We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rikki Brew a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rikki, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
I’m totally happier as a business owner. I’m currently a mom of a “spirited” 4-year-old boy. Most of my time is spent with him, and I shoot and work during my spare time. Having the flexibility to make my own schedule and work when I want has been a total game changer. I (mostly) love being his mom, but it’s so nice to have a job that I LOVE that offers flexibility, a creative outlet, and provides enough substantial supplemental income for our family. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, but I don’t think I would be as happy or flexible! So every time I think about that, I go back to the reasons why it’s so amazing to do what I do. I can be as present of a mom and wife as I’d like to be while still working, and that is a gift in itself.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Rikki! I’m a wife, a mother, and a business owner, specifically a photographer! I officially started my business, Envisioning Freedom Photography, in 2015. However, my desire to run my own media-related business began in high school. I even came up with the name for my business in high school, Envisioning Freedom. The desire, then, is the desire I still have now, which is to see people come to know Jesus Christ and find true freedom in Him.
I actually thought I would be a videographer, not a photographer! I pursued videography in college and was introduced to photography during my last year there. My first job out of college was as a video intern for my church. However, after leaving my career there, I decided to pursue photography only. And I have never turned back!
So, one thing I’ve never wanted, which is an unpopular opinion for running a successful business, is having a specific niche in photography. I enjoy shooting everything! I love how shooting various things helps keep me interested in the craft and broadens my skills and experiences, which helps set me apart. My life as a photographer isn’t just consumed by one specific type of photography, and that’s really freeing.
I want clients to know that I truly value building a trusting relationship with them, either leading up to the shoot/wedding or at the shoot itself. I’ve learned that connecting with clients and making them feel comfortable is really where the gold is! Comfortability is the most consistent feedback that I receive from clients!
I’m proud of how far I’ve come as a photographer, but I didn’t get here by myself. I’m so grateful for the support from friends, family, and other photographer friends who have helped pave the way for me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is getting to capture special moments for so many people. It’s such a unique and special position that I’ve been able to be in, and I’m creating visual memories that last forever. I’m always amazed that people chose me and that I really get to do this for a living!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
This is a popular answer, but providing a memorable experience for my clients! The experience starts from the moment they reach out to me and ends with the moment their gallery is delivered. I always strive to do things with excellence and create an authentic and caring experience for each client. Doing that has really helped with getting a lot of word-of-mouth referrals, which is primarily how I get most of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.envisioningfreedom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envisioningfreedomphoto/
Image Credits
All taken by us!