lives for nearly a decade. Yet, my artistic inclinations and wanderlust remained ever-present. Planning cross-country and international adventures for my husband and me became an addicting endeavor, further fueling our love for exploration. Subsequently, I took on a role as a service manager with an appliance company, where I gained valuable insights into administrative and business operations.

However, a creative void persisted, and I found myself yearning for artistic expression. I decided to rekindle my interest in photography and bought a starter DSLR. I planned creative concept shoots to practice different techniques and styles. Encouragement from friends and family led me to consider photography as a professional pursuit. I established a website in 2022 and dedicated myself to honing a unique style. Simultaneously, my experience in organizing international vacations revealed a major talent for travel planning.

This realization inspired the creation of Brittney Cee Photo + Travel—a comprehensive hub for photography and travel services. I specialize in creative, artistic, and editorial-style portraiture that captures emotion, aesthetic beauty, and dreamy moods, moving beyond traditional approaches. My services cater to clients seeking distinctive experiences: individuals desiring milestone photoshoots that make them feel like a model, couples planning destination elopements, or friends embarking on special trips together, with stunning photographs as lasting souvenirs.

What sets me apart is my ability to transform visions into reality, offering personalized services that blend artistic photography with bespoke vacation itineraries. I am immensely proud of building a brand that empowers clients to realize their dreams—whether it’s curating the perfect getaway or capturing their beauty through a creative lens. I am dedicated to making these aspirations come to life.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Building my businesses was a gradual process that I cultivated while working a full-time job. For anyone considering turning a side hustle into a full-time career, I believe this approach is key—unless, of course, you have a significant savings cushion to rely on. Starting a business comes with expenses, from the initial paperwork and registration, to investing in professional-grade equipment. It also takes time to establish your reputation, build a client base, and figure out your niche in the market. By working my side hustles alongside my full-time job, I was able to manage these challenges without the added pressure of financial instability. Having a stable income allowed me to take calculated risks, invest in my craft, and steadily grow my businesses with confidence.

For two years, I juggled my regular job and two side gigs. It wasn’t easy, but every step brought me closer to the dream of entrepreneurship. I poured my evenings and weekends into honing my skills, connecting with clients, and learning the ins and outs of running a business. The turning point came when I felt my equipment, client base, and business knowledge were all at a professional level. That’s when I decided to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

It was terrifying, no doubt—but also exhilarating. I knew I was ready, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Those years of preparation while working a regular job gave me the foundation to grow, adapt, and truly thrive as a business owner.

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

In addition to my core service-based offerings, I’ve started expanding into other areas to diversify my income and grow my brand. For instance, I now sell fine art prints of my photography, which allows me to share my artistic vision with clients in a tangible way. I’m also in the process of writing a poetry book, which I plan to sell through my website. This project is deeply personal and reflects another dimension of my creativity that I’m excited to share with my audience.

I’m always looking for ways to innovate and provide new services. Currently, I’m learning videography with the goal of adding cinematic storytelling to my offerings. It’s a natural extension of my photography work and will open up opportunities to collaborate with clients on projects like event films, promotional content, and travel videos. Additionally, I’ve been researching the possibility of investing in a photo booth that clients can rent for weddings, parties, and other events. This would provide a fun, interactive option for capturing memories while further diversifying my business.

My ultimate goal is to build a multi-faceted brand that evolves with my passions and my clients’ needs. Each new venture represents a step toward developing a well-rounded, creative business that offers something unique for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brittneyceephotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittcee.photo.travel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyceephotography