We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Brickey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brittany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

When I first started out, I only had a God-given dream. I didnt have a plan, a strategy or a degree in photography. I had no idea what I was doing. And honestly I was launched into full time not by choice but because the company I was working for went out of business. I had a longing in my heart to go full time, but it was terrifying. I knew God had something greater though. So I decided to give Willow Rae Photography my all. What was my all? Because I certainly didnt have it ALL figured out. I didnt have ALL the time, the money, the resources, the energy. But what I did have, I gave. I used the knowledge I had and if I didnt know something, I’d google it. Or invest in education (highly recommend). I gave the time I had (which wasn’t much) because I had just become a mom when I went full time. I gave the energy I had (again, limited). And I gave the money I had (which took risks and prayers!). Simply put, I did things with excellence. Not perfection. I used what I had and gave MY best. I took leaps of faith. And had many humbling moments when things went wrong. I took each “failure” as a learning experience to know better next time and gave myself grace! Lots of grace. Nobody has it all figure out. I want to encourage you that if you’re reading this and you compare yourself to others “success”, stop. YOU have a specific purpose! Your OWN race to run! And you have been given everything you need for it my friend.

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

I am a St Louis Family and Newborn photography based in Kimmswick, MO. I started a side biz back in 2013 while working for a portrait studio which lead to me going full time in 2018 after said studio went out of business. I would define my style as rich, earthy, boho and I LOVE all the golden light! I also love storytelling images. My heart is to tell each family’s unique story within their session and to encourage them to find beauty in the chaos of life. I want every client that chooses me to feel special. I want them to have a unique, stress-free, beautiful experience. I want them to see what I see! Purpose. Beauty. Blessings. It is an absolute HONOR to do what I do!

How’d you meet your business partner?

My assistant’s name is Kelly! I met her when she reached out to me to take photos of her daughter. At that time, I was shooting out of my house in the upstairs spare room which I claimed as my “studio” lol. (hey we all start somewhere!) After some time and a few more sessions with Kelly, I reached out to ask if she’d want to help me because I was feeling the stress of busy season. She said yes and the rest is history! She’s become one of my closest, dearest friends. On top of having a blast when we work together, she is so great at all of the detail work! She truly makes Willow Rae Photography better!

How did you build your audience on social media?

The most important thing you can do is show the face behind the business. This was a NERVE wrecking thing to do when I first started doing it, so I get it! I’ve been there. Sometimes you just have to do things afraid. Make the insta story, post it and don’t look back! lol. People will choose you simply because they like you. They will connect with you and want you because they feel like they can relate to you! And I want to say, don’t just show up when you’re at your best. Let others see you for who you really are! And nobody is perfect! You are special and people deserve to know the person behind the business!

Contact Info:

• Website: willowraephotography.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/willowraephotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillowRaePhotography/