We were lucky to catch up with Destineé Spruell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Destineé, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

This all started mainly with myself going out into the community and offering my services for free. I began doing smaller events and family parties to build my portfolio as well as my skill. Once I was able to get a feel of the techniques as a photographer from a creative standpoint and business owner, I was able to turn those same clients into profitable ones. Word of mouth (direct marketing) is a great way of getting your name out there besides using social media (digital marketing). Which gained enough clientele to be able to expand into what is now the Your Favorite Shooter Production Team.

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

I began as a nature photographer as most photographers find their footing in landscapes or everyday events. In high school I did have the opportunity to enter into photography competitions, however, I never really took it as a serious craft. During this time, I was in the mindset of getting a medical degree and that being my main focus. I had no room to venture into other avenues. Then life came into play bringing on an autoimmune disease that leaves me debilitated at times. Once I realized standing in the operating rooms for honors was out of the question and was taken aback so my only escape was painting at first. Then going out into different creative circles I eased back into photography. Which evolved into my brand Your Favorite Shooter.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

The story behind how Your Favorite Shooter came to light was caused by me reaching a low where I needed to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. To give you the background I was diagnosed with Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Which led me to isolation and condemnation to a life of constant pain no matter what I did. There’s only forms of easing the pain. Within that time I had to find outlets that got me outside of my home and head. I started getting more into creative arts which allowed me a break from my reality.
I was able to learn my limitations and through experience gain knowledge of how to do things differently that broke what limitations I believed to be set for me. Now that I am successfully in production and creating my own footprint in cinema, I am already making a change in today’s society.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Through different business partners and networking I’ve learned that you never put all your eggs in one basket or give everyone all of a plan till they show you they are able to handle it. Sometimes people talk a good game but do not have the actual influence to uphold those agreements. That can be anything from financial stability, mental capacity to manage individuals, or even communicating with partners.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Y.F.S
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/js.yfs/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/destinee.spruell
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCR8pN3F3rY2wWmmKmVWIZSw

Image Credits
Confidence Magazine Alexis Patrick Devin Alex Auguste Makeithappen War Kayla Washington Oshaitv Jacobi Speights Your Phototaker